Estonia is one of the Baltic states, located in north-eastern Europe and sharing a border with Latvia to the south and Russia to the east. Finland is located a few miles to the north, across the Gulf of Finland. A former Soviet state and now a fully-fledged, democratic EU and NATO member, Estonia makes for a wonderful travel destination for those looking to get off the beaten track in Europe. Most visits revolve around the capital, Tallinn, home to historic city walls, a medieval old town and more recent developments, such as the waterfront on the Baltic Sea coast. If you’re planning a trip to Estonia in the near future, then make sure to keep in mind these do’s and don’ts for your trip. As well as making your life easier in Estonia, these tips will help you to avoid cultural mishaps or expensive mistakes and will ensure you stay safe and enjoy a memorable Estonian trip.
The Do’s:
Do embrace the culture: Estonia is fiercely independent, and despite being small and with a past interlinked with Russia and its Baltic neighbors, it has carved out a unique culture and identity. Take some time to learn about Estonian culture, folklore and tradition before your trip.
Do respect personal space: It’s well-known that Estonians like their space, none of this Western European French kissing or hugging! Avoid unnecessary physical contact, keep a respectful distance and greet people with no more than a handshake, unless they initiate the contact!
Do use basic Estonian phrases: This is a top tip for travel to all destinations. Estonian is not a widely spoken language outside of the country. Most similar to Finnish, it has replaced Russian over time, and particularly since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. While many Estonians speak English, especially in Tallinn, the locals will appreciate you speaking to them in their own language, so try and learn a few phrases. “Hello” is “Tere”, “Thank you” is “Aitah” and “One beer please” is “Uks olu palun”! Download an app such as Google Translate to help you!
Do explore beyond Tallinn: While Tallinn’s Old Town is certainly the country’s highlight, many travelers to Estonia never leave the city. It’s a small country, and easy to navigate. Head to the west coast resort town of Haapsalu, the second city of Tartu or the beautiful island of Saaremaa.
Do adhere to sauna etiquette: Saunas are a big part of Estonian culture, and you should definitely give them a go during your trip. Familiarize yourself with the local etiquette to avoid embarrassing or offensive mistakes. For example, shower before you enter and sit or lie on a towel, especially if you’re doing it like the locals and going naked!
Do practice environmental responsibility: Estonia is one of the wildest countries in Europe, home to great swathes of old growth forest where bears, wolves and boar still dwell. It’s also one of the best countries in Europe for birdwatching. If exploring Estonia’s wilder side, make sure to protect the environment. Don’t litter, don’t disturb wildlife by getting too close and stay on marked trails when hiking.
Do use public transportation: Estonia has an efficient public transport system, both within Tallinn and to navigate around the country and even neighboring Latvia and Lithuania. Make use of the country’s rail and tram networks to save money and help the environment, rather than flying.
Do stay informed about local politics: Especially at the moment. Whilst Estonia is perfectly safe to visit according to all major government intelligence agencies, its location on NATO’s eastern flank means that tensions are running high with Russia, especially since that country’s invasion of Ukraine. Support for Ukraine is high and there is a lot of anti-Russian sentiment in Estonia. Keep this in mind and keep across local news to ensure you stay safe while traveling in Estonia. Although unlikely that military action will occur, make sure you have a plan to leave Estonia quickly, should this be necessary.
The Dont’s:
Don’t assume everyone speaks English: While English is spoken widely, especially in Tallinn, this is not universal. If traveling in more remote parts of Estonia, it is best to assume that locals will not speak English, and to communicate slowly and make use of translation apps.
Don’t discuss sensitive topics lightly: Topics surrounding Estonia’s political past as part of the Soviet Union and its present political situation in regard to Russia and Ukraine are complex, with many Estonians feeling very strongly. Avoid commenting on these matters unless well-informed and always maintain respect when discussing these topics.
Don’t forget to remove shoes indoors: It is customary to remove your shoes upon entering an Estonian home. This is polite and respectful. Assume you should remove your shoes unless told otherwise by the host.
Don’t underestimate weather changes: Estonia can experience harsh winters, with temperatures dropping below freezing and regular rain and snowfall pummeling the country. Be prepared for sudden changes in weather and for extreme conditions by ensuring you have appropriate clothing and footwear, and check weather forecasts regularly.
Don’t bargain aggressively: In many travel destinations, bargaining for goods in markets and shops is common practice, but this is not the case in Estonia. Goods generally have fixed pricing which you should respect. In some markets bargaining may be acceptable, but ensure you are respectful and offering a fair price to avoid offending traders.
Don’t overlook personal safety: Estonia is a safe European travel destination with a low crime rate. But you should still take precautions and exercise common sense when exploring. Be wary of pickpockets in crowded tourist areas, only used licensed taxis and avoid wandering the streets alone at night.
Don’t disregard nature conservation rules: There are rules in place across Estonia’s national parks and reserves to protect wildlife and the environment. Do not touch or take anything from reserves, do not light fires or barbecues and to not ignore signage warning you to keep out of certain areas.
Sticking to these do’s and dont’s will help you to enjoy a memorable trip to Estonia and ensure you leave with a deeper understanding of the country’s culture, history and nature. Have a great trip to Estonia, in Tallinn and beyond!
Author:
Ben works as a content marketer for a global travel business, specializing in travel guides and articles. He is well traveled, having visited 25 countries so far including Peru, Turkey, Estonia, Jordan, Egypt, USA, Hungary, Spain and Italy. He’s interested in politics, history, Formula One and environmentalism.