Estonia, between enchanted forests and living traditions

Embark on a tailor-made journey to Estonia, the northernmost of the Baltic States and also the most maritime of the three, with nearly 4,000 km of rocky coastline bathed by the Baltic Sea. You can also discover some beautiful sandy beaches in Tallinn and its surroundings, such as in Pirita or Stroomi.

Bounded by remarkably well-preserved walls, the old town of Tallinn offers a wonderful collection of cobblestone streets, churches, and colorful houses, with some of the oldest being over 700 years old. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the lower town is one of the oldest medieval cities in Europe, more medieval than Vilnius and Riga. After enjoying a 2-kilometer spectacle north of Tallinn at Rocca al Mare by the Baltic Sea, it's time to return to the capital to admire another local beauty, the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Cathedral with its five domes and eleven bells. The largest of the Estonian islands has capitalized on its splendid isolation in the Baltic Sea to preserve its unique charm, with traditional houses, old castles, and windmills. Saaremaa is also renowned for its spas and hiking trails among dunes, cliffs, and forests. The largest of the country's five national parks is located 70 km east of Tallinn. An enchanting landscape of forests, lakes, beaches, rivers, and waterfalls that hosts a rich and varied wildlife. There are also small castles converted into museums.

With one of the lowest population densities in Europe and an untouched environment, Estonia, with its 1,500 islands, wildlife, and flora, is a prime location for recharging. Nearly one-tenth of the Estonian territory is occupied by natural parks, more than half of which are covered by various types of forests. These areas host plant and animal species that have disappeared elsewhere in Europe. Moose, wolves, bears, lynxes, and seals are part of the local fauna. The woods also attract those who enjoy foraging for mushrooms and wild berries. Rural tourism is developing in Estonia to allow nature enthusiasts to discover the richness of the Estonian landscape.

Like many small populations with a long history of foreign dominations, Estonians often master several languages. German was, until a few decades ago, the language of the bourgeoisie and is still spoken by many Estonians. Russian was the official language of the USSR, of which Estonia was a member. Additionally, a significant minority of the country's inhabitants are Russian-speaking, with families from across the Union. In Tallinn, Russian is almost as present as Estonian, and in cities like Narva, it is dominant. English is spoken by a large part of the population who learn it very well at school. Even in provincial supermarkets, don't be surprised if you're spoken to in perfect English! Finnish, a language related to Estonian, is very understandable for Estonians who often learn it thanks to ties with their northern neighbor. Not to mention the students visible in Tartu or Tallinn who master French, Italian or Spanish. As you can see: even if you only speak your own language, you will have little difficulty making yourself understood in this country, accustomed to linguistic gymnastics! As for the kindness of Estonians, you will notice it when someone comes to guide you even before you ask or accompanies you to your destination. Imbued with a strong sense of hospitality, Estonians will do their utmost to make you feel comfortable in their small country.