Estonia is one of the most magical locations you most likely didn’t understand existed. located in northeastern Europe along the Baltic Sea, this small, forested nation might pass as the setting for a contemporary woodland fairy tale.

Recognized for its charming, elvish-sounding language, special blend of Eastern as well as Nordic cultures, as well as millions of acres of undisturbed forests as well as protected land, Estonia is the hidden sanctuary of your travel dreams.

While it may not be the cheapest destination to travel, Estonia’s proximity to prominent European capitals, affordable accommodations as well as cuisine, as well as sensational nature at its doorstep makes it the best destination for budget-friendly travel.

Here I’ll share some tips for backpacking Estonia — without breaking the bank.

Activities in Estonia (that are absolutely free!)

Nearly 50% of Estonia’s terrain is comprised of forests as well as other natural landscapes. In fact, Yale University’s 2016 environmental performance Index awarded the country a best score for its biodiversity as well as habitat, thanks to its boundless security of national as well as worldwide types as well as marine as well as terrestrial areas.

So what does this indicate for you, a budget plan traveler?

It indicates there’s no shortage of otherworldly landscapes to hike, kayak, canoe, as well as check out — a lot of of which are totally complimentary to access!

Visit Estonia shares a listing of all national parks, nature centers, nature reserves, as well as protected areas across the country. just select the type of park you’re trying to find as well as the region you’re visiting, as well as be sure to inspect the box marked “free!”

If hiking isn’t your thing, there’s still plenty to do that won’t force you to break out your wallet.

Stroll with the outside art galleries as well as museums, excursion ancient castles, see historical churches, as well as go to complimentary festivals. Foodies will take pleasure in taking part in the annual, 2-day Grillfest festival located in Pärnu each June.

Tallinn, Estonia’s UNESCO world heritage funding city, is a can’t-miss destination. medieval houses as well as crumbling remnants of the city wall in the Old town hold ancient secrets of hundreds of years of rule, as well as the city’s architectural styles span lots of centuries.

If you’re looking to travel Tallinn on a budget plan as well as aren’t sure where to stary, the Tallinn complimentary excursion leaves every day around noon. As the name suggests, there’s no expense to join this complimentary walking tour, however be sure to idea your guide!

Getting around on a Budget

Getting to Estonia is a fairly basic feat from nearly anywhere in Europe. The country is a short ferry trip away from Finland as well as Sweden, a bus trip from Warsaw as well as Berlin, as well as an overnight train from Saint Petersburg.

To discover flights to Estonia, see ferry schedules, or purchase a bus ticket, inspect out see Estonia’s travel as well as transportation page.

Once you’ve arrived, you’ll have a number of choices for getting around on a budget.

In larger cities like Tallinn, you’ll discover an expansive network of trams, trolleys, as well as buses that extends outward to smaller towns.

If you purchase a paper ticket, expect a single trip to expense about USD $2 (you will requirement precise change). You may likewise have the choice to tons a plastic card with the amount of credit score you’ll requirement to get around.

If you’ll be frequenting Tallinn, one more choice is to purchase a Tallinn Card, which entitles you to unlimited complimentary public transportation, complimentary admission to over 40 attractions, as well as other discounts.

The card has a somewhat heftier cost tag, however, at about USD $34 for 24 hours, USD $45 for 48 hours, or USD $55 for 72 hours.

Internal bus routes in Estonia begin at just USD $2, as well as train rides can be anywhere from USD $1 to USD $13, depending on the train as well as the distance you’re traveling.

Most Estonian towns are relatively small, so in lots of cases, you must be able to get around on foot. The short distances between destinations likewise enable for the economical as well as eco-friendly transportation technique of bike riding. You can cycle the entire country in just 2 weeks!

Backpacking Estonia: affordable Accommodations

The finest recommendations for discovering affordable accommodations in Estonia is to believe like a local. Forgo the hotel as well as stay in a guesthouse, Airbnb, or a bed as well as breakfast (both begin at around USD $10).

If camping is a lot more your style, you’ll want to travel to Estonia in the summertime months, when temperatures are mild by day as well as great by night. The Estonian countryside is ripe with affordable campgrounds starting at just USD $5 per night.

Other choices include holiday houses, which autumn around USD $30, hostels, which are normally priced between USD $10 as well as USD $30, as well as guest apartments, which variety upwards of USD $30.

There are likewise vacationer farms as well as holiday villages scattered throughout the country.

These lodgings normally offer a number of types of dwellings, gorgeous views, as well as recreational activities — all for a extremely affordable price.

The Kakulaane vacationer farm in Lauküla küla, Sangaste vald, Valga maakond, for example, starts at just USD $5 per person.

When booking your accommodations, keep in mind that the weather condition is a lot of favorable in the summer. Deals, however, tend to pop up a lot of often in spring as well as fall.

Low-Cost Eats in Estonia

International as well as fusion food can be enjoyed, at a low expense in Estonia. Not only is this excellent for those who are on a budget, however it’s appealing to those who travel for food.

In fact, a medieval-inspired feast in the funding city of Tallinn commonly costs just half the cost of a likewise sized meal in other European capitals.

Estonian food is infused with traces of Russian, German, as well as Scandinavian influences.

Some of Estonia’s top-reviewed restaurants (that autumn under the “cheap eats” category) include III Draakon, Kompressor, as well as Bogapott, all located in Tallinn. Each features its own distinctive Nordic creations, special atmosphere, as well as budget-friendly menu options.

If you’d rather pick as well as select your ingredients as well as produce your own standard dish, you’ll discover Estonian supermarkets all over the place.

Dumplings are a prominent budget plan food that can be discovered in regional grocery stores for about USD $1, or in cafeteria-style restaurants.

And while the woodland mushrooms understood as chanterelles are thought about a delicatessen in Western Europe, you’ll discover them fresh as well as affordable on the shelves of your regional Estonian market.

Must-try foods include handmade, organic loaves of black bread, smoked ham as well as sausage, elk meat soup, Kalev chocolates, as well as any type of as well as all Estonian dairy products.

Enjoy Estonia on a Budget!

One final piece of advice. When in Estonia, do as the Estonians do. Take public transportation, indulge in regional cuisine, as well as check out the enchanted woodlands as well as medieval streets that make up this hidden gem of a country.

Not only will this genuinely make your trip a lot more special, however your wallet will say thanks to you as well.

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