7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Tallinn

Tallinn, is a hub for digital nomads, offering a unique blend of medieval charm and modern amenities. While the city itself is rich with history and culture, its location also provides an excellent base for exploring the surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for popular tourist spots or hidden gems, there's a weekend getaway near Tallinn to satisfy every type of traveler. Here are seven destinations that promise to make your weekends as memorable as your workdays.

Lahemaa National Park

Just an hour's drive from Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park is a natural haven for anyone looking to escape the digital world for a bit. As Estonia's largest national park, it offers a diverse landscape of forests, bogs, and coastline. Visitors can hike through the park's trails, explore manor houses like Palmse and Sagadi, or simply enjoy the tranquility of the seaside villages. Wildlife enthusiasts may also spot moose, lynxes, and a variety of bird species.

How to Get There: The best way to reach Lahemaa National Park is by car, which takes about an hour from Tallinn. Alternatively, there are bus services that can take you to the nearby towns.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the opportunity to walk the Viru Bog trail, a boardwalk that winds through a stunning wetland ecosystem.

Where to Stay: Sagadi Manor Hotel offers a historical stay in the heart of the park, complete with its own restaurant serving traditional Estonian cuisine.

Where to Eat: Käsmu Meremuuseumi kohvik is a charming café in the coastal village of Käsmu, known for its fresh pastries and beautiful sea views.

Tartu

Tartu, Estonia's second-largest city, is a hub of intellectual and cultural activity, often referred to as the nation's cultural capital. A two-hour drive from Tallinn, Tartu is home to the prestigious University of Tartu, numerous museums, and a vibrant arts scene. The city's Old Town is a picturesque area with historic buildings, cozy cafes, and the iconic Town Hall Square. For a touch of whimsy, visit the Tartu Toy Museum or the quirky Kissing Students fountain.

How to Get There: Tartu is accessible by train or bus from Tallinn, with multiple departures daily. The journey takes approximately 2.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Explore the Tartu University Botanical Gardens, which are among the oldest botanical gardens in the world, dating back to 1803.

Where to Stay: The Lydia Hotel combines modern comfort with historic charm, situated right on Town Hall Square.

Where to Eat: Aparaat is a trendy restaurant and cultural space located in a former factory, known for its creative dishes and industrial-chic ambiance.

Haapsalu

Haapsalu is a quaint seaside town with a rich history and a relaxed atmosphere, making it a perfect weekend retreat. Known for its healing mud baths and the stunning Haapsalu Episcopal Castle, the town also boasts a picturesque promenade along the coast. The annual August Blues Festival is a highlight for music lovers, while the Haapsalu Shawl, a delicate lacework, is a testament to the town's rich craft heritage.

How to Get There: Haapsalu is about a 1.5-hour drive from Tallinn. Regular buses also connect the two cities.

Travel Tip: Visit the Railway and Communications Museum to see the historic Haapsalu Railway Station, which once had the longest covered platform in Russia.

Where to Stay: Fra Mare Thalasso Spa offers a relaxing stay with sea views and a range of spa treatments featuring the local mud.

Where to Eat: Müüriääre Café is a local favorite, offering delicious cakes and a cozy atmosphere within the old town walls.

Kihnu Island

For a truly off-the-beaten-path experience, take a trip to Kihnu Island, where the local culture has been granted UNESCO heritage status. The island's way of life, traditional clothing, and folk music offer a glimpse into Estonia's past. Rent a bike to explore the island's lighthouse, museum, and beaches. The small community here is welcoming, and the peaceful environment is perfect for a digital detox.

How to Get There: Kihnu can be reached by ferry from the mainland ports of Pärnu or Munalaid, with the journey taking about 1 to 2.5 hours depending on the departure point.

Travel Tip: Try to visit during one of Kihnu's cultural events or festivals to experience the island's traditions in full swing.

Where to Stay: Kihnu Roosi offers charming accommodation with traditional Kihnu decor and a chance to learn about the island's customs.

Where to Eat: The Kihnu Küek is a local eatery where you can try authentic Kihnu dishes, often made with fresh fish caught by the islanders.

Setomaa

Venture to the southeastern corner of Estonia to discover Setomaa, a region with a unique cultural identity and language. Setos, the indigenous people of the area, are known for their polyphonic singing, elaborate costumes, and a distinct culinary tradition. Visit the Seto Farm Museum to learn about their way of life, and if you're lucky, catch the Seto Kingdom Day, a festival celebrating Seto culture and heritage.

How to Get There: Setomaa is best reached by car from Tallinn, with the journey taking around 3.5 hours.

Travel Tip: Don't miss the chance to participate in a Seto leelo choir performance, a tradition that's also recognized by UNESCO.

Where to Stay: Taarka Tarõ offers a homely stay in a traditional Seto house, complete with a sauna experience.

Where to Eat: Tsäimaja is a local café where you can sample Seto dishes and pastries, such as sõir (a type of cheese) and pirukad (pies).

Soomaa National Park

Soomaa National Park is a wilderness area known for its vast bogs, rivers, and the phenomenon of the "fifth season" when spring floods transform the landscape into a waterworld. Canoeing during this time is a unique experience, as is bog-shoeing or hiking along the boardwalks in drier seasons. The park is also home to diverse wildlife, including beavers, wolves, and lynxes.

How to Get There: The park is about a 1.5-hour drive from Tallinn. Public transport options are limited, so a car rental is recommended.

Travel Tip: Visit during the fifth season for a canoeing adventure you won't forget, but be sure to hire a local guide for the best experience.

Where to Stay: Riisa Rantšo provides rustic accommodation with opportunities for guided tours and wildlife watching.

Where to Eat: The Soomaa Visitor Centre offers light refreshments and is the perfect spot to learn more about the park's natural environment.

Prangli Island

Prangli is the northernmost Estonian island with a continuous population, and it has maintained its fishing village charm and traditions for over 600 years. Accessible by a short ferry ride, Prangli is ideal for those seeking tranquility and a taste of authentic island life. Explore the island's history at the Prangli Island Museum, visit the old wooden church, or relax on one of its sandy beaches.

How to Get There: Prangli Island can be reached by ferry from Leppneeme port, which is about a 30-minute drive from Tallinn. The ferry ride itself takes approximately an hour.

Travel Tip: Rent a bicycle to explore the island's small villages and natural landscapes at your own pace.

Where to Stay: Prangli saarekülalistemaja offers cozy guesthouse accommodations with a traditional Estonian sauna.

Where to Eat: Kelnase sadama kohvik is a quaint café located at the main harbor, serving fresh seafood and local dishes.

These destinations offer a mix of cultural experiences, natural beauty, and a chance to unwind from the digital world. Whether you're a digital nomad based in Tallinn or just visiting, these weekend getaways are sure to enrich your Estonian adventure.