Hi Didier!

The new year has arrived! Now that the days are getting longer, it's time to start planning for 2022. So mark your calendars, because there are loads of sporting events, music festivals, and other activities coming up in Estonia this year.

While the snow's still coming down and the temperature is low, there are loads of things to try out during a winter trip here for both thrill-seekers and nature lovers. For fishing enthusiasts, you can even try ice fishing on the famous Lake Peipus.

As the Corona situation changes, we want to focus on health and safety above anything else. At the moment, Estonia is still accepting all fully vaccinated visitors. While we'd love to welcome you, please check to make sure it's the best time to visit.

The Visit Estonia Team

The Estonian Traditional Longboat

added by UNESCO

The traditional Estonian dugout boat (known as a haabjas) has been added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage. These kinds of boats are particularly useful during Estonia's fifth season when the low-laying landing gets inundated with higher water. 🛶

It's worth noting that while dugout canoes have been used for thousands of years around the world, the haabjas has its specific construction style unique to the south of Estonia.

Estonia in the Wintertime

❄️ When the temperature drops and the snow starts, Estonia becomes a true winter wonderland. If you enjoy the outdoors when there's some powder on the ground, now's the ideal time to make a visit. If you're looking for a special way to enjoy winter outdoors, there are different trails and national parks to hike, enjoy, and have a picnic on. For the winter thrill-seekers, don't miss out on the chance for dog sledding, night hikes, snow-mobiles, and ending it all with time in the sauna.

The Stranger Side of Estonian Culture

The country of Estonia is one full of its own unique quirks and idiosyncrasies. This includes every aspect of life from how and what people eat, how they communicate, their belief system, and more. Take a minute to check out some of the things that Estonians find totally normal, but outsiders might consider strange, quirky, or downright weird. 

Casting your Rod in Estonian Waters

You might not know it, but Estonia is a paradise for fishermen of every stripe. With plenty of lakes, rivers, and an extensive coastline, the waters of Estonia abound with a variety of fish. As such enthusiasts can cast their lines with a guide or stop by a fishing event.

Something special to Estonia is the country's long-standing tradition of ice fishing. One of the top locations to try this is Lake Peipus, the fifth largest lake in all of Europe. Here travellers can find a rod and some to tackle to sit out on the ice, enjoy some company, and reel in a good catch! 🎣

Mark your the Calendar for 2022

2022 is certain to be a huge year for events in Estonia. Tallinn Music Week will feature every musical style under the sun from 4-8 May. Additionally, music lovers can enjoy genre-specific festivals like the Saaremaa Opera Festival on 20-24 July and the Viljandi Folk Music Festival on 28-31 July.

Likewise, sports fans of every stripe will have plenty to watch or take part in with the Tartu Ski Marathon in South Estonia on 13 February. 2022 will also be the first year that Estonia hosts the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup. Champions will compete in skiing and shooting on 10-13 March in Estonia's winter capital of Otepää.

Estonia in the News

Enjoy seeing stunning photos of nature and wildlife? 

Follow #VisitEstonia on Instagram for more!