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Tallinn, Estonia, is a hot destination in travel. The city is so much more than just a stop along a Baltic cruise – it deserves spending several days exploring. And Estonia is so much more than Tallinn! Whether you want to walk through a bog, explore ancient castles, or visit a submerged abandoned prison, there is something for you. Here are the best day trips from Tallinn:
BEST DAY TRIPS FROM TALLINN
Viru bog
A visit to Estonia wouldn’t be complete without a trip to some of the many beautiful bogs. One of them is Viru bog, which is probably the most popular and visited bog in Estonia. It’s about a 40-minute drive from the city center, which is ideal for a day trip from Tallinn.
A famous natural destination is located in Lahemaa National Park. From there, visitors will find a 3.5km trail that winds on the boardwalk. The trail starts from the parking lot and then you will see why this place is visited so often. Throughout the trail, visitors will also find different informative signposts about the fauna and an observation tower with scenic 360 views. A swim in a bog is another thing to do and in the middle of the trail is a place to do that.
There isn’t a bad time to visit it, but if you want to avoid heavy traffic on the boardwalk, then avoid weekends or national holidays, as then there are lots of locals. However, if you want to hear a real sound of nature then visit it during the sunrise in the summer.
The best way to get there is by car because there aren’t any other transportation options in between. Also, visitors can admire beautiful natural scenes without paying anything, making it one of the best day trips from Tallinn.
Recommended by Erki from Genem Photography
Rummu quarry
Rummu quarry is one of the most unique places in Estonia which holds a pretty dark history. However, nowadays it’s rediscovered as a natural destination with many activity options. It’s about a 50-minute drive from the city center.
A day trip option from Tallinn used to be a mining site of limestone, where the labor was the prisoners from Murru. Of course today there isn’t any mining or the prisoners next to it. After the end of the mining works the quarry was flooded with the building, equipment, and nature itself. Also, you will find an ash hill from where you will have this iconic view of the site.
Nowadays it’s known by the locals as a crystal clear blue lagoon. A place to chill, swim, and do many other activities on and below water. In recent years it got a facelift where you will find a small restaurant with fresh drinks and snacks. Also, you have a chance to paddle on the quarry lake with a SUP board and kayak. But the most thrilling activity is scuba diving to Rummu quarry’s underwater world.
The best way to get there is by car as there isn’t sufficient public transportation. Also then you can visit surrounding places and the seaside like Kloogaranna.
Recommended by Erki from Genem Travels
Haapsalu
Just a one and a half hour drive south from Tallinn will land you in the serene and gorgeous seaside resort town of Haapsalu. This town on the west coast of Estonia is perfect for those seeking relaxation-focused weekend getaways from Tallinn. Popularly known for the healing powers of the mud and sea water, the town has several mud spas that offer rejuvenating and calming sessions. You must stay at one of the spa hotels, such as the Fra Mare Thalasso Spa hotel for a very satisfying and peaceful weekend in Haapsalu.
The wooden houses in the old town of Haapsalu will draw your attention by their very fascinating and unique architecture. You will also find many cafes, restaurants, and stores in the center of the old town. To learn about the culture and history of Haapsalu, do visit the Townhall Museum. It is home to many antique exhibits dating back to historical times.
Spend your time soaking in the sun at one of the beautiful sandy beaches of Haapsalu. Take a leisurely walk through the pleasing beach promenade. The Haapsalu Castle is also a famous attraction of the town and worth visiting. If you visit Haapsalu during the summers, you are in for a treat. The town hosts a fantastic annual music festival which is one of its kind in Estonia.
Recommended by Anjali from Cheerful Trails
Jägala Waterfall
Only a 30-minute drive or 1-hour bus ride from Tallinn, Jägala Waterfall is the biggest natural waterfall in the country, and visiting it is definitely one of the best things to do in Estonia. It measures 8 meters high and 50 meters wide.
Jägala stands majestically around 4 km before it flows into the Gulf of Finland, and is an especially beautiful sight during wintertime. As the water freezes, the sleek icicles and ice walls will glimmer under the sunlight.
The waterfall becomes a frozen tunnel enclosed by spectacular ice formations and when the temperature is cold enough, it’s also possible to walk behind the massive wall structure! The most impressive sight comprises the brown waters contrasting with the stark-white snow.
In summer, the waterfall isn’t to be dismissed either. With greeneries, a flat rocky crest, and the sheer grandiose of the crashing waters in a vast expanse, it really is a sight to behold. There is even a pathway leading to the base of the waterfall, where you can stroll and admire the view from up close.
Parts of the Jägala River itself are also a crucial part of the Estonian fishery – one could find massive trouts and salmons swimming here.
Recommended by Orlaigh of Dream Big, Travel Far Blog
Tartu
Away from the hustle and bustle of Tallinn, Tartu is a charming Estonian town two hours away from Tallinn by train, making it one of the best day trips from Tallinn. Tartu is known for its university, one of the oldest in northern Europe. There are plenty of things to do in Tartu, some of the popular ones include:
Two kissing students: Start with the town hall square, a perfect place to orient yourself. Located here is the iconic statue of two kissing students holding an umbrella. Dating back to the 20th century, the statue has become an unofficial emblem of the city.
The Town Hall: Built-in a classicist style the town hall of Tartu is a pink and red building located on one end of the town hall square. Note that what you see is the effort of restoration work, first undertaken in the early 19th century.
Tartu Cathedral: Though much of the site lies in ruins, the cathedral exudes an air of mystery. Looking at the remains of the ribbed arch it is clear that this 15th-century church was an example of grandeur.
Botanical Garden: The botanical garden of the Tartu university is a perfect place to take a break from sightseeing. The garden features fountains, ponds, and statues scattered all through its grounds. There are also themed gardens for you to enjoy such as the Rose Garden which is lovely in the season.
Recommended by Vidyut of Triplyzer
Narva
Located about two and a half hours away from Tallinn on the border with Russia, Narva is an accessible and engaging day trip to Estonia’s third largest city. Despite the city being one of the country’s largest, it isn’t huge and feels more like a quaint small town, though you’ll find business and commerce here and even remote workers making use of Estonia’s digital nomad visa.
When visiting Narva, you’ll undoubtedly want to see the Narva Castle, a historic castle and fortress along the river that has become one of the symbols of Estonia. The castle is impressive, and while the museum inside is interesting, the views from the tower are spectacular. You can also enjoy exploring the rest of the city by walking along the river promenade just outside the castle. You’ll see Estonia on one side of the river and Russia on the other – the imposing Ivangorod Fortress stands just across from the Narva Castle. You can even rent a bicycle and use bike paths along the river.
While large parts of the city were destroyed in World War II, you can find beautiful parts of the old town to discover as you wander Narva’s city streets, including an array of beautiful churches and the Narva Town Hall.
To get to Narva, take the Elron train for just a few Euros from Tallinn – you’ll have four daily train times to choose from, with four return trips. Narva is relatively easy to explore on foot or using taxis.
Recommended by Carley from Home to Havana
Parnu
The fourth largest city in Estonia, Parnu is a lovely resort city situated on a bay of the same name. Parnu attracts many holiday goers to its beautiful sandy beaches, great restaurants, spas, and overall relaxed feeling of the city.
The beach promenade, completed in 2006, is one of the top places to wander about in the area. It really adds to the “resort” feeling of the city. There are also many events, concerts, and festivals in the city which are popular with both locals as well as tourists.
For those looking for non-beach things, there are museums (such as the Pärnu Museum) that take you through thousands of years of city and regional history. The Transformation of Our Lord Church with its beautiful Russian style for the city’s Eastern Orthodox community. You can also check out old wooden houses and other various architecture that highlights the buildings of the area in Estonia.
After beaching and wandering, there are plenty of spas and mud baths for folks to relax in. It’s easy to see how the city is a popular tourist attraction. And if you are here in the summer, the “white nights” will allow you to be out even late into the evening!
The city is reachable from Tallinn and Tartu by bus or private car/taxi. The city is about 90 minutes to 2 hrs by road from Tallinn and about 2 – 3 hrs by car or bus from Tartu.
Recommended by Anwar of Beyond My Door
Helsinki
A two-hour ferry ride is all that separates the two capitals – Tallinn and Helsinki. Lots of residents undertake this trip as part of their daily commute. There are so many things to do in Helsinki, that you’ll have to decide what interests you the most.
Start your exploration around Market Square (Kauppatori) at the Old Town Pier. Here you will find the Allas Pools if you want to enjoy a Finish sauna followed by a dip in an outdoor pool. Or you can take a ride on the Sky Wheel where you’ll have a fantastic view of Helsinki’s old town area. While in this area, visit the gorgeous Uspenski Cathedral, a Russian Orthodox church.
From this area, continue walking along Esplanade Park where cafes and boutiques dot the surrounding streets. Explore Senate Square, where you’ll find famous buildings. From the University of Helsinki’s main building, Helsinki Cathedral, and the Government Palace. Don’t forget to take your photo on the steps of Helsinki Cathedral.
Visit the famous Fazer Cafe (and buy some chocolate!) before proceeding to the train terminal. The Helsinki Train Station is a fantastic example of art nouveau architecture. Several museums can be found right in this area. Helsinki is a foodie paradise, home to several Michelin-starred (or on their way to being starred) restaurants.
Helsinki is a fun and easy day trip from Tallinn, so enjoy!
Recommended by Annick of The Common Traveler
Did you find a day trip that called your name? Note that traveling in times other than summer, some of these locations may not be available due to weather and ground conditions. Have fun!
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Happy travels,
Annick, The Common Traveler
Raised as a third culture kid living in South America and Europe, Annick caught the travel bug early. As an empty-nester, Annick enjoys sharing her tips for traveling for those with champagne taste and beer budgets.