2 Weeks in Estonia

What You Should Know Before Going On A Estonia Tour

Where is Estonia?

Estonia is located on the Baltic Sea in Northern Europe. It borders Latvia and Russia and is a short ferry ride from Finland. Estonia also has many islands; the two largest and most popular are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. 

Estonian Currency

Estonia uses the Euro, which may make it easier to travel through multiple countries without worrying about exchanging currency. Nearby Finland, Latvia, and Lithuania all use the Euro as well. 

Is Estonia safe?

Crime rates in Estonia are very low. However, transportation accidents are an issue in the country, especially during icy winters. Be very careful if you choose to drive.

Tourists are naturally targeted for pickpocketing and scams; as in any country, exercise basic caution and always be aware of your surroundings.

When hiking in any of the national parks, be wary of wildlife such as bears and moose and never approach a wild animal. Hiking in a group is recommended. 

Travelers should note that as of February 27th, 2020 Estonia has confirmed their first case of coronavirus in the country. Read more on coronavirus

Do’s and Dont’s for Travelling in Estonia

Do's

• Do: Be respectful and aware of Estonian customs. For example, Estonians are more serious than most Americans about taking off shoes before entering someone’s home. 
• Do: Learn a few Estonian phrases. Most Estonians know English, especially the younger generations and those living in cities. However, any attempt to speak the native language will be welcomed by most locals, even if they immediately respond to you in English.
• Do: Ask your hotel or tour guide about areas to avoid. 
• Do: Use the bus or train for transportation around the country. Estonia has a great public transportation system to take advantage of. If you don’t want to plan for transportation, booking with a tour company will allow you to enjoy your trip without worrying about logistics.
• Do: Be aware of your surroundings at all times. 

Dont's

• Don’t: Carry too much cash with you. Tourists are targets for pickpockets and credit cards are widely accepted.
• Don’t: Only visit Tallinn. Tallinn is Estonia’s most popular tourist destination and a great city to visit, but Estonia has so much to offer. Many guided tours offer itineraries with visits to other beautiful cities and regions.
• Don’t: Forget to pack layers. Even in the summer, Estonia can get chilly and even the warm days are mild. 
• Don’t: Hail a taxi on the street. Taxi drivers are known to drastically increase prices for tourists who hail cabs on the street, so it may be a good idea to use a taxi company to call a cab.

When is the best time to visit Estonia?

Summer is a great time to travel to Estonia as the days are long and the weather is usually mild and sunny. If you want to attend one of Estonia’s popular music festivals, June to August is the best time to go.

Late spring and early autumn are also beautiful as temperatures are still warm and there are fewer tourists. Unless you’re planning on skiing or snowshoeing, it may be best to avoid visiting Estonia in the winter. Temperatures can plummet below zero and you may not be able to experience the country’s beautiful beaches and national parks. 

What language do they speak in Estonia?

The national language of Estonia is Estonian. In some places towards the Russian border, such as Narva, many people also speak Russian. However, most Estonians in the cities do speak English as a second language and you should not have a problem communicating, especially in hotels and restaurants. It may be helpful to pick up a few Estonian phrases if visiting smaller villages where English may not be as present.

Some common Estonian phrases

1. Tere (TEHR-reh) - Hello

2. Jah/Ei (YAHH/Ay) - Yes/No

3. Tänan (TA-nahn) - Thank you

4. Head aega (HEH-ahd AH-eh-gah) - Goodbye

5. Ma ei saa aru (MAH ay sahh AH-roo) - I don’t understand