Dear Readers,

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

We are only one month away from June’s Midsummer celebrations! Restaurants have put out their terraces and businesses are ready to welcome visitors for the summer season.

Speaking of restaurants, the MICHELIN Guide announced their results on May 25th. With their focus on local products and seasonal ingredients, Estonian chefs are proud to receive this level of international recognition. We encourage you come and see for yourself!

Everyday life is normal in Estonia, making it a safe and easy destination for visitors. All Covid restrictions for entry to restaurants, spas, and hotels have been lifted, and masks are no longer required indoors. And despite its proximity to Russia, Estonia is a proud member of NATO and remains a secure travel destination. We hope to see you here this summer!

For the latest industry news in between newsletters, check out trade news on our website. Happy browsing!

Sincerely yours,

The Visit Estonia Team

Two Estonian restaurants receive a MICHELIN star

The internationally renowned MICHELIN Guide has recognized 31 restaurants in Estonia, the first Baltic country to be included in the prestigious guide. 

The following restaurants each received one MICHELIN Star. These restaurants have been recognized for top-quality ingredients and dishes with distinct flavours that are carefully prepared to a consistently high standard.

• 180° by Matthias Diether
• NOA Chef's Hall

MICHELIN inspectors also recognized five restaurants in their Bib Gourmand category, which honors good quality, good value cooking.

• NOA
• Härg
• Fellin
• Lore Bistroo
• Mantel ja Korsten

The MICHELIN Green Star was awarded to two establishments that are actively committed to sustainable gastronomy. 

• Põhjaka Manor 
• Fotografiska

New Tallinn/Tartu/Helsinki ticketing system

Over six million passengers travel annually between Tallinn and Helsinki, and many of these travelers use public transport regularly. Until now, they had to purchase different kinds of tickets from different sales channels.

The Estonian company Ridango has developed a new cross-border ticketing system allowing travelers in Estonia and in Finland, Helsinki to use a mobile application to buy a single public transport ticket. Helsinki Travel Card (Matkakortti) holders can buy and store Tallinn and Tartu day tickets on their travel card, and passengers in both countries can view all trip details online.

10 surprising places in Estonia

Did you know Estonia is home to the tallest pine tree in the world? Or that the Tartu Art Museum leans even more than the Tower of Pisa? Read on to check out some of Estonia’s biggest, tallest, oldest and best preserved local sights, including some fine examples of architecture through the ages.

Explore the Region: the Islands

This month's installment of Explore the Region is dedicated to the islands of Estonia.

Estonia has over 2,000 islands, offering an enormous amount of charm and ancient history. Pine forests and juniper groves cover Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, Estonia’s largest islands. You can wander along the dusty rural roads passing stretches of coastline on smaller islands such as Kihnu, Muhu and Vormsi. By coming here, everyone can enjoy food, art and crafts of the islanders inspired by nature.

Most Estonian islands are located a short ferry ride from the country’s western coast. NyxAir also has flights from Tallinn to Kuressaare, the capital of Saaremaa.

Dining along the Estonian coastline

Seaside dining is especially delightful during the summer, but Estonia's long coastline attracts visitors throughout the year. Don't be surprised to find gourmet chefs serving up local seafood when you visit these quaint fisherman villages and seaside towns. With the arrival of MICHELIN Guide inspectors this spring, these chefs will be showing off the best they have to offer, blending New Nordic cuisine with seasonal Estonian ingredients.

Are your clients looking for rest & relaxation?

Explore our interactive map to discover the perfect spa for your clients. There are dozens of different possibilities to relax, forget their everyday worries, and enjoy life. Estonian spas have something for everyone – visitors can head to the spa alone or with friends; escape with a partner or take the kids along, too.

Estonia in the media

Win a trip for two to Estonia!

What does a bonfire sound like? Can you identify the sound of a knife slicing through crusty bread? What does a walk in the Estonian wetlands sound like? Test your knowledge with this simple quiz. May 31st is the last day to take the quiz! Participants will be entered in a drawing, and the prize is a trip for two to Estonia.

     Follow #VisitEstonia on Instagram for more stunning captures

Know anyone who would enjoy this newsletter?

Or