Auto route for independent travel. ESTONIA

ESTONIA: fall in love with the country in 3 days. Auto route for independent travel.

When leaving on vacation, we strive to stock up on the maximum with positive emotions and a baggage of impressions. So that would be enough positive charge at least until the next trip. And it's no secret that most people prefer organized holidays through travel agencies, and excursions - on a bus with a crowd of other tourists. Undoubtedly, there are advantages to such a vacation. Having paid for the appropriate package, we get a ready-made tour, over which we don’t have to rack our brains, we don’t need to think about transport and look for information on the Internet. Nevertheless, those who once tried to travel or at least organize their own "excursion" on their own, as a rule, continue to prefer this format of recreation.

We will talk about the pros and cons of both options in a separate article, which we will definitely prepare for you in the near future. And today we simply suggest that you consider the option of an independent trip by car using the example of a small, bewitchingly slow, but very hospitable country. The route that we have prepared will allow you to see the main sights, admire the beauties, have a leisurely bite to eat in your favorite cafes and just enjoy the road, speed and drive…

Why exactly 3 days? A long journey requires more serious preparation and not everyone can find the right time. In one or two days it is difficult to have time to see everything and at the same time not to rush anywhere. The three-day itinerary is perfect for those who have gone on vacation for a week or two and want to "taste" all the pleasures of the holiday during this time. You will have time to breathe the sea air on the beach, enjoy spa treatments in a sanatorium or hotel, go shopping and entertainment venues, take a walk in places where you do not need to go by car. And, having allocated three days for a trip, you will comfortably and calmly get unforgettable and vivid impressions of the country where you have arrived.

Those who managed to carve out only a few days for the entire trip will also be able to make their impression of the country by going through the proposed routes.

So, we book a car, do not forget about a driver's license and a good mood, fasten our seat belts and hit the road. Estonia is waiting for us today. We fall in love in three days.

Last intro:

The routes are made taking into account short stops on the road, time for "eating" and sightseeing, taking into account the daily start of the trip at 7-8 in the morning and settling in the place of lodging for the night no later than 8-9 pm.
The opening hours of attractions and prices for visiting are not indicated intentionally, because they may vary depending on the season and other conditions. We strongly advise you to clarify the information before the trip.
Recommendations on objects are given taking into account the reviews of tourists.
The starting point of the route is Tallinn (simply because most travelers start their acquaintance with the country from here).
You can choose and order a car for rent here.

On the first day we head along the northern border of the country to the east. We are moving along the E20 highway. The first point of our route will be the Yagala waterfall, located on the river of the same name, 4 km from the Gulf of Finland. The height of the waterfall is about 8 meters, the width is more than 50. It is the widest natural waterfall in Estonia. Behind the streams of water there is a narrow ledge along which you can walk along the entire width of the waterfall. Picturesque and colorful place.

Reference:

Coordinates - 59°26'57''N 25°10'45''E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 30 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 30 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.8.
Equipped parking, cafe, toilet.

Then we head to the castle-tower of Kiyu (road No. 262, then No. 260). This is the smallest of the surviving castles in Europe. It was built 500 years ago as a defensive structure during the war. The inner diameter is only 4.3 meters. The tower has four floors, and you can climb to the very top. Inside there is a small museum and a cafe. Miniature fairytale toy castle. It will be interesting for both adults and children.

Reference:

Coordinates - 59°26'52''N 25°23'11''E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 47 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 17 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.5.
Equipped parking, cafe, toilet.

We continue driving along the E20 highway. The next point of our route is the Viru swamp - a 3.5 km long hiking trail. Belongs to the Lahemaa National Park. Wooden flooring is laid directly on the swamp. Colorful diverse landscapes, many birds, pine trees, flowers, berries... There is an observation tower and a well-equipped swimming area. An ideal place for relaxation for the city dweller.

Reference:

Coordinates - 59°28'15''N 25°38'14''E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 64 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 17 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.8.
Equipped parking, toilet, bathing area, observation tower.

We turn onto highway No. 85 and head to the Käsmu peninsula and the port village of the same name. The peninsula also belongs to the Lahemaa National Park. This is the place where most of the famous Lahemaa boulders are huge stones with a diameter of up to 15 meters. The village of Käsmu (“Captains' Village”) is a place where shipyards have been located since the 17th century, and a maritime school has been operating since the end of the 19th century, graduating more than 500 ship captains. Käsmu has a beach, a small wooden lighthouse, a border tower, and a maritime museum with a carefully curated display. Everything is open to the public. There are also cute authentic houses and the unique atmosphere of a fishing village. Enjoy and stock up on peace. Well, it's time for lunch. You can do this either in Käsmu itself or in the neighboring village of Võsu - in one of the local restaurants or cafes.

Reference:

Coordinates - 59°36'37''N 25°54'59''E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 91 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 27 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.6.
Equipped parking, toilets, food points.

Then we leave on the road number 177 and after 43 km we arrive in the medieval town of Rakvere. Here we stop for the night, because this place is worth it to devote more time to it. Medieval architecture and cozy streets will please you during evening walks. And before dark, you just need to visit the Rakvere Castle - a theme park dedicated to the life of the 16th century castle. Visitors can walk between the medieval walls, stare at the old red-light district, appreciate the work of a barber and doctor, mint a coin as a keepsake. The wine cellar, torture chamber, death hall and hell are open.

Reference:

Coordinates - 59°20'50''N 26°21'2''E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 134 km.
Distance from the previous route point - 43 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.7.
Equipped parking, toilets, food points.

Finally, if you have time, be sure to visit the Police Museum - a themed museum offering many interactive games (for example, fingerprinting or autopsy in the pre-trial investigation laboratory).

The second day begins with an acquaintance with the natural attraction of the Valaste waterfall. It is the highest in Estonia (more than 30 meters). An equipped hiking trail leads to the seashore and back. The waterfall is especially picturesque in winter, when the water freezes, creating bizarre layers. But in other seasons, in the absence of rain, it can turn into a thin stream or even dry up altogether. Better check before leaving. We are driving along the E20 highway.

Reference:

Coordinates - 59°26'37''N 27°20'8''E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 199 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 65 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.7.
Equipped parking, toilet, cafe.

After admiring the natural beauty, we move to the south of Estonia, the city of Tartu. Highway No. 32. On the way, we stop at the only Orthodox female Pyukhtitsky Assumption Monastery (Kuremäe village) that is functioning in Estonia. A beautiful place famous for its healing water.

Reference:

Coordinates - 59.2283°N, 27.5344°E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 234 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 35 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.8.
Equipped parking, toilet.

Soaked in calmness and tranquility, we make a serious march (E264 highway) to the "student capital" of Estonia - the city of Tartu. Let's not be too original and go for a walk in the Old Town - an old cozy center. You can get around it in a couple of hours, and then have lunch in one of the many restaurants. Town Hall Square is the heart of the city and a meeting place. It’s worth walking along Ryutli Street and entering the 14th century St. John’s Church. In general, the center is, one might say, one large student town. In the Middle Ages, its territory was fenced off from the rest of the city by a wall; its own laws and police operated here. The university spirit is everywhere. In the Main Building of the University, you can look into the old auditoriums and sit in the student punishment cell. In the university botanical garden, try to count all the varieties of plants - there are more than 10 thousand species from all over the world, including huge oaks and southern palms. Street musicians and artists, performances of folk ensembles - a pleasant coloring of the Old Town. Separately, it is worth visiting the Supilinn district located near the old town - a former suburb with original multi-colored wooden houses, some of which date back to the 18th century.

Reference:

Coordinates - 58.3806°N, 26.7251°E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 354 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 120 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.7.

Well, we remember that after a few hours of walking, the road is waiting for us again. We continue to move along the E264 highway. The next stop is Taagepera manor complex. Manors are Estonian manors/castles. There are over a thousand scattered across the country. And it would be unforgivable not to see at least one during our trip. The main building (castle) is relatively few years old, just over 100 years old. But it is so majestic that it is rightfully considered one of the pinnacles of Art Nouveau architecture in the Baltics, and has also been repeatedly recognized by experts as the best place for weddings in Estonia. The complex also includes various buildings, a park and a lake. Great place for landscape photos.

Reference:

Coordinates - 57.5947°N, 25.4016°E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 441 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 87 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.8.
Equipped parking, hotel, cafe, toilet.

So, the last transfer of the second day of our journey (road number 6), and we arrive in the city of Pärnu - the largest resort city and the unofficial "summer capital" of Estonia. And the main thing to see here is the endless white beach and the beach promenade meandering along it. Thanks to thoughtful lighting, active life on the beach continues long after sunset. As an integral part of the infrastructure - restaurants and cafes, multi-colored fountains, attractions, children's playgrounds, shops and souvenir shops. We check into the hotel and go to plunge into the noisy atmosphere of the evening promenade.

Reference:

Coordinates - 58.4210°N, 24.5015°E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 538 km.
Distance from the previous route point - 97 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.8.

The third day of our trip will be special. In addition to the already habitual movement by car, today we will take a ride on the ferry. We get up early - the islands of Estonia are waiting for us! If you have not yet seen this information, you are unlikely to guess how many of them are here. And there are, for a minute, more than two thousand! Of course, we won’t be able to visit so many, but two islands are enough.

First of all, we need to get to Virtsu Port (Route No. 60 and then No. 180).

Reference:

Coordinates - 58.5970°N, 23.5392°E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 608 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 70 km.
Equipped parking, cafe, toilet.

Next, we buy a ferry ticket to Muhu Island, Kuivastu village (for a car and for each passenger), we cross and move towards Saaremaa Island (route No. 10), connected to Muhu by a causeway. Saaremaa is the largest island in Estonia and the fourth largest in the Baltic Sea.

Our first attraction on the island will be the Kaali crater. The fall of meteorites on the island of Saaremaa about 7.5 thousand years ago caused destruction comparable to the explosion of a small atomic bomb. There are 9 craters in total. The largest of them is 110 m in diameter and 22 m deep. Inside is a lake, on the banks of which local tribes performed sacred rites and sacrifices. You can go down to the crater on the equipped stairs. Around the lake there is a small park with benches and viewing platforms.

Reference:

Coordinates - 58.3718°N, 22.6722°E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 671 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 63 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.6.
Equipped parking, toilet.

We move on. Another 20 minutes on the way, and we arrive at the Kuressaare castle-fortress (still route No. 10). The castle began to be built in the 14th century. He survived many wars, rebuilt more than once. At the same time, this is the best preserved fortification in the Baltic countries. As befits a fortress, it is surrounded on all sides by water, through which several bridges lead to the gates. Inside - a complete feeling of a medieval fortress city. In the castle, you can visit the historical museum, shoot archery or take part in interactive tours, for example, go on a treasure hunt. After the inspection, we head to the harbor, where numerous yachts moor, take a walk in the park adjacent to the fortress. Season and weather permitting, you can even swim at the local beach. And, of course, it's time to eat well in one of the coastal cafes.

Reference:

Coordinates - 58.1449°N, 22.2845°E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 691 km.
Distance from the previous waypoint - 20 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.7.
Equipped parking, recreation area, cafe, toilet.

And our last attraction on the island is the center of peasant life and the park-museum of Angla Tuulikumagi mills (route No. 79). It is considered to be one of the three most beautiful places in Saaremaa. The views are inspiring and inspiring. There are five mills from the beginning of the 20th century in the park. In two of them you can go inside and go upstairs. In addition, you can see and touch exhibits of old agricultural equipment and interact with farm animals.

Reference:

Coordinates - 58°31'32''N 22°42'1''E.
Distance from the beginning of the route - 728 km.
Distance from the previous route point - 37 km.
According to the rating of tourists, the rating is 4.5.
Equipped parking, recreation area, cafe, toilet.

As sad as it is, it's time to go back. First to the ferry, and then to Tallinn (route No. 10).

Reference:

Distance from the beginning of the route - 924 km.
Distance from the previous route point - 196 km.

This is what our trip was like. Nearly 1000 km of colorful memorable drive. Of course, many interesting places remained outside our route, simply because there are so many of them here. But this is a reason to come to Estonia at least once again. And we definitely coped with the main tasks: we got an idea about the country and collected an impressive baggage of impressions and positive emotions.

Fall in love with the country in 3 days: in anticipation of the next route.