Things to do in Estonia
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Linnamägi
The tree-covered hill south of the church is Linnamägi (Castle Hill), a major stronghold from the 10th to 12th centuries. There are traces of old fortifications on top, and good views of the surrounding country. Archaeological finds indicate that the area around the hill was inhabited as early as the 1st century AD.
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Tartu Cathedral
Atop Cathedral Hill is the imposing Gothic Tartu Cathedral. It was built by German knights in the 13th century, rebuilt in the 15th century, despoiled during the Reformation in 1525, used as a barn, and partly rebuilt between 1804 and 1807 to house the university library, which is now the Museum of University History.
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Kuressaare Castle
This is the best preserved castle in the Baltics and the only medieval stone castle in the region that has remained intact. The inside of the castle is a warren of chambers, halls, passages and stairways that will feed anyone's fantasies about Gothic fortresses. It also houses the intriguing Saaremaa Regional Museum.
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Troika
Tallinn's best Russian restaurant is a fully-fledged experience in itself, with wild hunting-themed murals, live accordion music and an old-style country tavern upstairs. Even if you don't opt for delicious pelmeni (dumplings) or heavenly sweet borscht, do stop in for an ice-cold glass of vodka.
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Peter the Great Home Museum
In Kadriorg Park, behind the Kadriorg Palace is the cottage Peter the Great occupied on visits to Tallinn while the palace was being built. Today it houses the Peter the Great Home Museum where you may examine his clothes and the boots he made. There's also a small collection of 18th-century furnishings.
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Pühavaimu Kirik
An arch beside the Raeapteek on Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square) leads into narrow Saia käik (White Bread Passage), at the far end of which is the lovely, 14th-century Gothic Pühavaimu Kirik , with carvings from 1684 and a tower bell cast in 1433. There are free concerts here at 18:00 Monday.
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Restaurant Central
This elegant dining room offers tasty varied selections such as farfalle with smoked cheese, and oven-baked trout. The music is bad, but the service is friendly, and the crème brûlée is not to be missed. There's also an outdoor terrace and an atmospheric bar downstairs.
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Town Hall
The former Town Hall is a yellow and white classical edifice originally built in 1797 as the home of a rich merchant. The grey and white Jugendstil north wing with its little spire was added in 1911.
Across Nikolai from the main Town Hall building there's a half-timbered house dating from 1740.
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Emajõe Ärikeskus Sauna
Many hotels have saunas, but if you're looking for something a little different, head to Emajõe Ärikeskus Sauna. On the 13th floor of a shiny building that resembles a hip flask, this sauna provides unbeatable views. You can reserve by phone or at the information desk on the ground floor.
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Trahter Postipoiss
One of Pärnu's new additions, this converted 17th-century postal building houses a delightful Russian tavern, with excellent Russian cuisine, a garrulous crowd (especially after a few vodka shots) and imperial portraits watching over the proceedings. The spacious patio opens during the summer.
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Estonian Literary Museum
One of the most important archives in the country, the Estonian Literary Museum is a national research museum housing an immense collection of Estonian folklore, ethnomusicology and cultural history. The museum hosts periodic exhibitions of historical artefacts and photographs from the collection.
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Chapel
An enjoyable walk, ride or drive is to a pretty, whitewashed, 18th-century chapel at the east end of Kassari. A sign 'Kassari Kabel 2' directs you down a dirt road from the easternmost point of the island's paved road. A path continues nearly 2km to a small bay in Kassari's northeastern corner.
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A Le Coq Beer Museum
The A Le Coq Beer Museum at the brewery briefly covers the history of beer-making, but focuses mainly on the machinery and techniques A Le Coq has used to churn out their trademark beverage since 1879. You get your chance to sample their brew at the end - have some patience!
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Ostrich Farm
The turn-off to the Ostrich Farm is 200m east of the windmill. The quirky owners will give you an earful about these strange creatures and even let you feed them (mind your fingers). A small shop sells feathers, eggs, purses and shoes made from a certain leather.
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Folk Windmill
North of Mustjala along the Ninase Peninsula is one of Saaremaa's kitschier icons. You can't miss the clunky wooden folk windmill, built to resemble a giant man in traditional costume. Sadly, his counterpart, a giant clothed female windmill, burned down in 2004.
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St John's Church
The streets in the area around the castle are the hub of the historic centre - an idyllic setting for a stroll past old wooden houses along leafy streets. Between Kooli tänav and Jaani tänav, east off Lossi plats, is the 16th-century St John's Church.
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Surf Paradiis
Near Ristna is Surf Paradiis, set on a stretch of lovely sandy beach. You can hire sea kayaks, surfboards and wetsuits or have a sauna. Check surf conditions (Paradiis' website has a webcam) before you come. Remember, this is the Baltic Sea we're talking about.
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Citizen's House Museum
A few blocks south of the Rakvere Museum, on one of Rakvere's most historical streets, is the interesting Citizen's House Museum. Displays here show what an early-20th-century apartment looked like; several workshops tap into Rakvere's rich artisan tradition.
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Club Tallinn
Tartu's best nightclub is a multifloored dance fest with many nooks and crannies. Top-notch DJs spin here, drawing an eager, young crowd. Unfortunately, it's open only during the school year. During the summer, Club Tallinn packs up and moves to Pärnu.
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Musta Jala Galerii
Heading east from here, you'll pass the town of Mustjala, where you'll find Musta Jala Galerii, an art gallery where you can see colourful works by Navritolla and other Estonian artists. There's a handicrafts shop and a homy café with a garden patio.
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Forest Museum
The impressive, fully restored Sagadi Manor houses a Forest Museum, with exhibits on the park's flora (notably mushrooms) and fauna (stuffed animals). The collection of chainsaws and hunting rifles is impressive indeed. On the grounds is a decent hotel.
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Haapsalu Kuursaal
Inside a beautiful 1898 spa hall, you'll find international, somewhat overpriced fare, but the seaside setting and surrounding rose garden are a big draw. Come for coffee, cocktails or the concerts and performances held here. Check website for listings.
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Lümanda Söögimaja
In a red house on the main road in Lümanda, this cosy country place serves tasty freshly prepared meals (fish soup, pork with turnips, white fish and potatoes) made with only organic ingredients. Beer-lovers should try the somewhat sour home-brew.
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Café Grand
Pärnu's most stately dining room serves up delicately prepared Chateaubriand, rack of lamb and other favourites amid 1920s grandeur. The plush chairs in the bar and café make a cosy spot for coffee and crème brûlée.
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KUMU
Close to the Kadriorg Palace is the new KUMU , the country's largest museum by far. A spectacular, massive structure of limestone and green glass, it contains a large amount of Estonian art as well as constantly changing contemporary exhibits.
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