Estonia by train

May to September is the best time to visit Estonia, with the mildest weather and long daylight hours in midsummer. July and August are the busiest months, but late spring and early autumn offer similar conditions with fewer crowds. Winters are long and cold, though the season draws visitors for snow activities at ski resorts like Otepää. There are highlights year-round: Jaanipäev sees bonfires lit across the country every Midsummer, the Song and Dance Celebration brings thousands of performers to Tallinn every five years, and the Estonian Food Festival fills Tallinn's Towers Square every September.

The best things to do in Estonia include exploring Tallinn's medieval Old Town, taking the ferry across to Helsinki, and hiking in Lahemaa National Park.

• Exploring Tallinn's UNESCO-listed medieval Old Town and Kadriorg Palace park

• Taking the ferry across the Gulf of Finland to Helsinki, a crossing of around 2 hours

• Hiking the boardwalks and bog trails of Lahemaa National Park

• Relaxing on the beaches of Pärnu, Estonia's summer capital

• Visiting Saaremaa island, known for Kuressaare Castle and its ancient meteorite crater

• Wildlife and birdwatching at Matsalu Nature Reserve, or spotting wild brown bears in Alutaguse National Park

• Exploring Tartu, Estonia's university city, and its quirky Toy Museum

Estonia is reachable by train from Riga in Latvia, direct or with a change of trains at Valga. Ferries also connect Tallinn with Helsinki in Finland, with crossings running multiple times a day. Within Estonia, trains connect Tallinn with towns including Tartu and Pärnu.