Snow falls every winter in Estonia, with the medieval city of Tallinn and the surrounding forests and frozen lakes cloaked in white.

This provides the opportunity to go cross-country skiing and pre and post-sauna dips in sub-zero temperatures.

Estonia, in Northern Europe, borders the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland and has more than 1,500 islands, along with rocky beaches, old-growth forest and many lakes.

The capital, Tallinn, is known for its preserved Old Town while elsewhere there are castles, churches and hilltop fortresses 

 Skating across frozen lakes

A day trip out of Tallinn one can take bog shoe hike into the forest of the Kõrvemaa nature reserve and skate on Estonia's frozen bog lakes.

Guided tours are available at national parks across the country.

Tallinn's Old Town

Tallinn's Old Town square has outdoor rink.

https://visitestonia.com/en/skating-trips-in-korvemaa

Lake Safari on a Karakat

There is the chance to drive across the frozen Lake Peipsi on a Karakat, a converted, 4x4, former military vehicle designed for manoeuvring over the ice.

Mesi Tare Kodumaja offers a one-hour ice-fishing, lake safari on these vehicles, which can only be found in Estonia's Onion Route region, on the shores of Lake Peipsi.

https://mesitare.ee/teenused/peipsitransport/

Taking a dip

One in five Estonians go winter swimming, which is deeply rooted in Estonian culture and always followed by a steamy sauna.

November to March, is the best time for visitors can take a dip beneath the icy layer whilst surrounded by snow covered countryside.

There are also swim clubs in Tallinn.

https://visitestonia.com/en/winter-swimming-club-lennusulps

Kicksledding

The Finnish sledge hike offers an exhilarating way to explore Estonia's snowy landscapes.

Accessible to all ages and fitness levels, kicksledding is simple to master, just stand on the lightweight aluminium frame, grip the handlebar and kick off with the other foot for a sleek, smooth ride.

https://loodusturism.ee/en/

Cross-country skiing

The Estonian countryside in winter has over 1,000 kilometres of cross-country skiing trails, suitable for all skill levels.

The Otepää region, in the south near Tartu, is known as the Winter Capital of Estonia has excellent tracks.

For those staying in Tallinn there are the ski tracks in Nõmme or Pirita.

https://visitestonia.com/en/where-to-go-cross-country-skiing-in-estonia

Nordic ski tour

Visitors to the Soomaa National Park, in the south-west of the country can a Nordic Ski Tour through the Baltic's largest frozen bog system, with experts who share fascinating insights into the area's history and wildlife.

https://www.adventuretraining.ee/product-page/nordic-ski-tour-in-soomaa-national-park

Estonia's Majestic Golden Eagles

Estonia is home to a population of around 50 pairs of golden eagles, thriving in the country's remote forests and bogs.

For wildlife photographers, the North and Middle regions of Estonia offer exceptional Golden Eagle photo hides, providing prime opportunities to observe these majestic birds in their natural habitat.

The best time to see the eagles is from December to February.

https://balticnaturetourism.com/en/tour/bird_watching_soomaa_soomaa_pukhekula

 More information :

https://visitestonia.com/en