Road Trips in Estonia

Many tourists coming to Estonia limit their exploration of the country to Tallinn. Without a doubt, the capital is a place that just can't be missed, but other cities are as attractive as Tallinn itself. A great example is Tartu, the second largest city in the country. Not only can it boast an array of wonderful landmarks, but also the city offers interesting museums and a particularly scenic botanical garden. 

Narva, the third largest city in Estonia, is famous mostly for its charming location. You can take a walk along the river bank or take a tour around the local attractions, including the Resurrection of Our Lord Cathedral or the Narva waterfalls, considered a unique natural landmark. Special attention should be also paid to Rakvere, which can boast a towering stone castle and a charming old town characterised by medieval architecture. 

While taking a break from Estonian landmarks, you can relax in one of its resorts. An excellent holiday options is Pärnu, known as the summer capital of Estonia. It has a several-kilometre-long beach with multiple restaurants and a long promenade. Another popular resort town is Haapsalu, famous for sea mud with medicinal properties, and Kuressaare, enchanting visitors with its beaches, restored tenement houses, and extremely well-kept greenery. 

Suggested Road Trips in Estonia

• Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park: This road trip takes you from the charming medieval city of Tallinn to the beautiful Lahemaa National Park, located on the northern coast of Estonia. Along the way, you'll drive through the rolling hills and forests of Estonia's countryside, and you'll have the opportunity to visit historic fishing villages and beautiful sandy beaches.

• The Island of Saaremaa: Saaremaa is Estonia's largest island and is located off the western coast of the country. A road trip around the island takes you through charming villages, pristine forests, and rolling hills, as well as along the island's stunning coastline. You'll also have the opportunity to visit the Kaali Meteorite Crater, one of the largest meteorite craters in the world.

• The Southern Coast of Estonia: This road trip takes you along the southern coast of Estonia, from Tallinn to the city of Pärnu. The route passes through the historic town of Haapsalu, which is known for its picturesque wooden architecture, and the seaside resort town of Pärnu, which is a popular destination for sunbathers and beachgoers. Along the way, you'll experience the beauty of Estonia's countryside and coastline, with stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the surrounding forests.

Estonia has around 15,000 kilometres of roads, out of which 115 kilometres are toll free motorways (in case of vehicles that do not exceed the weight of 2.5 tons). The roads are usually wide and very well marked. Of course, there are a number of gravel roads, but most of the time you'll be driving along one-lane asphalt roads. You won't face any problems while driving even in the winter season - roads are usually drivable and kept in an immaculate state. 

Each vehicle driving around Estonian roads should have appropriate equipment. Obligatory pieces include a first aid kit (in case of company cars), a fire extinguisher, a reflective vest, 2 warning triangles, wheel chocks, and tyres. It's also worth carrying basic spare parts, such as spark plugs, a belt, or a set of bulbs. 

During all road check, you can be asked for the following documents: driver's licence, an ID or a passport, liability insurance, registration document, and vehicle inspection certificate. Before your trip, buying accident insurance is worth considering. 

The maximum allowed speed is 50/90/110 km/h. The first amount applies in built-up areas, the second applies in urban areas, and the third applies on motorways. It's worth knowing that the speed limit on some road sections can be modified by the road signs so it's important to stay vigilant. Motorists who have less than 2 years of driving experience mustn't exceed the speed of 90 km/h, even on motorways. 

Tickets for breaking traffic rules are usually very high in Estonia - and that is true for all offences. Especially severe consequences can be expected for exceeding the speed limit - penalty payment can amount up to a few thousand Euros and speed control is a frequent thing to see on Estonian roads.

For what other offences can you expect to get a ticket? Of course, for drinking and driving, even with a low blood alcohol level, talking on the phone while driving (you can use hands-free sets), and travelling with children who are younger than 12 without a special child seat. If the toddler is travelling on the front seat, it's vital to deactivate the air bag. It's also worth remembering that tickets in Estonia are imposed in fine units (1 fine unit = €4) and are on the spot fines. 

When taking a road trip in Estonia, it's important to be aware of the following:

• Road conditions: Some rural roads in Estonia may be narrow and winding, so it's important to be cautious and to drive at a safe speed. Additionally, some roads may not be well-maintained, so it's a good idea to have a reliable vehicle.

• Weather: Estonia experiences four distinct seasons, and weather conditions can vary greatly depending on the time of year. During the winter months, roads may be slippery and snowy, so it's important to be prepared for these conditions.

• Road signs and traffic laws: It's important to familiarize yourself with the road signs and traffic laws in Estonia, as some may be different from what you're used to. Make sure to follow the speed limits and to always wear your seatbelt.

• Emergency services: It's a good idea to have a plan for what to do in case of an emergency, such as a breakdown or an accident. Make sure to have a working mobile phone and to familiarize yourself with the location of the nearest hospital or medical center.

• Cost: Road trips can be expensive, especially when you factor in the cost of fuel, food, and lodging. Make sure to budget accordingly and to plan your trip so that you can save money where possible.

The best time of year to take a road trip in Estonia depends on your personal preferences and the activities you want to do. However, some of the most popular times to visit Estonia are:

• Summer (June to August): This is a great time to visit Estonia if you want to experience long days and warm weather. During the summer, you can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, and swimming, as well as festivals and cultural events.

• Spring (April to May): This is a beautiful time of year in Estonia, with the landscape coming to life after the long winter. During the spring, you can see the countryside blanketed in wildflowers and experience the arrival of migratory birds.

• Autumn (September to November): This is a stunning time of year to visit Estonia, with the trees changing colors and the countryside taking on a warm, golden hue. During the autumn, you can experience harvest festivals and visit local markets.

Regardless of the time of year, a road trip in Estonia is a great way to explore the country and experience its natural beauty, rich culture, and fascinating history.

The cost of a road trip in Estonia can vary depending on your travel style, accommodation choices, and the activities you plan to do. However, as a rough estimate, you can expect to spend around €50-€100 per day per person on a road trip in Estonia, including car rental costs.

The cost of renting a car in Estonia can vary depending on the type of vehicle you choose, the rental company you use, and the length of your rental. On average, you can expect to pay around €25-€50 per day for a small car, €50-€80 per day for a midsize car, and €80-€120 per day for a luxury car.

In addition to car rental costs, you'll also need to factor in the cost of fuel, which can be relatively inexpensive in Estonia. As of April 2023, the average cost of petrol is around €1.50 per litre, while the average cost of diesel is around €1.30 per litre.

Accommodation costs can also vary widely depending on the type of accommodation you choose and the location you're visiting. In general, you can expect to pay around €20-€50 per night for a budget hotel or hostel, €50-€100 per night for a mid-range hotel, and €100-€200 per night for a luxury hotel.

Food and drink costs can also add up, especially if you plan to eat out at restaurants or cafes. A typical meal at a mid-range restaurant can cost around €10-€15 per person, while a pint of beer can cost around €3-€5.

Overall, a week-long road trip in Estonia for two people could cost anywhere from €700 to €1400, depending on your travel style and accommodation choices. A month-long road trip could cost anywhere from €2400 to €4800. However, these are just rough estimates, and your actual costs could be higher or lower depending on your individual travel choices.

If you're planning a road trip in Estonia, here are some guidebooks and road maps that you may find helpful:

• Lonely Planet Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania: Lonely Planet is a popular travel guide publisher that offers comprehensive information on various destinations around the world, including Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. Their guidebook on Estonia includes helpful tips on places to see, things to do, and where to eat and stay.

• Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania Road Map: This detailed road map by Michelin is a great resource for planning your route in Estonia. It shows all major highways, roads, and points of interest, making it easy to navigate the country.

• Insight Guides Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania: Insight Guides offers a comprehensive guide to the Baltic States, including information on Estonia's history, culture, and geography. The guidebook also includes recommendations for restaurants, accommodations, and activities.

• Estonia Travel Guide by Rick Steves: Rick Steves is a popular travel writer and television personality who specializes in European travel. His guidebook on Estonia offers practical advice on everything from transportation to sightseeing, as well as recommendations for restaurants and accommodations.

These are just a few examples of the many guidebooks and road maps available for Estonia. It's always a good idea to do some research before your trip to find the resources that best meet your needs.