19 of the most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia

19 of the most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia! Estonia is the northernmost of the Baltic states. Its capital city of Tallinn is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Estonia is mainly a flat country situated on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea, and features many lakes and islands.

Here you can enjoy summer or winter mountain trekking, cycling or swimming in lakes and in the sea. But it also boasts nice cities and towns, usually with some castles or manor houses, great beaches that worth a visit. This time we take a look at the most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia and their main sights and attractions!

Tallinn, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Christopher Michel

Most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia

1. Tallinn

Tallinn is capital of Estonia, the significant economic, commercial and cultural centre of the country. With its unique medieval atmosphere that blends with the modern soul of local residents, Tallinn became one of the most visited cities in Europe.

Tallinn’s old town has been inscribed on UNESCO World Heritage List. You will like its City Walls and gates, old houses, towers as well as its amazing streets.

Old Town of Tallinn, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Mark Litwintschik

2. Pärnu

Pärnu is situated at the Pärnu bay in the southwestern part of Estonia. It is a quiet seaside resort boasting a large number of sanatoriums and spas. These facilities attract crowds of holidaymakers, especially Finnish seniors, who are enjoying a variety of treatments here.

Since Pärnu lies on the main route between Tallinn and Riga (capital of Latvia), the city has become a popular destination for many Estonians and Scandinavians. Its seaside promenade and beach are among its main attractions.

Pärnu, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Henning Klokkeråsen

3. Tartu

South-east of Estonia is home to one of the most interesting and most visited places in the country – the city of Tartu. It is the second largest city in Estonia, which stands out for its architecture, atmosphere and excellent location in the landscape of gentle hills and lakes.

The city became a historical, cultural and sports centre in the region. Once you are strolling the old town streets do not miss a visit to the ruins of Tartu Cathedral.

Kissing Students fountain, Tartu, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Aapo Haapanen

4. Kuressaare

Estonia also has several islands in the Baltic Sea and the largest one is that of Saaremaa island. Here you can find a small and quiet city of Kuressaare which is known especially for its Kuressaare Castle. It was built already in 1380.

Since then the castle has been rebuilt several times. Now it houses Saaremaa Museum, which is one of the largest and most visited museums in the country. Apart from a castle, you can also visit city centre and town hall.

Kuressaare Castle, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Ekke

5. Otepää

If you are looking for some skiing and winter sports possibilities in Estonia, then Otepää resort town, known also as the winter capital of Estonia would be a good choice for your next winter holidays.

It is located in the southern part of the country and if you are coming here in the summer you will also be pleased with a nice sandy beach at the Lake Pühajärv.

Otepää, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Guillaume Speurt

6. Haapsalu

Haapsalu is a resort town that you will like at first glance. It is situated on the west coast of Estonia, which is considered the most interesting part of the Estonian Rural.

It has been known for its healing warm sea water and healing mud for hundreds of years. The town is really quiet, making it a great place to relax and pleasant walks. Its castle and old town are also very popular. You should also visit Railway Museum which is a very interesting show.

Haapsalu castle, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Ivar Leidus

7. Narva

On the Narva River, which flows through northeastern Estonia and forms a natural border with Russia, lies the city with the eponymous name. Narva is the third largest city in the country and lies in a very controversial area in the region with the highest unemployment in the country.

Here you will have a view of the huge Ivangorod Fortress, the fort in Russia that is built just on the other side of the river.

View of Narva with Hermann Castle on the left (Estonia) and Ivangorod Fortress on the right (Russia) by Aleksander Kaasik

8. Narva-Jõesuu

Narva-Jõesuu means mouth of the Narva River and this is how this city is being called since 1922 after it had several other names.

It is one of the most popular spa resorts in the country visited by both families, as well as young couples. If you would like to see what is Nordic Riviera you should come to Narva-Jõesuu which is also known as The Pearl of the Baltic Sea.

Narva-Jõesuu beach, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Cape Point

9. Viljandi

Viljandi is a small city in the southern part of Estonia which is known for its medieval atmosphere enhanced with a beautiful lake. The city was first mentioned as Viljandi fort already in the 12th century.

Ruins of the Viljandi Order Castle, Beach at Lake Viljandi, Soomaa National Park are some of the most popular places in and around the city.

Viljandi Castle, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Otoomet

10. Valga

Valga is an ancient but also very modern town located in the southern part of the country at the borders with Latvia.

If you cross the borders stop here for a while and visit its Townhall, Valga museum as well as the churches.

Valga city center, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Vesahjr

11. Keila

Northwestern part of the country is home to the small town of Keila. The human evidence was known here since 3000 – 2000 BC while Keila is known as the village since the 10th century.

Keila River flows through the town and creates wonderful Keila Waterfalls which you cannot miss during your tour around the country.

Cultural Centre, Keila, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Iifar

12. Sillamäe

A peaceful city of Sillamäe is situated at the coast along the Gulf of Finland in the country’s southernmost part.

The city is not a frequent destination for tourists, even though its appearance, atmosphere and history are really unique in Estonia. Pay a visit to Kulturzentrum Sillamae as well as Sillamae Museum of History and Culture.

Sillamäe, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by CommonsHelper2 Bot

13. Palmse

Palmse is a small village known mainly for its romantic manor house. It offers a great exhibition of the life of a German family owners Pahlens. House is surrounded by nice garden featuring greenhouse with tropical plants.

As Palmse is located at the borders of National Park Lahemaa, it is an ideal starting point for exploring the park and you will also find a visitor centre here.

Palmse Manor House, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by François Philipp

14. Martna

Martna is a small village located in the western part of the country, at the borders to the Matsalu National Park, which is known for a large number of migratory birds that stay here.

Martna is popular mainly thanks to its church from the 16th century.

Martna church, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia

15. Koluvere

Another small village in the western part of Estonia is that of Koluvere. The main attraction here is the water castle.

13th century Koluvere castle used to serve as the residence of Russian nobility between the 19th and 20th century. It witnessed several wars and battles to finally become a popular tourist destination in the country.

Koluvere Water castle, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Piret Pärnpuu

16. Alatskivi

A fairytale castle known as Alatskivi Castle can be found in the small town of Alatskivi, in the eastern part of the country. It is a great example of the finest Gothic architecture in the area.

In the village you will also find small but very romantic Alatskivi Lake surrounded by nice nature. Once you are here, you must see the 5th largest lake in Europe – Lake Peipus which is located just 5 kilometers from the village.

Alatskivi Castle, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Ivar Leidus

17. Pangodi

If you want to explore Pangodi Nature Reserve you would probably want to stay in a small village of Pangodi, which is considered the gateway to the park.

The nature reserve comprising of the lake Pangodi around which are some hiking trails that will take you through the best parts of the nature.

Pangodi Lake, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Kriimu rohelised Silmad

18. Paldiski

Paldiski town can be found in the northwestern part of the country at the Baltic Sea coast. It used to serve as the Russian military base in the past.

However, in these days it is a popular summer resort and a bustling port. You will definitely like the limestone cliffs as well as family-friendly beaches for which the area is known for.

Paldiski cliffs and the sea, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Tony Bowden

19. Abja-Paluoja

Abja-Paluoja is the old town with the first mention in 1505. The town can be found in the southern part of the country on the road between Tartu and Valga.

If you want to enjoy some peaceful atmosphere then this town will be ideal for you to visit.

Fire depot in Abja-Paluoja, most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia by Iifar

So these were some of the most beautiful cities and towns in Estonia. If you think I skipped some of them, please let me know below in the comments!