A trip to Estonia – More Finnish than Baltic
Officially, Estonia is one of the Baltic states. From a cultural point of view, however, Estonians are closer to Finns than to Lithuanians and Latvians. Finns and Estonians descend from the same ancestors: the Finno-Ugric tribes from the Urals. The Finnish capital Helsinki is only about 88 kilometers from the Estonian capital Tallinn. The two countries even share the melody of the national anthem. With just under 1.4 million people in an area of 45,335 km², Estonia is one of the most sparsely populated countries in Europe. Estonia's landscape is characterized by forests and hills, swamps, moors, lakes, rivers and countless islands. 98% of the rivers in Estonia are of drinking water quality!
Tallinn
Almost 1/3 of Estonians live in the coastal capital Tallinn on the Baltic Sea. Tallinn was founded in the early Middle Ages and the old town is one of the best-preserved city centers from the Hanseatic period in the world. There are numerous promenades and sandy beaches on Tallinn's coast and are ideal for relaxing in the summer months. Tallinn is a good starting point for motorhome travelers: Estonia offers free (no tolls) and well-developed roads, wonderful nature and interesting cities.
Saaremaa Island
Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia with an area of around 2700 km² and is located off the west coast of Estonia. 30,000 people live here and the island has a lot to offer: almost untouched stretches of beach, windmills, lighthouses, Vilsandi National Park, Kaali Crater and the Panga Cliffs. Vislandi National Park is the largest park in Estonia and includes more than 150 small islands along the west coast and a sea area of 105 km². A uniquely shaped landscape with limestone terraces and the Vilsandi Lighthouse, which is over 130 years old, are waiting to be discovered. With a diameter of around 120 meters and a depth of 22 meters, the Kaali crater is one of the eight largest craters in the world. 8 smaller craters and the Kaali Lake were created by the impact of the giant meteorite over 7,500 years ago. The Panga cliffs, with a height of around 21 meters and a length of 2.5 kilometers, are among the most beautiful natural sights on the island of Saaremaa.
Hiiumaa Island
The island of Hiiuma is the second largest island in Estonia with an area of approx. 965 km² and is located directly north of the island of Saaremaa. The island was formed around 455 million years ago by a meteorite explosion. Lonely beaches, rich berries and mushrooms, beautiful harbors and well-maintained camping sites await you here. Hiiumaa is known for historic lighthouses such as Kõpu and you can surf on Ristna beach, where you can find the highest surfing waves in the Baltic Sea. The capital of Hiiumaa is Kärdla and also the largest town on the island. The green appearance and quiet atmosphere make Kärdla an excellent place for a relaxing RV holiday.
Pärnu
Estonia's summer capital is located on the west coast and is characterized by well-kept parks, stylish wooden villas and a long white sandy beach. Pärnu is Estonia's fourth largest city and the long beach promenade is characterized by numerous bars, music festivals, restaurants and cafés. Outside the summer months, Pärnu is also known as a health resort and recreational resort, since the discovery of the healing mud and the opening of the first bathing establishment in the 19th century.