Christmas Village in Tartu
 
 

FOR THE TRAVEL TRADE 

 

ACTIVITIES

 

PHOTOS

 
 

 

Dear Readers,

 

Welcome to Visit Estonia's April & May newsletter for the travel trade!

 

This newsletter is a two-for-one special — we've news from the past two months to help you start the summer season off with a bang!

 

Our biggest news is the announcement of Estonia's first restaurant with two MICHELIN Stars — 180 Degrees in Tallinn's hip Noblessner area. Even more restaurants made the cut this year, bringing the total up to 34 restaurants in Estonia's 2023 MICHELIN Guide.

 

Tallinn has a number of exciting events coming up, including the Youth Song & Dance Festival. Visitors can join tens of thousands of Estonians as they raise their voices in this unique cultural celebration. If you're looking even further ahead, you'll be glad to know that the dates for the 2023 Christmas Market have already been set. 

 

We hope to see you this summer, as it's looking to be the busiest one in years! 

 

For industry news in between newsletters, check out trade news on our website.

Happy browsing!

 

Sincerely yours,

 

The Visit Estonia Team

 
 
 
 
 

Inspiring sample itineraries 

sample itineraries

Not sure how to approach Estonia as a destination? Has a client requested Estonia, but you haven’t been yourself? Did you attend a FAM trip and are eager to propose Estonia to your clients but not sure where to start?


We have created a few simple sample itineraries for you to use when drafting programmes. You can also use them as a way to begin brainstorming ideas for clients or as inspiration for off-the-beaten path trips.

Get inspired!
 

Dates set for 2023 Christmas Market!

Tallinn Christmas market 2023

Tallinn's Christmas Market will run from December 1st, 2023, to January 7th, 2024.

 

Consistently named one of the best Christmas markets in Europe, Tallinn's market is a magical affair! It's not too early to get it on the calendar, as it's one of the most popular winter attractions in Estonia.

 

Tartu's Christmas Village will be open from December 26th, 2023, to January 7th, 2024.

 

We may have a white Christmas, or we may not, but one thing is certain — Tartu's Town Halll Square will once again transform into a magical Christmas Village! Visitors can get a second dose of Christmas cheer by taking the train to Estonia's second largest city for an extra special holiday celebration.

See details
 

Dining off the beaten track

Dining outdoors in forest restaurants

Estonians have a deep relationship with their food. They like to know where it comes from and prefer local, seasonal products over anything else. This is one of the reasons that Estonian cuisine, whether it's traditional or modern, has such a strong connection with the changing seasons and the land nearby.

 

One of the best ways to experience this is by dining in the wild! Talented chefs can prepare lunch or dinner for you and your group outdoors. Enjoy a feast for all the senses as you take in the sights and sounds of nature while dining on delicious food. 

Contact outdoor caterers
 

Midsummer is almost here!

Midsummer celebrations

Midsummer or St. John's Day — Jaanipäev in Estonian — is one of the oldest and most important celebrations in Estonia. It's the time of year when day bleeds into night and there's barely any darkness in sight. Late June is the perfect time for a holiday outdoors in the forest or countryside.

 

The event always culminates in a bonfire on June 23rd with parties that last long into the night. Visitors to Tallinn can attend the Jaanipäev celebration at the Estonian Open Air Museum, as it can be easily reached by bus or taxi from the city center. For those wanting a more immersive cultural experience (or music fans!), there is the Suure-Jaani Music Festival near Viljandi.

Learn about Midsummer traditions
 

Shop 'til you drop in Tallinn

Tallinn shopping map

Shopping in Tallinn is easy! Most shops in Old Town and department stores throughout the city are open seven days a week, and major credit cards are widely accepted. 

 

In Tallinn, folk traditions exist alongside contemporary fashion. You can find handicrafts made with centuries-old traditional skills and boutiques specializing in sustainable fashion. Local foods also make great souvenirs, and we've got recommendations for that, too!

See Tallinn's shopping map
 

Virtual reality adventures in Estonia

VR time travel experience

A new attraction is coming to Estonia — virtual reality time travel! The first one will open on June 2nd, and explores Tallinn from 1939 to 1944.


One of Tallinn’s most prestigious business streets – Harju Street, which was almost destroyed during the March Bombing in 1944 — comes to life. The past comes alive — see Tallinn as you never have before.

 

Experience real-life time travel with VR glasses; explore one street, take two journeys, and experience three eras! 

 

Time travel in Tallinn
 

Tallinn's best cocktail and wine bars

Tallinn's best cocktail and wine bars

This video will take you to hidden cocktail bars and wine bars in Tallinn. From cosy summer terraces to secret speakeasy-style bars, the guide shares her favourite places to sip on expertly crafted cocktails whilst winding down after a busy day of exploring the city. 

 

These spots are sure to make for an unforgettable evening!

 

Watch the video
 

Dutch and Beligian tour operators: save the date!

Workshop save the date

Dutch and Belgian tour operators can sign up for a three-country workshop featuring Estonia, Iceland, and Finland with their tourism suppliers. The event will be a late afternoon/evening affair. On October 2nd, we'll be in Antwerp, and on October 3rd, we'll be in Utrecht. 

 

Mark your calendars and we hope to see you there!

 

 

Exciting events coming up in Tallinn

Event calendar

There is a lot going in Tallinn this summer! From the historic Youth Song & Dance Celebration to classical music concerts in the ruins of the Birgitta Convent in Pirita, there are plenty of options for interests of all types.

 

Here are some of the highlights:

 

View the complete calendar here
 
 
 

Estonia in the media

 
 
Baltic cruise with kids

The Kent Herald tells you why you should fall in love with Estonia and outlines top spots to visit.

 
Digital nomad visa in Estonia

Forbes says the best of Tallinn is outside the medieval walls in the city's hip neighborhoods.

 
Estonian sauna culture

The Independent says Tartu, Capital of Culture 2024, should be on everyone’s lips.

 
 
 

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