Catch up on our reader event: Tallinn and beyond: Exploring Estonia’s nature, culture and culinary secrets
Missed our Estonia event? You can catch up on a full recording and all the highlights here
Hundreds of you joined us live for a virtual evening of Estonia travel inspiration, where we were joined by the experts to talk all things food, culture and nature. First to take the stage was the ambassador Mr Viljar Lubi who urged us all to start travelling to Estonia again. Next up was Wanderlust’s own Rosie Fitzgerald who told us all about her recent travels to Tallinn and its surrounding nature. We then heard directly from Estonia local Sander Loite, a TV-presenter who presents ETVs (Estonian Television’s) long-standing environmental and nature TV show called “Osoon” as a host and co-producer. Sander inspired us all with his knowledge of Estonia’s wildest areas.
If you missed the event or had to leave early, then don’t panic. We have the full recording of the evening plus questions answered by the experts right here.
Watch the full webinar
Your questions answered
Is there any problem with the Estonia and Russian border?
Regarding the Ukraine invasion, you can find some useful information here. The current situation is that there is no military threat in Estonia. Estonia is in Nato and in the European Union so the situation is very normal and safe at the moment.
Which is the best month to visit?
Every season is different. Summer is definitely a good idea because of the White Nights. Christmas is also an amazing time because of our Christmas Market and snowy winter.
How big is Estonia and how much time does it take to visit the different places?
It only takes around three hours to drive from Tallinn in the north to Võru which is the most southerly city. And this is the longest trip you can have! So it is very easy to explore the whole of the country, and the ferries also make it very easy to access the islands.
Which airlines fly direct to Tallin from the UK?
You can fly direct from London to Tallin with Air Baltic and Ryanair.
What is the rail network like across Estonia. Is it easy to travel by train to the places mentioned?
The trains are very good and you can easily access the main cities in Estonia. You can see more information on rail travel here. The bus connections across the country are excellent.
Where can we watch Sander’s show?
You can watch his TV programme online here and also here. You can also find the programme on Facebook and on Instagram.
Is Estonia/Tallinn ok for vegetarians?
Yes, it is. Almost every restaurant has vegetarian options and there are also some very good vegetarian restaurants such as Vegan Restaurant V, Peet Ruut and Oasis, to name a few.
What was the foraging tour Rosie did?
Rosie spent a morning at Pillapalu Forest Retreat. The retreat offers accommodation, volunteering and workshops including chaga mushroom workshops and foraging.
Where did Rosie stay and eat during her visit?
In Tallinn, Rosie stayed at the Hotel Telegraaf. The restaurants Rosie visited in Tallinn were Lore Bistroo and Restaurant Fotografiska. Outside of Tallinn, she visited Restaurant Ruhe on the Neeme Harbour. Rosie spent a night at the ÖÖD Hötels Laheranna.
Are there any festivals happening over summer or Christmas?
Yes, there is loads on! You can see some of them here.
Are there bear tracking tours you can go on?
You can find good options for bear watching here.
What do the experts recommend?
Rosie: It’s so hard to name just one, but definitely I would say that Telliskivi Creative City has something very special about it and is definitely worth a visit. And then finish your visit with a stay at the ÖÖD Hötels Laheranna for a really magical end to your time in Estonia.
Kadri:I’m a real enthusiast of Estonia’s food and restaurants so my suggestion is to come and taste Estonia’s great food. I don’t want to bring out just one restaurants example, as we have so many which are really good. Also, I am from the southern part of Estonia, so my heart is there! So if you have more time, go to the south of Estonia.
Jana: I would recommend trying a smoke sauna in Estonia. Smoke sauna is the oldest traditional sauna, which you can try in the south of Estonia. We even have a sauna listed by UNESCO.
Sander: I would go fishing and for a seal trip on the west coast and western islands. My second one is to go to a bear hide!
What did you have to say?
Thank you very much for a very interesting webinar. I look forward to visiting Estonia in September.
Very informative. Many thanks to all who took part.
Thank you everyone, fascinating evening. It sounds wonderful – so looking forward to visiting Estonia in 2023! Just need to think of a poem…
Brilliant everyone, thank you so much.
Very interesting evening, thank you everyone.
Brilliant, thank you. Time to visit Estonia!
Thank you for the information about this lovely country.
Thank you all. Great presentation. Looking forward to visiting Tallin ever more.
Definitely time to plan a trip to Estonia, looks amazing!
We’re now looking forward to seeing much more of the country and experiencing its natural habitat.
