Kuressaare CastlePhoto author: Priidu Saart

Friendcation Estonia trip Sep 29th - Oct 2nd

Friendcation Estonia trip 2026


Welcome to Estonia: an Active Island Journey for Mind and Body

Welcome to Estonia, where simplicity, untouched nature and a strong groundedness come together to create replenishing experiences. This trip has been designed to showcase a side of Estonia that goes beyond sightseeing, focusing on movement, mindfulness, nature, local culture and meaningful moments that resonate with modern women seeking balance and adventure.

You'll explore 3 distinct destinations: Tallinn, Saaremaa and Muhu. Together, they tell the story of a country where wellness is deeply woven into everyday life - by being a way of living, shaped by accessible nature, seasonal food, centuries-old sauna traditions and a slower pace that encourages people to reconnect with themselves.

The itinerary begins in Tallinn, the capital, where history layers meet contemporary Nordic lifestyle. From scenic walks and nourishing dining experiences to creative neighbourhoods and seaside views, the city offers countless opportunities to discover how modern Estonians balance urban life with wellbeing.

The journey then continues to Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, known for its peaceful landscapes, diverse coastlines and rich wellness traditions. Here, nature invites you to slow down, breathe deeply and embrace the restorative power of the outdoors through active exploration and local experiences.

You'll also visit Muhu, a small island celebrated for its craftsmanship and boutique hospitality. It embodies a lifestyle where beauty is found in simplicity and sustainability, making it a matching destination for travellers seeking authenticity and personal connection.

Created with a female audience in mind, this itinerary highlights experiences that combine adventure, wellness, culture and community. It is an invitation to explore Estonia not only through its places, but through the feelings they inspire: calm, creativity and connection.

Welcome to Estonia. It's time to find the extraordinary beauty of the simple things!

Surfing on Tallinn Bay

Photo author: Visit Estonia

Day 1: Sep 29th (Tue)

11:15 SAS arrival to Tallinn airport. Visit Estonia welcome pick up to bring you to the city centre (15min) to start your first endeavours.

Your journey begins in the heart of Tallinn's Rotermann Quarter, a former derelict industrial district transformed into one of the city's most vibrant hubs. Here, historic brick architecture blends seamlessly with contemporary aesthetics, creating a lively urban hub where people gather to eat, enjoy a coffee and explore local shops.

12:30 Lunch at FUMÉ, a restaurant known for its elegant atmosphere and tastes. 
14:30 you'll step into the creative world of Lilli Jahilo, one of Estonia's most celebrated fashion designers. Known for timeless silhouettes, exceptional craftsmanship and sustainability-driven design, Jahilo has built a strong following both in Estonia and internationally. Her work resonates also with Swedish audiences - a notable connection is Isabella Löwengrip, who has worn her designs and has publicly shared her admiration for the brand. The brand has also been worn by members of the royal family, including Princess Sofia. 

During your studio visit, you'll meet Lilli herself and can learn about the story behind the brand and explore the creative process. It is a unique opportunity to meet one of the country's leading female entrepreneurs and designers in an intimate setting where craftsmanship and empowerment meet.

18:30 a flight out to Kuressaare, island Saaremaa (a check in starts only 1h prior). Arrival 19:10.

After a 40min private transfer you'll arrive at Pilguse Residency, a secluded spot surrounded by wild coastal meadows. Pilguse offers a sense of calm that perfectly captures the spirit of island living.
The evening begins with a traditional smoke sauna ritual, one of the most cherished wellness rituals in Estonia. The gentle heat and natural aromas invite you to slow down and wrap yourself in a centuries-old tradition rooted in connection to nature. After the sauna, a cosy inhouse dinner.

Rotermann

Photo author: Rasmus Jurkatam

Day 2: Sep 30th (Wed)

Known as Ösel in Swedish, Saaremaa is Estonia's largest and most beloved island destination. Surrounded by the Baltic Sea, the island offers a unique blend of wild nature, coastal beauty and wellness traditions that have attracted visitors for generations. Here, long seaside walks, fresh air and an unhurried rhythm of life create the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

During the day you will discover the island's character and also, get active! Yoga in a soothing surrounding of Pilguse, trying out local handicraft making, visiting the Castle, going to the forest to forage mushrooms with a chef, a canoe hike and enjoying a spa in Sörwe Spa are the activities on selection for you to pick!

In the evening, a drive to Muhu island, where your housing will be in the tiny harbour of Koguva, at Bottengarn Sea. Koguva harbour sits next to Koguva Village, one of Estonia's best-preserved historic villages and a place where Muhu's unique character comes to life. With its traditional limestone farmhouses, wooden gates, stone fences and quiet lanes, Koguva offers a glimpse into island life that has changed remarkably little over generations. Today, Koguva remains a living village where history, culture and everyday life blend together, but is also an invitation to embrace the simplicity, authenticity and calm that define Muhu and its enduring way of life.

Saaremaa island

Photo author: Visit Saaremaa

Day 3: Oct 1st (Thu)

Island-style morning activities are being selected, stay tuned!

Afternoon return to the mainland by ferry. Either by driving or a transfer.

In Tallinn: check in the old town's boutique hotel Nunne, where 800 year old city wall runs through the building. Chance to enjoy the hotel's intimate spa and sauna.

Optional: a community run in Tallinn, to combine sightseeing with local people guiding you through the streets and seaside. Recent years have seen an explosive increase of community running clubs so you have the chance to join one of those or option no 2: we will arrange a more intimate run with either a local celebrity or an athlete who would join you! What would you prefer?

For the evening:
a starter mocktail in a tucked away tiny bar Botaanik, followed by a dinner at Cafe Tempo, by day, the space is home to the beloved artisan bakery Karjase Sai; by evening, it transforms into a relaxed restaurant with Mediterranean influences. The concept reflects the modern face of Tallinn's food scene: informal and design-conscious.
The restaurant is located a 15min walk from the hotel.

Muhu island

Photo author: Visit Saaremaa

Day 3: Oct 2nd (Fri)

Morning is being created, stay on the line!

For the after-lunch: we have in mind a visit to a new kind of gin distillery founded by the electronic music artist NOËP, one of Estonia's most well-known musicians. Located in Tallinn's creative Krulli Quarter, the distillery combines craft gin production with music and contemporary culture, offering a unique behind-the-scenes experience. Guests can learn about the gin-making process, hear the story behind the creation, and meet NOËP (who's also a bit of a comedian, known for his ironical sketches!) in an inspiring industrial setting that reflects the creative energy of modern Estonia.

18:00 transfer to the airport  
20:20 Departure 

Tallinn run

Photo author: Rasmus Jurkatam

Look at your route!

Hopping from Tallinn to Saaremaa and Muhu - check it on the map!

What to pack:

September in Estonia brings crisp mornings, golden landscapes and comfortable temperatures that are ideal for active outdoor adventures. Much like in Sweden, the weather can however be moody sometimes and change quickly, so we recommend dressing in layers, have a waterproof jacket and something warm for the evenings. Comfortable footwear is essential for exploring nature trails, coastal paths and island landscapes. And don't forget your swimwear, Estonia's sauna culture is best experienced the traditional way, with opportunities for a refreshing dip before or after a sauna session.

 

Kindly note that the organiser reserves the right to do changes to the programme, upon agreement with Friendcation.

 

Your contact at Visit Estonia:

Helina Andruškevitšus Helina.Andruskevitsus@eis.ee