Estonia Complete Guide 2026: Tallinn, Lahemaa NP, Saaremaa, Tartu and Pärnu
Browse more guides: Estonia travel | Europe destinations Estonia Complete Guide 2026: Tallinn, Lahemaa NP, Saaremaa, Tartu and Pärnu TL;DR I spent three weeks crossing Estonia, the smallest of the three Baltic states, and came away convinced it is one of Europe's most underrated countries. Tallinn's medieval Old Town earned UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997 and still holds 1.85 km of city walls, 27 towers, and the 13th century Toompea upper town. Lahemaa National Park, the first national park established in the Soviet Union back in 1971, covers 725 km² of pine forest, bog boardwalks, and sea-captain villages. Saaremaa Island, at 2,672 km² Estonia's largest, hides a 4,000 year old meteorite crater 110 m wide. Tartu, the second city, served as European Capital of Culture in 2024 and runs Estonia's oldest university, founded in 1632 by Swedish king Gustav II Adolf. Pärnu is the summer capital with a 3 km white-sand beach. Costs sit lower than Scandinavia but higher...