TOP 10 COOLEST THINGS ESTONIA IS GLOBALLY FAMOUS FOR: AND WHY YOUR EVENT SHOULD BE HERE
Looking for a meeting destination that stands out? Say hello to Estonia: where medieval charm meets digital wizardry, and pine forests meet pristine Wi-Fi. Tucked away in Northern Europe, this compact yet captivating country blends innovation, culture, and nature in the most unexpected ways. Planning an event here is refreshingly easy—and impressively inspiring.
To help you wow your clients, we’ve rounded up 10 of the coolest things Estonia is globally known for. Curious? You should be.
One of Europe’s Least Crowded Countries (Population: Just 1.3 Million)
As one of Europe’s smallest nations, Estonia offers the best of both worlds—city life and unspoiled nature—without long travel times in between. With just 1.3 million people spread across a territory larger than the Netherlands, Switzerland or Belgium and with 70% of the land covered by forests and bogs, Estonia is compact, uncrowded, and refreshingly easy to explore. From ultramodern to ancient, from urban energy to wild landscapes, the contrasts are striking.
Activity ideas: Mini Survival Camp · Bogshoe Walk · Fatbike Ride · Kayak Tour · SUP Paddle Boarding
The World’s Cleanest Air & Greenest Country
With 70% of Estonia covered by forests and bogs, and over 2,000 islands to explore, the options for authentic, nature-based group activities are endless. According to the 2024 Environmental Performance Index, Estonia ranks as the most environmentally friendly country in the world—and one of only seven to meet WHO’s clean air standards.
Activity ideas: Plant a Tree · Sailing · Fun and Run · Bog Walk · Bogshoe Walk · Nature Hikes
Foraging is a National Passion
Foraging is practically a national sport in Estonia, with forests offering seasonal delights like mushrooms, wild garlic, blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries, and wild strawberries. The best mushroom spots? Closely guarded secrets passed down through generations. But no worries—most restaurants proudly feature local berries and mushrooms on their menus.
Activity ideas: Guided Bog Walk with a Chef · Pop-Up Forest Restaurant
The First Public Christmas Tree in the World
In 1441, Tallinn became the first city in the world to display a public Christmas tree—a tradition that continues to shine today. The festive spirit lives on at the city’s world-famous Christmas market, held each year on Town Hall Square in the heart of the medieval Old Town. Tallinn’s Christmas market is a truly magical experience. Wooden stalls line the cobbled streets, brimming with handcrafted gifts, festive decorations, and seasonal treats—from zingy gingerbread to steaming cups of glögi (mulled wine). At the centre of it all stands a towering Christmas tree, surrounded by twinkling lights and the cheerful sounds of carollers filling the crisp winter air.
Activity idea: Plan your event during Tallinn’s world-famous Christmas market (Nov 21 – Dec 27, 2025).
Europe’s Best-Preserved Medieval Old Town
Tallinn’s UNESCO-listed Old Town is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval quarters in Europe. With its winding cobblestone streets, towering Gothic spires, hidden courtyards, and pastel-hued merchant houses, the area feels like stepping into a storybook. Surrounded by centuries-old city walls and watchtowers, the Old Town is alive with history and charm. It’s a walkable wonderland for groups, offering a unique backdrop for events and activities that blend culture, creativity, and a touch of adventure.
Activity ideas: Medieval Legends Walking Tour · Interactive City Game · Photo Hunt · Medieval Dinner · Medieval Beer Tasting
Europe’s Best Education
Estonian students consistently rank at the top in Europe in global education assessments. According to the latest PISA tests, Estonia is first in Europe—and among the highest performers worldwide.
Activity idea: Inspire your team with creative, education-themed challenges or workshops.
The Singing Nation
The Estonian Song Festival, held since 1869, is one of the largest choral events in the world. Taking place every five years in July, it has been hosted at the same dedicated venue—the Song Festival Grounds in Kadriorg, Tallinn—since 1928. The next festival will take place on 5–6 July 2025.
Activity ideas: Try Choral Singing at Tallinn’s Song Festival Grounds · Pop-up Choir at Receptions · Opera Singers at Dinners
The Secret Language
Estonian is often considered one of the most challenging languages to learn, with vocabulary that’s largely unfamiliar to speakers of other European languages—its only close linguistic relative being Finnish. But no worries: English is widely spoken and understood across the country.
Activity Idea: Add a pop-up Estonian language session to your event and have guests saying “Tere tulemast!” like locals.
The World’s Leading Startup Nation
Often dubbed the Silicon Valley of Europe, Estonia boasts the highest number of start-ups and unicorns per capita on the continent. This compact country punches far above its weight when it comes to innovation, with global success stories like Skype, Wise, and Bolt all having Estonian roots.
Estonia’s entrepreneurial mindset is visible everywhere—from delivery robots on city streets to digital services that make everyday life incredibly efficient. The culture here thrives on bold ideas, creative problem-solving, and rapid innovation, making it an inspiring environment for forward-thinking events and future-focused discussions.
Activity idea: Invite local start-up founders or tech experts as keynote speakers · Organise a visit to a co-working hub or innovation centre · Host panels with local entrepreneurs
The Most Advanced Digital Society in the World
In Estonia, the future is already here. With nearly every public service available online—from e-tax and e-school to e-residency and digital IDs—Estonia is a global pioneer in digital innovation. Paperless bureaucracy, digital signatures, and even online voting are part of everyday life, making everything smoother, faster, and more efficient.
This digital-first environment is especially appealing for event organisers looking for a seamless planning experience and a tech-savvy audience. Estonia’s infrastructure supports modern hybrid events, secure digital tools, and smart city solutions—making it a natural fit for innovation-driven gatherings.
Activity Idea: Explore the E-Estonia Briefing Centre for an insider’s look at how it all works. Or invite local digital trailblazers to speak at your event for a dose of future-forward inspiration.
Marketing Manager
Posted: 11.04.2025
Categories: Activities | Blog
