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Map of Estonia

Source: Karl Ander Adami

Autumn in Estonia

There is no "off" season in Estonia. From a hike in a colorful forest to total relaxation at a luxury spa, here's how to best enjoy your autumn break.

Hike, bike, canoe, and kayak. Pick mushrooms. Relax in a hot sauna. Hunt for bright autumn foliage in city parks or wild forests.

Birdwatching, bear watching, and the start of the winter swimming season — there is so much to do! From a hike in a colorful forest to total relaxation at a luxury spa, here's how to best enjoy your autumn break.

Fast facts

Average temperature:

15°C (September) to 0°C (November)

Day length:

14 hours to 6.5 hours

Estonia's top autumn city:

Narva

Source: Visit Estonia

Spend a few days traveling at your own tempo.

Disconnect from your daily routine, and recharge in nature.

Where can you find the very best autumn scenery?

Estonia's ancient wetlands and primeval forests are stunning in autumn. Many top hiking trails that pass through them have observation towers for taking in beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. A day trip from Tallinn will give you the chance to breathe in the crisp, fresh air of autumn. True nature lovers should visit a bog at sunrise for an otherworldly experience.

Bear spotting and birdwatching

Did you know Estonia has Europe's highest population density of brown bears? They are most active in autumn, foraging for food to help them fatten up before a long winter's sleep. Autumn is one of the best times to go bear-watching as the foliage is less dense, making it easier to spot the bears as they roam the forest.

Birds are also on the move during the autumn months. Seabirds fly south for the winter, stopping to rest on many of Estonia's islands and inlets along the coast. Two of the country's best birdwatching spots are Vilsandi National Park on Saaremaa's west coast and Matsalu National Park on the Estonian mainland.

Ken Mürk

Source: Ken Mürk

Everything you need to know about hiking in Estonia

Priidu Saart, Visit Saaremaa

Source: Priidu Saart, Visit Saaremaa

Martti Volt

Source: Martti Volt

Priidu Saart

Source: Priidu Saart

Autumn foraging in Estonia

The forests overflow with mushrooms and berries from the beginning of July until the end of October. Here's where to go.

Looking for a SPA-tacular autumn experience?

Spa holidays are a year-round favorite in Estonia, but when the weather starts getting colder, the siren call of the sauna gets louder. You'll find quality spas around the country; go for a day or treat yourself to a weekend stay. Treatments with healing mud, body treatments with natural products and guided sauna experiences will help you wind and renew your body and soul.

Ken Oja

Source: Ken Oja

Everything you need to know about sauna in Estonia

Hans Markus Antson

Source: Hans Markus Antson

Welcome to SPAtacular Estonia!

Explore Estonia's surprising spa culture. Travel north to Narva-Jõesuu, south to Pärnu, and west to the islands, and find the best places to unwind.

If you're treating yourself to a relaxing holiday at the spa, then treat your tastebuds, too.

Estonian chefs will have the bounty of the fields and forests on full display. A few of Estonia's spa hotels have MICHELIN-recommended restaurants.

40 things to do during Estonia's black nights

Evenings are extra long during autumn and winter. Don't turn in early! Make the most of the black nights with these 40 attractions and activities.

Source: Kaupo Kalda, Visit Tallinn

Source: PÖFF

Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF)

8. nov 2024 - 24. nov 2024

PÖFF is one of the biggest film festivals in the Northern Europe. In November each year it brings the newest and most fascinating examples of the...

Autumn's spiritual holidays

November harvest holidays, Martinmas and St. Catherine’s Day, hark back to the rural roots of Estonian society. Here's how they are celebrated today.

Source: Priidu Saart, Visit Pärnu

Narva is Estonia's unofficial "autumn capital."

Like Pärnu is known for its summer sun, the colorful foliage, especially along the riverside promenade, draws visitors to the city during the fall. The spas of Narva-Jõesuu are another reason to visit — the beach is perfect for strolling and the sauna will warm you up after the weather chills your toes!

Narva Castle in autumn with sun, clouds, and colored leaves

Source: Marvin Kuhr

Discover Estonia's history and culture

All eras of Estonia's complex past have left traces, some more visible than others. Monuments and museums tell the tales of the country's history and culture and make for perfect rainy day activities.