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.

What is the difference between living in Estonia and truly feeling that you belong here? This question will be at the heart of the English-language discussion “Do They Belong Here, Or Do They Just Live Here?” at this year’s Opinion Festival in Paide.

As Estonia becomes increasingly international, questions about identity, cultural expectations and belonging are becoming more visible in everyday life. Many people who have moved to Estonia are familiar with the question, “Why are you here?” Although it is often asked out of curiosity, it can also reflect broader expectations about who belongs in Estonian society and what it means to contribute to life here.

The discussion will bring together people with different personal, professional and academic perspectives:

• Uwanma Obasi Odefa, originally from Nigeria, who has lived and worked in Estonia for 4.5 years
• Hafiz Abdul Manan, originally from Pakistan, who has lived in Estonia for more than a decade
• Renita Käsper, a talent acquisition and recruitment expert and Head of Expansion at Teamdash
• Raivo Vetik, Professor of Comparative Politics at Tallinn University, whose work focuses on multicultural societies

The discussion will take place in the Cultural Diversity area (Kultuuririkkuse ala), whose programme also includes other conversations on identity and cultural diversity. You can find the full programme here: https://arvamusfestival.ee/kava2026/#/ 

The Opinion Festival, known in Estonian as Arvamusfestival, is a two-day public event held in Paide. It brings together experts, decision-makers, community members and visitors to discuss important issues in Estonian society. The programme includes conversations on many different topics, as well as cultural activities and opportunities to meet new people.

Come and hear different perspectives on what helps people feel accepted, valued and at home in Estonia.

The event is free of charge.

See more: https://arvamusfestival.ee/

During summer, many third-country nationals arrive in Estonia to work during the seasonal peak. Many workers arrive through legal channels but later find themselves in vulnerable situations where their rights are violated. Limited knowledge of local legislation, language barriers, and dependency on employers can make foreign workers particularly susceptible to exploitation.

Here are some common warnings of labour exploitation:

1.      Unpaid overtime

In Estonia, full-time work is generally 40 hours per week. Overtime must be agreed upon and compensated either through paid time off or at a rate of 1.5 times the regular wage. Workers who are not compensated for overtime may be experiencing labour exploitation.

2.      No written employment contract

Although oral employment agreements can be legally valid, a written contract is essential for protecting workers’ rights. It should clearly specify working hours, wages, duties, workplace location, overtime arrangements, and termination conditions. Employers who avoid providing written agreements may be attempting to conceal unfair practices.

3.      Confusion about wage payments

Third-country nationals who come to Estonia specifically for employment and sign a contract directly with an Estonian employer are generally entitled to receive at least the average Estonian salary required under immigration regulations. Delayed payments, unexplained deductions, or wages significantly lower than promised are serious warning signs.

4.      Missing necessary work training and equipment

Employers are responsible for providing the tools, protective equipment, and training necessary for safe work. Training must be delivered in a language the employee understands. Workers should never be required to pay for essential work equipment out of their own wages.

5.      Inhumane living or working conditions

Workers have the right to safe, hygienic, and dignified accommodation and working conditions. Overcrowded housing, inadequate sanitation, lack of heating, or unsafe workplaces may indicate exploitation.

6.      Confiscation of travel documents

Employers have no right to retain workers’ passports, residence permits, or other personal documents. Taking or withholding personal documents is a serious violation and may constitute a criminal offence associated with human trafficking.

7.      Threats, intimidation, or violence

No worker should face humiliation, threats, physical violence, sexual harassment, or intimidation. Threatening workers with deportation, withholding wages, or using their immigration status as leverage are common tactics used by exploitative employers.

8.      Restriction of freedom of movement

Every person in Estonia has the right to freedom of movement. Employers cannot prevent workers from leaving the workplace during their free time, monitor their movements without justification, or restrict their ability to change employment.

Labour exploitation and human trafficking are often hidden crimes that can occur in any community. If you suspect that someone may be a victim of exploitation, support is available. The Social Insurance Board provides confidential and free assistance, including safe accommodation, legal counselling, psychological support, interpretation services, healthcare assistance, and help communicating with authorities.

For advice or to report concerns, contact the Human Trafficking Prevention and Victim Support Helpline at +372 660 7320. In emergencies or cases involving violence, call 112. More information about workers’ rights in Estonia is available at rights.ee.