This blog post was written by our student ambassador Ana, who is a student of the semiotics programme at the University of Tartu.
Summer time brings out the best in Estonia; from various festivals and big events to breathtaking white nights, which provide us with more light and daytime. The nature of Estonia is also ideal for a visit and for enjoying the bright and warm weather. Wondering how to spend a summer in Estonia? What to do with no lectures or exams? How about going swimming? It’s a great recreational sport, ideal for warm summer weather. Estonia has a plethora of stunning and breathtaking swimming places and beaches, perfect for relaxing, swimming, admiring nature, and sunbathing. In this blog, I will present some of the best and most popular beaches and swimming places all over Estonia. So, for all the swimming enthusiasts and fans of Estonian nature, I hope this blog will be useful and inspiring.
Emajõgi Beach, Tartu
Tartu actually has two official beaches on the banks of the Emajõgi River. One beach is on the north side of the city, and it’s a bigger sandy beach with a volleyball field, exercise equipment, a food truck, and a wooden promenade for jumping into the river or sunbathing. It’s a very popular and usually very crowded beach, where one can enjoy the refreshing water of the Emajõgi, water activities such as SUP paddling or kayaking, or a simple moment of peace and serenity, lying on the soft sand and soaking in the vitamin D from the rays of the sun.
The second beach on the banks of the Emajõgi, also known as "Suppilinn Beach," is located on the south side of the city, and it’s a smaller beach, closer to the forest. Still, it’s a very beautiful beach, ideal for picnics or barbecues, as table sets are available near the beach. The beach also has a volleyball field and an ice cream truck, and the famous hiking trail "Jänese matkarada" is very close by. The Emajõgi is one of the most memorable symbols of Tartu and also a great place for swimming and relaxation during warm summer days.
Tolkuse Rannametsa Bog
If you are looking for an authentic Estonian experience, then swimming in a bog is something you must try! I went hiking in the Tolkuse Rannametsa Bog in the Pärnumaa region two months ago. I was so astonished by the beauty of the bog pools and the lake that I just had to try swimming in them as well. It was one of the most amazing experiences of my life!
Swimming in a deep, dark, and cool bog pool is something everyone should try, as it gives off those chilling but at the same time, super exciting vibes. The water is super clean and fresh, plus you are surrounded by nature and marshland. Estonians practice this tradition a lot, as a quiet bog with no crowds is an ideal place for a perfect vacation. Estonia is also famous for its many bogs, so if swimming in bogs is not something you prefer, hiking in a bog is something I highly recommend.
Laulasmaa Beach
Laulasmaa is not only famous for the spa resort and the Arvo Pärt Centre, but it also has a breathtaking beach on Lahepere Bay, right in front of the "LaSpa" resort. Laulasmaa Beach is a sandy beach surrounded by forest, bushes, and big rocks. In my opinion, it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I have ever visited.
I swam at that beach for the first time last year, after my job interview at Laulasmaa School. The bay water is great, but a bit shallow, so you have to walk quite a lot to reach deeper water. Even then, the water only reaches your knees. I used to take my students to the beach during our outdoor lectures, and they enjoyed it very much. We didn’t swim, but we still had a wonderful time. So, for all those who love a good swim, a recreational hike, or simply sunbathing, Laulasmaa Beach is your dream destination.
Rummu Karjäär (Rummu Quarry)
Rummu Quarry is one of the most iconic places in all of Estonia, for sure. The resort is famous for the old prison and the museum, and it’s almost everyone’s favourite swimming place. The resort also has a bar, a souvenir shop, an inflatable water slide, and pedal boats for exploring the nature of Rummu even better.
A sandy beach, an emerald-blue lake, and giant mountain-like formations are what make this place so unique. The entrance is paid, of course, but if you want to avoid crowds and the entrance fee, then I suggest going to the other side of Rummu Lake, a bit farther from the quarry, but still very beautiful.
I came to the other side of the lake first, on foot from Vasalemma. People come for swimming, grilling, and relaxing, and it’s also much more peaceful. I swam in Rummu Lake, and again, it was a memorable experience indeed. The water is so clear and crystal-like, like swimming in an oasis. I definitely recommend visiting Rummu Quarry and the lake, and of course, swimming there.
Those were some of the most popular swimming places in Estonia from my own experience. There are many more awesome swimming places in Estonia, and I leave it to all of you to discover and enjoy them. I wish you all a very pleasant, creative, and relaxing summer.