World Guide

Estonia

Country · Europe, Northern Europe

Linnahall
Pictured: Linnahall · Photo: Unknown author, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Estonia is a country in Northern Europe, bordered by Latvia and Russia. Its capital is Tallinn, and the population is about 1.4 million across an area of 45,335 sq km. The country offers visitors historic architecture and natural parks.

Highlights

This guide covers 11 top sights. The capital city, Tallinn, features numerous historical landmarks including Tallinn Old Town, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Olaf's Church, Toompea Castle, St. Nicholas Church, Tallinn Town Hall, St. Mary's Cathedral, Stenbock House, Kiek in de Kök, and Linnahall. Outside the capital, travellers can visit Lahemaa National Park.

Food and drink

Traditional dishes and items to try include Vana Tallinn, Egg butter, Sepik, Mulgikapsad, and Mulgipuder.

When to go

The climate at the capital, Tallinn, brings cold winters and mild summers. January is the coldest month with daily highs of -2 °C and lows of -6 °C, alongside 51 mm of rain on about 15 days. July is the warmest month with daily highs of 21 °C and lows of 14 °C, and 74 mm of rain on about 12 days. August sees the highest rainfall at 82 mm on about 13 days, while April is drier with 31 mm of rain on about 9 days.

Practical notes

The currency is the euro (EUR). The official language is Estonian. Plugs are of type C and F with a voltage of 230.0 V. Driving is on the right side of the road. The time zone is UTC+02:00.

Cities

Food and drink to try in Estonia

  • Vana Tallinn
  • Egg butter
  • Sepik
  • Mulgikapsad
  • Mulgipuder

Top sights in Estonia

  1. LinnahallLinnahallTallinn
  2. Tallinn Old TownUNESCOTallinn Old TownTallinn
  3. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, TallinnAlexander Nevsky Cathedral, TallinnTallinn
  4. St. Olaf's Church, TallinnSt. Olaf's Church, TallinnTallinn
  5. Toompea CastleToompea CastleTallinn
  6. St. Nicholas Church, TallinnSt. Nicholas Church, TallinnTallinn
  7. Tallinn Town HallTallinn Town HallTallinn
  8. St. Mary's Cathedral, TallinnSt. Mary's Cathedral, TallinnTallinn
  9. Lahemaa National ParkLahemaa National Park
  10. Stenbock HouseStenbock HouseTallinn
  11. Kiek in de Kök, TallinnKiek in de Kök, TallinnTallinn

Weather by month

The warmest month is July, with an average high of 21 °C. Rain is spread fairly evenly through the year.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Average high, °C-2-3181418212015930
Average low, °C-6-7-4161114141050-4
Rainfall, mm513536313561748266806856
Rainy days151210989131311131515

Temperatures and rainfall: 1981–2010 averages for Tallinn (4 km grid), from CHELSA. Rainy days: 2015–2024, NASA POWER.

Also worth a look

Neighbouring countries and territories