Six unique characteristics to visit Estonia

Whether Estonia is one of your bucket list destinations or you already have the joy of living here, it is a good idea to remind yourself why this place is truly exceptional. Estonia is small but packed with activities to experience, sights to see, and exciting people to meet. Let’s find out which unmissable wonders are hidden inside this unique country. 

1.It all starts with understanding the history.

Prior to becoming the dazzling independent country it is today, Estonia was dominated by many foreign forces. Germans, Danes, Swedes, Poles, and Russians have all shaped Estonian culture and traditions. A distinct national identity began to emerge in the 19th century, when after the War of Independence, Estonia established itself as a republic. Today, when wandering around the rural parts of Estonia, you can witness many architectural monuments and cultural heritage that dates back to the days of foreign settlement. When visiting us at Maidla, you get a glimpse of the different eras of the past. The Maidla Manor complex has its roots in the 15th century but represents the layers of local history through its architectural diversity, with elements from baroque to Soviet-era servants’ quarters.

Main building of Maidla manor 1910. Photo by A. J. Saanberg (Juurupildid.ee)

2.Listen to the sounds of the forest and admire its wildlife. 

Estonia is a land of forests and lakes, with a wealth of wildlife waiting to be discovered. Wolves, bears, lynxes, and deer are some of the larger mammals living in Estonia’s forests, while herons, otters, and fish are the creatures found in lakes and rivers. There are over 200 species of butterflies in Estonia, which is more than any other country in Europe, and some unique amphibians and reptiles can not be found elsewhere. 

One of the best ways to see Estonia’s wildlife is by taking a nature hike into its mystical forests and bogs. The woods, mostly pine, spruce, and birch trees, make up over half of Estonia’s mainland, while the rich wetlands are filled with reeds, tussock sedges, and other marsh plants. There are also many nature reserves, like Matsalu reserve, which is famous for bird watching. Estonia’s greenery is a valuable resource that not only provides habitat for endangered species but stores carbon dioxide to help reduce global warming and regulate the climate.

Photo by Priidu Saart

3.Snowy winters are a lust for outdoor lovers.

Estonia has four distinct seasons, one of which is the remarkable wintertime. There is no doubt about it – winters in Estonia are cold. But that does not mean they are not worth experiencing! Perhaps the best part of winters in Estonia is that the locals know how to make it fun. There are plenty of traditional winter activities and foods to try, such as saunas, hot drinks, and Estonian pancakes. Snow-capped trees, hills, frozen lakes, and cozy villages make a picturesque scene for all camera enthusiasts. If lucky, you may be able to do ice skating on a bog lake, hike in snowshoes, or find an ice-cold lake to do a skinny dip for some adrenaline rush. Thanks to Estonia’s small territory, it is possible to admire the Christmassy city lights and meditative nature even in one day’s time. Only a 45-minute drive from the capital city Tallinn takes you to the untouched wintery scenes of Maidla Nature Resort, where you can track down animal paw prints on snow, and explore frosty bogs, just to know the comfort of a warm nature villa is just around the corner.

4.Be it cold or warm; there is always a reason for sauna time!

From relaxation practices to competitive championships, saunas like the one in our villa POKU, have a special place in Estonians’ hearts. There are several things that make the Estonian sauna unique. First, the sauna is usually located in a rural area, surrounded by nature. This provides a peaceful and relaxing setting to enjoy cleansing the body and mind. Second, the Estonian sauna is very hot, often exceeding 100 degrees Celsius. The heat can be a bit overwhelming, but that is why a proper sauna ritual is always followed by a swim in a lake or a roll in the snow. Finally, saunas are often used as a place to socialize and relax with friends. In fact, there are estimated to be one million saunas for a population of just 1.3 million people!

Photo by Tõnu Tunnel

5.Get inspired by Estonian handicrafts and innovative design solutions. 

Estonian design is thriving, with several talented and innovative designers making their mark on the world. From furniture and product design to textiles and architecture, Estonian designers are producing some of the most inspiring work that is heavily influenced by the country’s unique landscapes and history. The Baltic Sea and its coastline are a source of inspiration, while the country’s long tradition of folk art has also had a significant impact on modern Estonian design. New wave architects make use of natural materials to create outstanding reed architecture, nostalgic fireplaces, and sustainable interior design that is both functional and stylish. Clean lines and simple shapes resemble the strength of Estonian culture, and wooden elements as those used in KÄBI and KASEKE villas celebrate the beauty of the forests. Estonian designers also like to use as much natural light in their designs as possible. This can be done by incorporating large windows and skylights or by using light-colored materials that reflect natural light. In addition, neutral tones are cherished to help create a calm and relaxing environment.

Photo by Tõnu Tunnel

6.No need to feel guilty when indulging in Estonia’s healthy traditional cuisine!

Estonian dishes are hearty and filling but not overly rich or heavy. Local cuisine is much influenced by the country’s proximity to the sea, so seafood features prominently in Estonian dishes, as do dairy products, meats, and forest goods like mushrooms and berries. There’s a lot of great Estonian food to enjoy, but some of the most popular dishes include blood sausages, liver pate, and herring. Estonians are also known for their delicious rye bread – a staple in most households. When craving something sweet, traditional desserts like kissell and kohuke will not disappoint. If you are passionate about cooking and want to get the real “know-how” of Estonian recipes passed down by previous generations, you can look for a cooking class or experience a hands-on social dinner event at Maidla Manor. You are introduced to high-quality seasonal produce that satisfies both – cultural curiosity and your taste buds. 

Photo by Geete Talas

Now that you are filled with wanderlust, take a pen and paper to list off all the things there are yet to try in Estonia. If you are still looking for some ideas, then Visit Estonia might help you out with planning the trip. They cover it all, from family vacations to press trips.

Enjoy the journey, and once it is time to take a rest from your busy life, you are warmly welcome to come to unwind at the heart of Estonia, at Maidla Nature Resort.

Author: Triin Rennit