This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ashley Vanessa, who is a student of the Computer Science programme at University of Tartu.
Estonia has 15 counties, and I would love to visit them all. I've been to a few already and loved them so much that I'm making it my mission to explore more, as each has its own little charm. One thing I've learned is that getting around Estonia is easy and affordable. Buses are especially convenient because they connect almost every city and town in Estonia, and you can book tickets online ahead of time.
So far, I've discovered some amazing places outside the usual Tallinn and Tartu spots, and I want to share them with you. Whether you're looking for history, nature, or simply a change of scenery, there's much to see in Estonia beyond its big cities.
Narva
Getting to Narva is easy. Just hop on a bus from Tallinn or Tartu, and you're there in a couple of hours. It's Estonia's third-largest city and sits right on the border with Russia. The Narva River separates Estonia from Russia, and standing on the riverbank, you can literally look across and see the fortress of Ivangorod staring back at you. It's pretty surreal.
The main attraction here is Narva Castle, also called Hermann Castle. It was built by the Danes in the 13th century and is one of the most impressive castles in Estonia. The castle has a museum inside where you can learn about Narva's history, which is fascinating because the city has been ruled by so many different powers over the centuries like the Danes, Germans, Swedes, Russians, and Poles. During World War II, Narva was almost completely destroyed by bombing, so most of what you see today was rebuilt during the Soviet era. This gives the city a very different vibe from the rest of Estonia.
Pärnu
Pärnu is known as Estonia's summer capital, and for good reason. It's a beach town, and the vibes here are so chilled during the summer. Getting here is easy, as there are buses from Tallinn/Tartu that run frequently. The beach is the main attraction, but there are also really nice cafes, restaurants, and bars, so it's perfect for hanging out on a sunny day. There's also mini-golf, playgrounds, and surf clubs if you want to try your hand at water sports.
Besides the beach, Pärnu has a charming old town with colorful wooden houses and some interesting churches. The town has been a spa destination since the 19th century, so there are also lots of spas if you want to relax. For students on a budget, just walking around the old town and spending time at the beach is free and totally worth it.
Rakvere
Rakvere is a town in northern Estonia. It's one of the oldest towns in the country, founded in 1248, and it's best known for its medieval castle. It is easy to get there by bus. Rakvere Castle is the main attraction. It's been turned into a sort of medieval theme park, which might sound cheesy, but it's actually pretty fun. You can dress up in knight costumes, try archery, visit the alchemist's workshop, and explore the torture chamber. There are also demonstrations on things like making gunpowder and firing cannons. It's a bit touristy, but it's a fun way to spend a few hours, especially if you're with friends. Besides the castle, Rakvere has a lot of parks, which makes the town feel green and peaceful. There's also a huge bronze sculpture of a bull near the castle, which was erected in 2002 to celebrate the town's 700th anniversary.
Saaremaa
Saaremaa is Estonia's largest island, and getting there is an adventure in itself. You take a ferry from the mainland to Muhu Island, then drive across a causeway to Saaremaa. The ferry ride is about 30 minutes, and it's pretty affordable. You can even get snacks and local beer on the boat. Once you're on the island, you'll need a car or bus to get around, as things are spread out.
Saaremaa is known for its untouched nature, peaceful vibe, and unique rural culture. The main town is Kuressaare, which has a beautiful medieval castle. The castle is surrounded by a moat and a park, and you can explore it for free. Inside, there's a museum about the island's history, which costs a few euros to enter.
One of the coolest things on Saaremaa is the Kaali Meteorite Crater, which was formed about 7,500 years ago when a meteorite hit the island. It's now a lake, but you can walk around the edge and learn about its history. The island also has beaches, cliffs, and lighthouses. The Sõrve Lighthouse at the southern tip of the island is a great spot to watch the sunset. Saaremaa is perfect if you want to get away from the cities and experience a slower pace of life.
Viljandi
Viljandi is a small town in southern Estonia, known for its folk music scene and beautiful parks. It's about an hour from Tartu by bus.
The main attraction is the ruins of Viljandi Castle, which was once one of the largest castles in Livonia. It was destroyed during the Polish-Swedish War in the 1600s, and now all that's left are the crumbling walls. But the ruins are set in a huge park with amazing views of Lake Viljandi, so it's a beautiful spot to walk around or have a picnic. In the summer, the park hosts the famous Viljandi Folk Music Festival, which attracts thousands of people from all over the world.
The town itself is charming, with wooden houses, cobblestone streets, and lots of cafes. There's a suspension bridge near the castle ruins that was built in 1879, and it's still standing. Walking across it is a bit nerve-wracking because it sways, but it's worth it for the views.
All in all, Estonia has so much more to offer than just Tallinn and Tartu. These smaller towns and islands are easy to reach, affordable, and full of history, nature, and unique experiences. Are there any cities you would recommend?
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