Visit Estonia Event Goes Off with a Bang

Catherine Grennell-Whyte & Martin Hannigan, Samir Sayad (ATTS) hosted a travel event in conjunction with Agnia Nast (Visit Estonia) in Bang Restaurant in Dublin. Guests at the event included Kairi Künka (Estonian Ambassador to Ireland) along with travel trade and media. Honestly, Estonia looks to be one of the most organically beautiful countries.

Marc Lynch (Abbey Travel) was the winner of a fabulous trip to Estonia. He won 2 tickets from Dublin to Helsinki and on to Tallinn with Finnair. 2-nights accommodation in the stunning Nunne Boutique Hotel with dinner (see below) and 2 3-day Tallinn Cards (give access to over 50 museums and attractions, free travel with public transport plus discounts to sightseeing tours, activities, shops and restaurants).

Visit Estonia – It’s About Time

As one of Europe’s least densely populated countries, Estonia gives you the space you want and the time you need to travel at your own tempo. Their tagline is “Visit Estonia. It’s about time“.

Over half of Estonian territory is covered in forest. Over a fifth of their farmland is certified organic. Nearly a quarter of Estonia is wildlife preserves. They’re known for clean air and one of the lowest population densities in Europe. Their coast is dotted with over 2,300 islands. Even better, there is a direct service from Ireland to its capital city, Tallinn, which is a coastal city, across the Gulf of Finland from Helsinki.

Tallinn, the Capital of Estonia

Agnia Nast explains that if you haven’t been to Tallinn, explore the city. She is passionate about her work and says she has the best job in the world, sharing Estonia with others. Start with the old town and then delve further as “that’s when you fall in love with the city even more because it has so many different bits and pieces, all connected to history, all connected to something, every corner has some kind of story, and you need to find your story when you’re travelling to Tallinn”.

She shares descriptions of Estonia like a storyteller relaying mythical, wonderous places. After editing photos from the event, I went down a warren of rabbit holes to see more of the place. I’ve already googled flight prices. It’s on my bucket list for this year (I have many but they’re in different pots, the must see, must return to, must bring the family… Estonia is on the must see this year). And so, as I share Agnia’s tales from a stunning Estonia, I’ll share some of the rabbit holes I ventured down to inspire your wanderlust.

Three Main Cities, Tallinn, Pärnu and Tartu

Tallinn

Tallinn has over 700 years of history. Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Northern Europe’s best-preserved medieval cities. As a coastal city, it was home to wealthy merchants, reflected in the preserved architecture. The winding streets of the Old Town have buildings dating back to the Middle Ages and it is a wonderfully walkable city packed with culture, entertainment, diverse cuisine and an array of museums.

In wintertime, it is a wonderland and offers fantastic Christmas markets from 22nd of November for the whole month.

Agnia suggests visiting the neighbourhood of Telliskivi (link to map) in Tallinn, which offers lovely little shops, lots of locals, great coffee and pastries, a gin distillery, a tap room for beer, great photography galleries and somewhere to explore some art. She exclaims “Do not be afraid of winter. Winter is beautiful.”

Another recommendation is the historic Rotermanni Quarter. This used to be a salt warehouse which is now repurposed as a centre for shopping with eateries.

Port of Noblessner in Tallinn

Noblessner is located next to the Seaplane Harbour, a walking distance from the Kalamaja district and the Old Town in Tallinn. Once the major submarine shipyard of Imperial Russia, it has now turned into a seafront quarter that is open to the sea. Here you will find historical industrial buildings with their stately architecture, Noblessner Marina, art galleries, the best restaurants in the city.

This is also ideal for wellness escapes with plenty of saunas and cold plunge opportunities. As Agnia explains, “Sauna is kind of our religion”. 

And if you are looking to push the boat out, (figuratively not literally as it is a maritime port), this is home to 2-star Michelin restaurant, 180° by Matthias Diether – check it out here.

There is also a 1-star Michelin restaurant, Noa – check it out here.

Places to Stay

Hotel Telegraaf is a five-star luxury hotel in a very central location in the Old Town of Tallinn. This hotel was once the telegraph office, the heart of communications. It has kept this century-old charm. And while this is at the upper end of luxury, prices in Estonia are still very, very competitive compared with other European cities. Link here.

Another hotel in Old Town in Tallinn is Schlossle Hotel. This boutique, 5-star hotel has 23 rooms and is nestled on Holy Spirit Street, with its picturesque cobblestones, numerous historic buildings and merchant houses dating back to the 13th century. Massive wooden beams and antique furnishings bring guests back to its Medival past.

Nonne Boutique Hotel in Tallinn Old Town. Unique blend of old-world charm and contemporary comfort. Here, travellers can experience timeless elegance. With 74 guest rooms and a restaurant, this hotel is located in the heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, within the historic Nunne quarter surrounding the city wall. Established in buildings dating back to the Middle Ages, this offers a memorable experience for guests.

Agnia explains that this is a brand new hotel with all the charm of the old town of Tallinn. Some of these rooms are also within the city walls, offering stunning views.

In addition, the Radisson Collection Hotel in Tallinn is a franchise and still has many Estonian features and is located in the charming Old Town. The hotel offers 287 contemporary, spacious rooms and suites with options of city or Old Town views too. Check this out here.

Nordic Hotel is in Tallinn city centre. This is a modern four-star superior business and conference hotel in the very heart of Tallinn, on the edge of the picturesque Tallinn Old Town. It also has spacious family rooms catering for 2-adults and 2-children. It also has a sauna and pool plus a spa on the rooftop overlooking the old town. Check it out here. As a recommendation, Agnia and family vacation here.

The city has plenty of nightlife, creative cocktails, beer tours and more. As Agnia explains, Estonians might take a white to start having fun, they get there and “know how to end a party”.

There is plenty for the art lovers, the photography lovers with galleries and museums. Equally, lots of places to shop especially throughout the old town.

Things to See

Agnia highly recommends Seaplane Harbour, the Estonian Maritime Museum in Tallinn. There are c. 200 items are on display at the historical seaplane hangar: a submarine called Lembit, a century-old icebreaker Suur Tõll, a seaplane called Short 184, remains of the oldest ship found in Estonia, and much more. They have three levels: in the air, on the water and under the water.

There are plenty of Medieval walking tours, city biking, beer tasting, gin tasting with Agnia recommending the local gin. To chill out, try the igloo saunas at Iglupark – https://visitestonia.com/en/iglupark-igloo-saunas.

Parnu

Pärnu is Estonia’s most popular summer holiday destination and is famous for its long sandy beach, dining, entertainment, spas and laid-back atmosphere. The city has over 85km of pedestrian-only streets, ideal for exploring on foot or on a bike. If looking for something more relaxing, try a wellness weekend to pamper body and soul at a world-class retreat. Pärnu County also offers endless opportunities to explore nature, whether it’s canoeing in Soomaa National Park or hiking through one of the area’s many nature preserves. There’s even golf though I’d opt for ice-skating on the frozen river in the winter. Events in Pärnu feature music, dance, food, and art, making Pärnu a mecca for culture lovers.

Tartu

Tartu is known as Estonia’s cultural “heart and soul”. It is a university town with the University of Tartu founded in 1632 by the then King of Sweden. With 20% of the city made up of students, the youth infuse a fantastic energy into Tartu. Tartu hosts a packed calendar of plays, concerts, festivals and sporting events year-round. It is also home to over 20 museums and has been part of the UNESCO Creative Cities network as an International City of Literature. Last year, Tartu was the European Capital of Culture with the National Geographic Traveller naming it “one of the 30 most exciting destinations to visit in 2024.”

For Something Truly Unique

The Visit Estonia website is a haven of fascinating and unique properties and hotels to intice travellers to the country. Check out a sample below from eco-friendly holiday homes in the wild to original, unique and luxurious hotels in Estonia:

Malida Nataure Resort – https://www.maidlaresort.com/nature-villas/kaseke

HOIA Nature Spa Experience Accommodation – https://hoianaturespa.com/gallery/

Sambliku forest treehouse – https://treehouseestonia.ee/en

Manor hotels in Estonia

Estonia’s history of German and Swedish rule has left Estonia with a wealth of manor houses, with a number renovated into luxury hotels such as: Alatskivi Castle, Kernu Manor & Keller Spa and Pädaste

And for something straight out of a Christmas movie, Schloss Fellin

The Islands for the Advanced Traveller

Agnia explains the islands are for the advanced traveller because the islands are very unique. She recommends time for a self-drive trip or arranged transportation with the upside being travellers discovering something beautiful.

National Parks

Agnia details the Estonian national parks – six of them which are all different. Travellers can do bear watching, bird watching and adventure activities there.

Getting There is Easy

There is a direct service from Dublin to Tallinn direct twice weekly from April till October, operating a service on Thursday and Sunday – ideal for a short break. Equally, fly via Helsinki with Finnair with plenty of daily connections between the cities or enjoy the city of Helsinki and hop on the short ferry to Tallinn. I’ll see you there!