Sustainable South-Estonia in 4 days
Example programme for travel professionals
The eco-friendly mindset has long been part of the Estonian ethos.
Just look at World Cleanup Day. This country of 1.3 million convinced more than 18 million people to come together to clean up the planet and has been doing so for over ten years.
Although Estonia's population may be small, thousands of people are dedicated to developing and maintaining sustainable tourism destinations throughout the country. Sustainable tourism is the key to ensuring that generations to come will still be able to enjoy the natural world and local cultures.
Local, seasonal ingredients also feature prominently in the Estonian restaurant scene. Check out the MICHELIN Guide's Green Star recommendations for the most sustainable, eco-friendly dining options in the country.
Source: Priidu Saart
Day 1: Tallinn
Welcome to the gate of Estonia – Tallinn, The Green Capital of Europe 2023!
You arrived in a cozy Tallinn airport that is only 15min away from the city centre and you can start exploring in no time!
Next steps:
- Take a tram or bus to the city centre (leaves from terminal)
- Sustainable choice for a hotel:
Nordic Hotel Forum, Radisson Collection, Meriton, Oru hub, Ibis - Lunch: have a hearty plant-based meal in Tallinn - restaurant suggestions
Visit Estonia recommends Lee or V vegan resto
Activities’ ideas:
Pedal into an adventure of discovery as you explore the different corners of Tallinn on two wheels. See the major attractions like the picturesque seaside promenade, grand Kadriorg Palace, Presidential Palace, Song Festival Ground and more.
Kalamaja street art tour
Explore the colourful history and culture of Kalamaja neighbourhood on an art tour unlike any other. Discover stories from ancient times that have shaped the neighbourhood as a hub for factories and heavy industry during both the Russian empire and the Soviet era. On this tour, you'll have the opportunity to interact with a unique statue of a bathing fish, climb the roof of the City Hall, and admire street art that sits on the border between sea and land.
- Dinner in Fotografiska (Zero waste) - the zero-waste philosophy of the restaurant reflects respect for ingredients and preserving all parts of the product to reduce its carbon footprint.
- After dinner drinks at Junimperium for Estonian gin, a few steps away
Source: Ken Mürk
Day 2: Tartu
- Take a train (Elron) to Tartu (2,5h) – before stop by the local market Balti Jaam market next to the station and take some local delicacies with you
- Catch a green bus to the Tartu town centre or the bike if you are traveling light
- Hotel choice – Lydia hotel
- Restaurant: use visitestonia.com selection of restaurants to find your sustainable favourite
Visit Estonia recommends Hõlm or Pompei - Dinner suggestion: Aparaaditehas (The Widget Factory) for a little local buzz in the post-industrial setting for creatives and students
Activities in Tartu:
- Estonian National Museum – dascinating expo and impressive architecture
- Lodi (a historical barge ship) trip 1h along the Emajõgi river preceded by visit to the shipbuilding hall of Lodjakoda where the barge departs
- Visit TYPA: a private paper museum to fill the gap within memory institutions and save the last surviving letterpress machines and equipment.
- Tours: Colours and Tales of Soup Town or Twisted History Tour
- Stroll by the river
Source: Aljona Galazan
Day 3: South-Estonia
Take a train from Tartu to Taevaskoda station (40 min)
Meet your local guide for a short transfer to Taevaskoja, a beautiful nature reserve.
Adventure Activity ideas in Taevaskoja:
Walking and bogshoeing tours, Bicycle trips, canoeing, kayaking and rafting, kick-bike. Possibility to make a small trip with Riverboat Lonny.
Lunch idea: Maitsemaa Forest Restaurant – experience outdoor dining in a natural setting or at Tillu cafe in a romantic farm shop.
Visit Andre Farm - how does the robotic milking machine work and how is milk turned into cheese? How is the world's best Estonian cheese made? Find out in Andre Farm on the border of Tartu County. Visitors can also feed the cows, pet the calves, and taste the products in their farm shop.
Accomodation options: Mooste manor (smoke sauna available on prebooking) or hotel Pesa that wears a Green Key label offering accommodation in a quiet South-Estonian town called Põlva.
Dinner: Mooste manor, Pesa hotel restaurant
Option B: back to Tartu for overnight
Source: Katrin Laurson
Day 4: Back to Tallinn
Take a train to Tallinn – either from Põlva (3+h) or Tartu (2-2,5h)
Activites in Tallinn:
- Stella Soomlais – sustainable leather designer workshop
- Do something along the lines of ‘lend a hand’ or ‘give back to community’
- Visit a local handicraft store
- Buy Estonian design items as gifts Shopping in Tallinn: handicraft and design shops
- Take a different kind of walking tour or explore hidden corners
- Food sightseeing tour
Source: Priidu Saart
Last updated
14.02.2025