Dear Readers,

Happy New Year and Welcome to Visit Estonia's January newsletter for the travel trade!

January is in full swing and there is no better time to set course for the future than the first month of the year. The world is feeling hopeful, travellers are starting to sign up for tours and businesses are filling up their event calendars. Amidst of it all, Estonia is gearing up to welcome visitors from across the globe.

Have a look at the latest entry requirements here.

For fresh industry news in between newsletters, you can also check out the trade news on our website. Happy browsing!

Sincerely yours,

The Visit Estonia Team

Dugout boats get a place on UNESCO's heritage list

The expanded dugout boat is Estonia's latest contribution to UNESCO's heritage list.

Although 2021 was a hectic year for many, it ended with a huge reason to celebrate - both the building process and the use of expanded dugout boats in the Soomaa region got officially added to UNESCO's list of intangible cultural heritage.

The dugout boats are still being made in the region and they form an essential part of everyday culture for the Soomaa residents. But they are far from being the only element in Estonia's versatile cultural heritage recognised by UNESCO and waiting to be explored. Do you know what else is on the list?

Explore Estonia's UNESCO listed treasures

Pärnu and Helsinki to have a flight connection for the summer

Pärnu and Helsinki to enjoy a flight connection in summer

NyxAir is set to start flying between Pärnu and Helsinki in the spring of 2022. The international flights to Helsinki will depart from the newly renovated Pärnu Airport, with the launch of flights between Pärnu and Stockholm also in the air.

This is exciting news for travel organisers as now it will be easier than ever to connect the Finnish capital Helsinki to the Estonian summer capital Pärnu without unnecessary stop-overs or detours.

Check out our summer capital's must do's

A 100-year-old river vessel to start sailing on the Emajõgi River

A 100-year-old river vessel Sandra D is scheduled to start sailing on the Emajõgi River in Tartu in the spring of 2022.

Completed in 1921 and serving passengers in Porvoo for the last 33 years, the 25-meter-long and almost four-meter-wide Sandra D will become one of the largest passenger ships on the Emajõgi River. The ship's colourful history includes links to the Romanov dynasty, the Bolsheviks and the President of Finland, Mannerheim.

Pleasure rides to Emajõgi-Suursoo and Piirissaare are scheduled to start in the spring. Naturally, Sandra D is perfectly suitable for tourist groups - she fits 88 passangers.

Plan your pleasure ride

Unique activities for your unique groups

Whether you want to sit down in romantic candlelight or roam through the forests in twilight, Estonia has plenty of memorable group experiences in store.

From action-packed fun to fascinating wilderness tours and getting creative with crafts, no matter where in Estonia you are holding your next event, you can find unique group activities to keep everyone inspired.

Find activities for your group

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn opening doors after makeover

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn opening in April

Radisson Collection Hotel, Tallinn is opening its doors in April as the first ever Radisson Collection hotel in the Baltics.

From special travel groups to high-flung corporate events, you can now host your next occasion in Estonia's capital with extra style and comfort. The hotel's second-floor conference center boasts eight facilities with plenty of natural light, free Wi-Fi access, and set-up styles that can accommodate up to 300 people. Oh, and there's an awesome rooftop restaurant!

See more and book your stay

Winter activities for thrill seekers

Wintertime in Estonia does not only mean cosy Christmas markets, picnics in the snow (yes, they are a thing) and walking in fairy-tale forests. There is thrill to be chased on night hikes through the woods, by jumping into ice holes or kicksledging on the frozen flood plains. Whether you are planning to travel in a small or a big group, it is time to get your heart pounding with some truly special adventure ideas.

Find your thrill here

Estonia in the media

Artisanal products made of Estonian trees

Walking through the forests and landscapes of Estonia, you'll find plenty of junipers and spruces. These days, people are using local Estonian trees to create new artisanal products like tonics, syrups and even vodka. It's time to try some new flavours! By ABTA Mag.

How to explore Estonia by canoe and bog shoe

National Geographic looks into best ways how to spend a weekend in Tallinn. With tips on sights to see, nature to visit, ways to relax, and food to try out, this is the perfect guide for the traveller with limited time.

The Guardian shares insights into visiting the wilds of Estonia both by canoe and bog shoe. Writer Jamie Lafferty goes over his experience of visiting the wetlands of Soomaa National Park - paddling along the Navesti River, berry picking, spotting wolves, birds, and the beauty of Estonian wetlands add up to a new view of Estonia.