Estonia, located on the Baltic Sea's eastern coast in Northern Europe, has vast amounts of untouched nature, a low population density, and a rapidly growing organic farming culture, all combined with determined and tech-savvy minds. It is a very rare sight in today's world. It has very little human influence due to its vast amount of free space and abundant nature. They have a rich historical culture, a clean environment, and a strong desire to keep things local. With well-preserved knowledge of traditional harvesting and a rapidly growing interest in preserving the necessity of organic farming, it is the harmony of that spirit, combined with nature's bounty, that will see an even better and thriving Estonia.

When a country competes for the title of "World's Most Organic Country," you don't have to worry about compromising your healthy eating habits while traveling; instead, you just have to decide which Estonian superfoods to eat first! Fresh, clean, and organic food can be found throughout Estonia, including the forest. Forests are abundant in edible delicacies such as blueberries, cloudberries, and mushrooms, while rivers, lakes, and the sea are abundant in delectable seafood such as salmon and sea trout! In Estonia, you truly have a farm-to-table experience!

Estonia, the world's freest internet country, has become a model for open and free internet access. This small country in Northern Europe has invested heavily in its development over the years and is now attempting to show the world that it is much more than that. The country's natural beauty is diverse, with rocky beaches, old-growth forest, and numerous lakes. To differentiate itself, Estonia has embarked on a massive technological innovation.

Estonia is truly entering the future. It was the first country in the world to implement online voting in 2005, while other countries are still considering it. The Internet is fully utilized in this country, as 95% of tax returns are completed online, and businesses can be registered in a matter of minutes. Of course, wi-fi is available everywhere because the government has been building a free Wi-Fi network that covers the majority of the populated areas since 2002. You can even get 4G coverage in the middle of the woods! Because Estonia is a very internet-focused country, it is widely known that it has one of the best internet connections in the world.

Estonia has a low population density and a lot of unspoiled natural beauty. Forests and bogs cover three-quarters of the land area. Their air is among the cleanest in the world, and our freedom to roam is legally protected. Not four, but five seasons highlight the natural diversity. Clean, quiet, calm, untouched, mystical, and ancient are just a few of the words that could be used to describe Estonian land and nature. Hiking trails in bogs and mires, nature parks, birdwatching sites, bicycle tours, and canoeing are all part of their nature-based tourism offering. Their numerous islands, coastal cliffs, and environmentally conscious population make Estonia a top destination for nature lovers.

One might think that a country so modernized and technologically advanced would not be very green or nature rich, but Estonia is actually ranked as one of the greenest countries in the world. With forests covering roughly half of the country, nature lovers can explore and enjoy Estonia's untouched natural beauty all over the country. Lahemaa National Park, Matsalu National Park, and Sooma National Park are the three must-see national parks in Estonia. This is one of the reasons to visit Estonia.

When it comes to reasons to visit Estonia, can't help but mention island life. Life on the islands moves at a slower pace. Estonian islands are known for their rustic charm, and the islands are a great place to learn about how Estonians lived before the modern era. The wild nature of the islands is mostly untouched, with traces of the past medieval heyday and battles hidden here and there.

The majority of Estonia's islands are small and uninhabited, ideal for birdwatching, canoeing, sailing, or fishing. Some islands may have a calm enough environment to be wild enough for a true nature getaway. Estonia also has some of the largest islands in the world, which are rich in cultural and natural history.

Saaremaa, Estonia's largest island, is also the third-largest island in the Baltic Sea. Because of its uniqueness and remote location, Saaremaa holds a special place in every Estonian's heart, with villages surrounded by stone fences and houses with thatched roofs. Aside from the many popular products produced in Saaremaa, such as spring water, beer, rye bread, and cheese, Saaremaa also represents the authentic Estonian spirit, which is free and perhaps even stubborn. Saaremaa's symbols are dolomite, windmills, and the famous local home-brewed beer.

Estonia has a remarkable amount of forest. Forests cover approximately half of Estonia's land area, which totals 2.3 million hectares. Estonians have always had a strong connection with nature, and an oak tree is still considered sacred. In 2011, Estonian air was voted the cleanest in the world. To put it to the test, take a deep breath and prepare to be overwhelmed. Hiking, nature walks, and bird and wildlife watching are all enjoyable activities to try while in Estonia. Estonia has one of Europe's highest densities of large wildlife. If you go for a walk in the woods, you might see wolves, moose, deer, and brown bears. However, be cautious when driving in Estonia because any of these animals may dart onto the road!

For Estonians, June 24 is the most important summer day. St. John's Day, also known as Midsummer Day, marks the start of the hay season. On the night of June 23, bonfires are lit around which people sing, dance, and gather with family and friends. Lovers venture into the woods in search of the fern flower, which is said to bloom only on the night before Midsummer's Day. The story of Koit (dawn) and Haemarik (dusk), who only see each other once a year and exchange a brief kiss, inspired a ritual. Tradition represents the brief moment when dawn meets dusk.

At the beginning of winter, Estonia becomes cold and dark. So, to keep our hearts warm, Tallinn Old Town's Christmas Market begins in the middle of November and transforms the center into a magical winter paradise. Tallinn, Estonia's capital, has a rich history and culture that can be explored at any time of year! However, if you want to experience some Christmas cheer, December is a great time to visit this popular destination. This is due to the fact that a variety of events are taking place, such as craft fairs, Christmas concerts, and cultural events.

The festival of lights commemorates the birth of Jesus Christ. This holiday gathering is all about sharing holiday traditions. One of these wonderful traditions is the Tallinn Christmas Market. The modern Christmas market first appeared in 1997. Since then, the festival has grown from strength to strength.

Tallinn's Christmas Market takes place on the historic Raekoja Plats, also known as Town Hall Square. The tall Christmas tree is elegantly adorned with gold and silver baubles. Many wooden chalets in the Old Town Square sell hot drinks such as mulled wine or glogg, as it is known in Estonian. The market stalls also sell black pudding, sauerkraut, wooden Christmas decorations, and clothing.

The medieval Town Hall is adorned with a nativity scene, and there are several children's merry-go-round rides. Santa Claus has his own chalet as well. It is definitely one of the reasons to visit Estonia.

The history of Estonia forms a part of the history of Europe. Humans settled in the region of Estonia near the end of the last glacial era, beginning from around 8500 BC. Estonian history spans many centuries, telling the stories of many nations, from Vikings to kings, queens, and medieval merchants of German, Swedish, Danish, and Russian descent. Estonia, with its deeply rooted pagan spirit and European mindset, has close ties with nature while remaining a proudly independent EU and NATO member state with a growing reputation for innovation.

The occupation of Estonia by the Swedes, Russians, and Germans, as well as its previous position in the Soviet Union, have left the country with a distinct history, rich culture, and beautiful architecture. In Estonia, you can find remnants of historic sights, as well as old traditions and customs, especially in Tallinn, the capital. Tallinn, in fact, is one of Northern Europe's best preserved medieval cities. Estonia is unquestionably a must-see for history buffs.

Estonia is a small country, but it packs a lot into its charming old towns, beautiful islands, and sandy beaches. Of course, you'll want your money to go as far as possible. It also hurts to squander money on unnecessary fees and poor exchange rates just to pay for things in another country. Estonia offers by far the best value for your money in Europe.

Dorm rooms in hostels start at 8 EUR per night for a bed in a 10-20 bed dorm. A smaller dorm with six to eight beds costs ten euros per night. Expect to pay at least 30 EUR per night for a private room in a hostel. Most hostels provide free Wi-Fi and self-catering facilities. A few of them include free breakfast. Some national parks in Estonia charge a small entrance fee, but the majority are free. Canoe, kayak, and SUP rentals should cost around 25 EUR. In cities, bike rentals typically range between 5 and 15 EUR. The majority of museums are under 15 EUR. Lift tickets for skiing start at 35 EUR. Hour-long skiing lessons begin at 35 EUR.

Estonian cuisine is influenced by Russia, Germany, and Scandinavia. You don't need a lot of money to eat well here. Expect to pay between 6 and 12 EUR for a cheap meal at a café or restaurant. These dishes are typically made with meat, potatoes, and seasonal vegetables. Soups are also a popular main course. Pickled beets, cucumbers, and fish, as well as rye bread and herring, form the foundation of much of the local cuisine. If you intend to cook your own food, you should budget around 30-35 EUR for a week's worth of groceries. Basic staples such as pasta, rice, seasonal produce, and some meat are included.

Estonia is small, which is great for both visitors and locals, and it has a well-developed infrastructure, so you can travel by car, bus, bike, train, plane, or even walk.

Distances between major towns in Estonia rarely exceed three hours of driving time. Estonia has right-hand traffic and a well-developed road network. Unless otherwise specified, the speed limit in the countryside is 90 km/h and 50 km/h in urban areas. During the summer, some highways allow speeds of up to 110 km/h. Seat belts are required for all passengers, and lights must be turned on at all times. Driving under the influence is strictly prohibited in Estonia. Estonia accepts driving licenses from all over the world.

Estonia is a popular cross-country cycling destination during the summer. The Eurovelo route through Estonia begins at the Latvian border, runs along the coast and islands, passes Tallinn, and continues to the Russian border via the northern coast (Saint Petersburg is only 140 km away from the border). There are also signs for a variety of local and regional bike routes. When traveling through Estonia by bike (as opposed to the car), meadows and forests alternate with villages, and it is perfectly normal to stop at the nearest farm and ask for a glass of cold water. There are a number of tourism businesses located throughout Estonia that offer bicycle tours.

The Viljandi Folk Music Festival is an Estonian annual music festival that focuses on European folk music. It is traditionally held on the last weekend of July, when the normally quiet town of Viljandi is completely transformed as the small town center is suddenly flooded with people. Every year, over 200 performers perform about 100 concerts, and up to 25,000 people attend them, but many more come just to enjoy the festivities over four days. As such, it is Estonia's largest annual music festival and one of Europe's largest folk music festivals.

The event has evolved from a more traditional Estonian folklore festival to a massive undertaking with an increasing number of international participants. Even some of the festival's main stage native bands could be classified as folk rock or even folk metal. The modern and popular music influences make it very appealing to young people, particularly Estonian university students. Workshops, film screenings, exhibitions, a fairy tale room, a handicraft yard, a musical instrument fair, and other activities will be part of the festival.

If you ask an Estonian what the best reasons to visit Estonia is, "sauna" is likely to come up in the first line or two. While the following can be debated, one well-known trait of Estonians is that it takes time for people to warm up to a conversation. This is where the sauna comes in, because there is nothing more social than sitting naked in a dark wooden cabin with your friends and "taking the heat."

Sauna has been a local everyday luxury for centuries, right up to the present day. When visiting friends or family over the weekend, the go-to phrase is "panen sauna kütte," which means "I'll heat up the sauna," implying that the night will be spent cleansing, eating, drinking, and catching up. Men and women frequently go to saunas separately, and swimsuits are frowned upon; towels, on the other hand, may be tolerated. Estonians enjoy both the Finnish sauna and the country's national pride, the UNESCO-listed smoke sauna tradition. While the experience is similar, the difference is in the chimney, or more specifically, its absence. There is no chimney in a smoke sauna, and the smoke from burning wood circulates throughout the room.

"Whisking" is a healthy scrub made from birch twigs that is an essential part of the Estonian sauna tradition. Any tree can be used to make a whisk, but birch and oak are the most common in Estonia. Sauna benefits include stress relief, pain reduction, and even weight loss. Estonians adore saunas, not only for their health benefits but also for their ability to bring people together. Saunas can be found in almost every summer house, spa, and country home in Estonia.