This little gem of a country has had a turbulent history, changing hands numerous times over the years but in 1991 it finally declared it's independence and has since emerged as one of the coolest spots in Europe.
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Cheap Accommodation in Estonia
There are a few good hostels in Estonia, but a lot of budget accommodation is in the form of cheap guesthouses, student dorms and hotels. Campsites are available during the summer months and most of these have cabins for rent if you don't want the extra hassle of pitching your tent. Homestays / farmstays are also a popular option and the tourist board will be able to sort you out with these.
A Traveller's Budget for Estonia
If you want to get around cheaply, go by bike. Estonia
is predominantly flat and is ideal for cycle touring, and the towns are
fairly close together but watch out for the cars as they may not be used
to bikes, they're not prevalent in the cities. Otherwise there's a fairly
comprehensive bus network which can get you to most parts of the country.
Cafe culture is huge in Estonia and you should be able to get some cheap
food in one. Some homestays and many farmstays include some meals, particularly
breakfast, otherwise take advantage of the uni eateries in Tartu or pick
up some pizza.
Activities
- Lahemaa National Park, accessible by bus from Tallinn, has a multitude of cycling and hiking trails plus some nice little coastal towns for a seaside chillout.
-Tartu is the country's university city with an energy
to match, plus there are some excellent museums and galleries.
- Tallinn has one of Europe's best preserved old towns but this city isn't
stuck in the past, it's also got some of the best nightlife.
-Cross country skiing is popular in Estonia, the main
base is in Otepää in the southeast of the country.
-Midsummer's night on 23rd of June is a pagan celebration of Midsummer,
check out a beach party.
-Beer Summer takes place at the beginning of July, at the Song Festival
Grounds, Tallinn.
