Baltic Tour 2021 – Estonia

Cycling and bicycle trips in Estonia

Koti, Kabli kool, Piirumi, Uulu, Lottemaa, Raeküla vaatlustorn, Pärnu Bay, Pärnu, Kulli, Muriste, Virtsu, Virtsu sadam, Haapsalu, Haapsalu Castle, Metskonna, Vilivalla, Rummu Quarry Prison, Laoküla, Paldiski, Kloogaranna, Tabasalu, Stroomi ranna promenaad, Tallinn

Estonia is a paradise for cyclists where you can find solitude in the woods, picturesque lakes and beaches where there is always a beautiful place to camp. The size of Estonia is perfect for cyclists, as it is possible to discover the whole country by bike. In only a couple of days you can cycle on the hilly roads of the south, admire a sunrise in the bogs, visit historical and cultural places in Central Estonia and Tallinn, enjoy views of the Baltic sea from the steep, rocky northern coast and visit the wild islands; the most popular place for cyclists.

Estonia is a great place for travelling by bike; short distances, not a lot traffic on the roads, diverse nature scenery, well preserved local culture and traditions, privacy, and continuously developed network of bike roads support this environmentally friendly mode of transport in every way.

Estonia is also a safe place for taking bicycle trips, as our main roads are all paved and have sparse traffic, while still passing through populated urban areas.

The Eurovelo route that passes through Estonia starts from the Latvian border, runs along the coast and the islands, passes Tallinn and heads to the Russian border via the northern coast (Saint Petersburg is only 140 km away from the border). Additionally, there are signs for a selection of local and regional bike routes. You get a whole new experience when travelling through Estonia on a bike.

The streets, courtyards, and walls of Tallinn’s Old Town:

Tallinn’s number one attraction is undoubtedly the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town, with its medieval ambience and exceptionally well-preserved street network and city walls. Take your time and stroll along the narrow, cobbled streets, admire the centuries-old architecture, climb towers, and peek into mysterious courtyards and archways; some of which hide romantic cafés, cute shops, or secret gardens.

At the heart of the Old Town is the Town Hall Square, once a market square and the centre of the city’s government. Today, it is a main meeting spot for townspeople and a venue for a variety of events, from the Old Town Days in summer to the fairy-tale Christmas Market. Incidentally, the world’s first public Christmas tree was erected here in 1441.

A walk through the Old Town should absolutely cover the beautiful, popular spots like the Danish King’s Garden, Kohtuotsa viewing platform, or the must-see Town Hall Square and St. Catherine’s Passage. But also make sure to follow the curving and confusing Müürivahe Street, full of nostalgic cafés.

The Town Hall Square is named after the Gothic Town Hall, which stands on the edge of the square and offers beautiful views of the Old Town from its tower. At the other end of the square is the Raeapteek, one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe and the oldest in Tallinn.

Towering above the rest of the Old Town, Toompea hill has always been a seat of power. Toompea Castle is the seat of the Estonian Parliament. The castle’s tallest tower of the, Pikk Hermann, is a leading symbol of Estonian statehood; the blue-black-white Estonian flag is raised every day at sunrise from the tower to the tune of the national anthem.

The centrepiece of Kadriorg is Estonia’s only Baroque Palace and park ensemble, built more than 300 years ago on the orders of Russian Tsar Peter the Great. Stroll the green promenades, enjoy views of the swan pond, take time out in the rose garden, or admire the landscaping of the Japanese garden. In the majestic halls of Kadriorg Palace, you can get acquainted with the Estonian Art Museum’s collection of foreign art.

In addition to the Tsar’s castle, Kadriorg is home to a number of other museums, including Kumu (the main building of the Estonian Art Museum), the Mikkel Museum, the Miiamilla Children’s Museum, and the house museums of Peter the Great, Eduard Vilde, and Anton Hansen Tammsaare.

Just a short walk from the Seaplane Harbour is the Noblessner seafront quarter, a former submarine factory named after its founders Emanuel Nobel (nephew of Alfred Nobel, founder of the Nobel Prize) and Arthur Lessner. Now, you will find a modern urban space, galleries, design shops, a marina, and restaurants where you can enjoy the sunset.

A Film by Damir Međurečan
Bicycle: Giant E-Bike, Giant Dirt-E+

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