Hi Didier!

The snow is gone, the days are getting longer—it's springtime in Estonia!

Crocus flowers have begun to peak through the soil, dotting forests and parks with purple, yellow, and white. Migrating birds are flocking to the wetlands and coastal areas of the country, making it a perfect time for birdwatching. Now is also the time to pick seasonal greens, including fresh wild garlic. Estonians look forward to collecting it all year—it makes a deliciously pungent pesto.

If the thought of pesto makes your mouth water, then you'll be happy to hear that MICHELIN Guide inspectors have finally come to Estonia! Estonia is the first country in the Baltics to receive MICHELIN recognition. Which restaurants do you think they'll recommend? Let us know what you think on Facebook!

Curious about Estonian cuisine? Now is a great time to plan a visit! Traveling to Estonia is the easiest it’s been in months. Arrivals from the UK and Europe are welcome without any restrictions—no tests, no vaccination certificates, no isolation. Masks are no longer mandatory, so you'll be able to feel the springtime sun on your face. However, it's always best to double check Covid guidelines before you finalize your trip.

We're looking forward to spending springtime with you in Estonia!

The Visit Estonia Team

The MICHELIN Guide is in Estonia!

Estonian cuisine showcases locally-sourced ingredients and a deep connection to the land. Both modern and traditional dishes emphasize the best of what the changing seasons have to offer, from chanterelle mushrooms in the fall to sweet summer strawberries.

Estonia is excited to welcome MICHELIN inspectors to the country's top restaurants this spring. Estonia is the first country in the Baltics to be visited by this prestigious guide. Inspectors may choose to award restaurants anywhere from one to three Stars, with three Stars being the highest distinction in the culinary world. They will also be on the lookout for restaurants that meet the criteria for two additional categories: 

• BIB GOURMAND: good restaurant, delicious food at a fair price
• MICHELIN Green Star: restaurants committed to sustainable gastronomy

We're looking forward to May 25th when the MICHELIN Guide will announce their results!

The sounds of Estonia

Can you identify the sound of a crackling bonfire or a knife slicing through bread? If you can, then take our quiz on the sounds of Estonia! The quiz is live until May 31st. By taking the quiz, you’ll be entered into a drawing—the prize is a trip for two to Estonia!

Happy birthday, Raeapteek!

Europe’s oldest pharmacy turns 600 this year! Located in Tallinn’s Old Town, Raeapteek was first mentioned in a town council notebook in 1422. Rather than trying to fit that many candles on a cake, they’ve organized a variety of events to celebrate.

If you really want to get a feel for what Tallinn was like 600 years ago, plan your visit to Estonia for the beginning of July when Tallinn celebrates its Hanseatic heritage during Old Town Medieval Days.

Summer is coming...

Estonia’s small size means it’s well-optimized for a two-day city break or a week-long adventure. Travel at your own pace, and immerse yourself in Estonian culture. Turn on discovery mode. Turn on meaningful experiences. Turn on vacation mode. We look forward to seeing you in Estonia!

From forest to table: edible springtime greens

As soon as tender green shoots start to pop up from under the ground, Estonians head to the forest to pick these springtime delicacies. Seasonal dishes highlight pungent wild fresh garlic and tangy rhubarb. These greens and many others are chockfull of Vitamin C and other important vitamins and minerals.

Treat yourself to a little luxury

The first Radisson Collection hotel in the Baltics will be opening in the heart of Tallinn on May 1st. This five-star hotel features 287 guest rooms designed by Estonian designers, three fitness suites, a spa complex, a conference center, and two new first-class restaurants: MEKK – Modern Estonian cuisine and ISSEI – a rooftop restaurant offering Nikkei cuisine (Japanese-Peruvian fusion).

Enjoy stunning photos of nature, culture and wildlife? 

Follow #VisitEstonia on Instagram for more!