Summer in Estonia is short, but all the more special for it. Long evenings that never get dark, quiet beaches, shady forest paths, colourful festivals, and fresh, seasonal food make summer here an experience in its own right. Many Estonians spend as much time as possible outdoors at this time of year, heading out of town and making the most of every sunny day.
If you have recently moved to Estonia, summer is a great time to get to know the local way of life better. To experience this, there is no need to visit only the well-known attractions – often, the most authentic Estonian summer experience lies in the simple activities that the locals look forward to year after year. We have put together a list of activities that are well worth trying at least once, so you can really enjoy the Estonian summer.
1. Enjoy a bright summer evening by the water
Head to the seaside or take a trip to a lake, take a picnic basket with you, go for an evening swim, or simply watch the sunset. One of the most special charms of an Estonian summer is the feeling that the evenings simply never become nights.
2. Go to the forest or the bog to listen to the silence
Choose a hiking trail (for example, one of the RMK hiking trails), walk along the boardwalk, pick some berries, or stop for a moment simply to enjoy the peace and quiet. In Estonia, getting out into nature is not just a way of spending one’s free time – for many people, it is an essential part of the true summer experience.
3. Set off on an island adventure
Take a trip to Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Kihnu, Vormsi, or one of the smaller islands for at least a day. The ferry ride, the sea, the junipers, and the more leisurely pace of life give you the feeling that you have stepped away from the daily grind for a moment.
4. Be part of the summer cultural scene
Go to a concert, a festival, a fair, a village day, an open-air cinema, or a local café day. In summer, much of Estonia’s cultural and community life moves outdoors, and it is at events like these that you can really get a feel for the local life.
5. Taste the Estonian summer
Eat fresh strawberries, peas, potatoes, blueberries, raspberries, or chanterelles. It is even better if you can pick something yourself from your garden or the woods – summer in Estonia tastes best when the food is fresh and in season.
6. Go to the sauna and then take a plunge
In Estonia, the sauna is not just for cold winters. A warm summer’s evening, a hot sauna, and a refreshing swim in a lake or the sea are, for many people, one of the most relaxing combinations summer has to offer.
7. Discover a place you have never been to before
Choose a small town, a village, a manor house, a harbour, or a walking trail, and set off on a spontaneous day trip. The charm of an Estonian summer often lies in the small places and unexpected discoveries that may not feature in the usual travel recommendations.
Summer in Estonia passes quickly, so make the most of these warm days. Choose at least one new experience from this list and see which one becomes your own summer tradition.
Article was published in the Settle in Estonia newsletter, which is designed to support new migrants in their adaptation process and help them feel at home in Estonia more quickly. The newsletter helps make adaptation easier and keeps readers informed about important information needed for everyday life in Estonia. You can subscribe to the newsletter here.