Tallinn's surroundings: tourist attractions, natural wonders and best restaurants

During the summer, there are regular ferries to the islands near Tallinn – Aegna, Naissaar and Prangli. The rich military history of Aegna and Naissaar dates back to the Tsarist era. During the Soviet era, the islands of Estonia were a strictly controlled border zone and accessing all three islands was difficult. Today, the islands are popular because of their nature, particularly the peaceful pine forests and secluded beaches.

The most fascinating attraction of the picturesque island of Aegna is the stone labyrinth, probably built around the 12th-15th centuries by Estonian Swedes. Naissaar is known for its military ruins and narrow-gauge railway. Prangli is unique among these three islands due to having a surviving fishing village culture that dates to the 13th century. It is the only island in Northern Estonia that has been continuously inhabited for over 600 years. Prangli still has very strong fishing traditions, its own dialect of Estonian, a very diverse nature and friendly residents.

Viimsi

The rocky Viimsi peninsula, located 15 km from the Tallinn city centre, is both a haven for nature lovers and a great destination for history buffs. Its attractions include the Estonian War Museum, Museum of Coastal Folk and the seaside Viimsi Open Air Museum, with a historic farm at its heart.

There are many great hiking and biking trails on Viimsi. The area also has several restaurants inspired by the seaside lifestyle. Restaurant Paat (meaning “Boat” in Estonian) is a beachside restaurant housed in a building shaped like a boat and a variety of dishes that include fish, meat, and vegetarian options. The well-regarded restaurant OKO can also boast a seaside view and has a menu focusing mainly on slow fast food.

There are many public transport routes between Viimsi and Tallinn. The best way to get to Viimsi from the city centre is to take the city bus no. 1, which departs from the Viru Keskus Shopping Centre, or the Harjumaa county bus no. 174, which departs from the Hobujaama stop on Narva Road. Night bus no. 95 also runs between the Tallinn city centre and Viimsi. See details at transport.tallinn.ee.

More information on Viimsi can be found on the Visit Viimsi website.

Keila-Joa

The scenic road following the coast from Tallinn to Paldiski offers a rich bounty of beautiful views. It is worth stopping at Türisalu cliff, one of the mightiest limestone cliffs in Estonia with a height of more than 31 metres above sea level, for a picturesque view of Naissaar and the nearby sandy beach of Vääna-Jõesuu. Close by is Keila Joa, home to Estonia's third-highest waterfall and a beautifully renovated 19th-century manor in the Gothic Revival style.

Laulasmaa

Beautiful views can also be seen in Laulasmaa (meaning “singing ground”), which is popular for its beaches and got its name from its “singing sands”. Its beach is the perfect place to go swimming in the summer, not to mention walking and jogging. Among the forests of Laulasmaa is also the Arvo Pärt Centre, a meeting place for everybody interested in the composer’s music and thoughts. The centre regularly hosts concerts and various other events.

The Laulasmaa LaSpa Hotel is a great place for spa treatments and relaxation, and is also home to the fine-dining restaurant Wicca that is featured in the Michelin Guide. The nearby entertainment restaurant Lahepere Villa can also be found in the Michelin Guide. Golf lovers can visit the 18-hole Niitvälja Golf Center, which is in a beautiful natural setting surrounded by trees and dotted with bodies of water.

Rummu quarry

One of the most fascinating parts of the landscape of Northern Estonia is definitely the Rummu quarry. The former limestone industry has resulted in sand hills and a man-made lake with crystal-clear water, where you can have fun during the summer months by swimming, diving or SUP (Stand Up Paddle) boarding.

History buffs and adrenaline junkies should visit the site of the former Murru Prison next to the quarry. Although the prison was founded in the 1930s, a majority of its buildings are from the 1960s- 1980s and exemplify the layout of Soviet prisons. The prison can be explored on your own with an audio-guide, or with a guide at pre-arranged times.

See even more! The ruins of Padise Monastery, founded in the 13th century, are just a few kilometres away from Rummu and take you on a fascinating historical journey into the medieval past of Estonia. Next to the monastery ruins is the Padise Manor, the construction of which began at the end of the 18th century but got its present form in the middle of the 19th century. The manor is now a luxurious boutique hotel with a restaurant and spa.

Paldiski City

Located about a 40-minute drive from Tallinn (47 km from the Tallinn city centre), Paldiski is a favourite destination of history buffs – during the Soviet era, it was home to a strictly enclosed submarine and missile base, and when the Russian military left in 1994, many of the buildings here were soon reduced to ruins. Paldiski is located on the Pakri peninsula that is worth visiting not only for its decaying military barracks but also for its memorable limestone cliffs and as a habitat for a number of rare local species.

Kose Parish

Located about a 20-minute drive from Tallinn, Kose Parish has several exciting places to visit with the whole family. In the Viking Village, you can try your hand at various strength challenges and adventures, eat fish you caught yourself and stay overnight. The magical Blue Springs of Saula are just a 10-minute walk from the Viking Village.

In the nature preserve of Tuhala, you can find the mysterious Witch's Well that “boils” over during high tides. Across the road from the Tuhala Witch’s Well is a family favourite for the little ones - Polli Zoo, where you can pet and feed the animals on-site and take a pony ride.

Kõrvemaa Landscape Conservation Area

To the east of Kose lies the scenic Kõrvemaa Landscape Conservation Area - a diverse natural environment with bogs, forests and lakes. Kõrvemaa's well-maintained hiking trails and lookout towers offer opportunities throughout the year for both active recreation and quiet time in nature, making it an ideal place for nature lovers and adventurers. Kõrvemaa is also a popular place for birdwatching, as it is home to several protected bird species in Estonia, including the golden eagle and the black stork. In the winter, Kõrvemaa becomes a paradise for skiers and snowboarders.

The Kõrvemaa Hiking and Ski Resort offers great experiences and opportunities for active holidaymakers throughout the year. Before setting off on hiking trails, it is also worth visiting the Aegviidu Recreational Depot where you can book guided themed hikes, rent seasonal sports equipment, use the storage lockers, take a sauna or host events.

The hustle and bustle of Tallinn can be exhilarating, but sometimes it is good to give your mind a break and get away from the noise of the city. By now, you should have no doubt that the area surrounding Tallinn is home to some wonderful natural beauty and sightseeing spots, has no shortage of wonderful entertainment activities and luxurious places to relax in addition to great places to eat that are hiding in the smaller settlements of Estonia.

Sightseeing spots and places of natural beauty that surround Tallinn are easy to explore on your own, as most of the places mentioned above can be travelled to by train or bus. Make your life even easier by participating in a guided excursion introducing the area surrounding Tallinn with your family and friends.