Known for its pristine landscapes, medieval architecture, rich and varied history, and role as a technological and digital nomad hub, Estonia offers an intriguing mix of the old and new. Bordered by the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Finland, it lays claim to over 2,000 islands — as well as old-growth forest, rocky beaches and glistening lakes. The capital Tallinn is best-known for its UNESCO-listed Old Town, which dates all the way back to the 13th century.
Visa requirements may change, so for the most up to date information we recommend using our Entry Requirements tool. Alternatively, check the Estonian embassy website in your country of departure.
Recommended vaccinations for Estonia include hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, and measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR). However, as advice often changes, you can check out our Entry Requirements tool for the most up-to-date details on vaccination requirements.
Like much of Europe, Estonia experiences a temperate climate, with four distinct seasons throughout the year. Summers (June to August) generally tend to be warm and pleasant, with temperatures on average ranging from 15 to 25°C (59 to 77°F) — though they can get hotter during heatwaves.
Winters (December to February) are cold, with average temperatures ranging from -5 to -10°C (23 to 14°F), although it can drop even further during cold spells. Snow is common and there tends to only be around six hours of daylight per day during this period. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) tend to fall somewhere in between.
The best time to visit Estonia largely depends on the type of experience you're looking for. If you’re wanting to come for Christmas markets and snowsports such as skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing, then the winter season is best.
Spring and summer bring the best weather and plenty of sunshine — which means hiking and cycling are at their best. This is also the time to hit the beach! Autumn is perhaps the most photogenic time of the year, when the trees are a wonderful shade of red and orange.
While conventions can vary from country to country, tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and a smaller amount (€1 or €2) for other service providers.
Tipping is an expected — though not compulsory — component of your tour programme, and an expression of satisfaction with the persons who have assisted you on your tour. There are several times during the trip where there is opportunity to tip the local guides. You may do this individually, or your CEO will offer to collect the money and tip as a group. Recommendations for tipping local guides would range from €3 to €5 per person, per day, depending on the quality and length of the service; ask your CEO for specific recommendations based on the circumstances.
At the end of each trip, if you felt your G Adventures CEO did an outstanding job, tipping is very much appreciated. The precise amount is a personal preference, however €30 to €40 per person, per week can be used as a guideline.
Internet access in Estonia is considered to be some of the best in the whole world given its reputation as a digital nomad hub — even in rural areas. Most public spaces offer fantastic free Wi-Fi, and there’s also excellent 4G and even 5G here.
Most major banks have ATMs in Estonia, and you can access cash in various locations throughout the country — particularly in major cities like Tallinn.
Most ATMs here accept international credit and debit cards (such as Visa, MasterCard, and Maestro), though it's a good idea to check with your bank beforehand just in case. Please note that you may be charged a transaction fee for withdrawals.
In a word, yes — Estonia is generally considered an LGBTQ+-friendly destination. Same-sex couples can enter into civil partnerships, and there are LGBTQ+-friendly establishments in Tallinn and other urban areas. However, you should be aware that outside of urban areas, people may be slightly more conservative.
As part of their commitment, all CEOs receive LGBTQ+ inclusion training so every traveller feels respected and welcomed on all of our tours. We commit to making our tours a safe and inclusive place for people to express their authentic selves without judgement, free from any discriminatory language or harassment.
While travelling with G Adventures, all travellers must treat each other with dignity and respect to create an environment that is positive, safe, and where everyone feels welcome. You can find out more via our LGBTQ+ travel page.
The official language of Estonia is Estonian, which is spoken by the majority of the population and is closely related to Finnish. Other languages spoken here include Finnish, Russian, and English.
Yes — the tap water in Estonia is perfectly safe to drink throughout the whole country.
Yes — in general, Estonia is an incredibly safe place to visit. However, like everywhere else in the world, petty crime does exist. Keep an eye on your valuables and you should run into no problems here.
G Adventures takes all reasonable measures to ensure your safety and enjoyment while travelling with us. All of the included activities are properly vetted and regularly checked by us, and we take great care in choosing the right transportation, stays throughout your trip, and guides leading your tour. However, there are always inherent risks when travelling — you can find out more via our Travel Safety page.
