Things to do

Golf

The most famous 18-hole golf course in Estonia is located at Niitvälja, 33km south-west of Tallinn. The course is 6,280m long and is a par 72. The shortest hole is a 153m par three and the longest is a 510m par 5.

The golf course at Niitvälja has been created in the so-called "Florida Style", which features a relatively mildly sloping landscape, numerous water hazards and wide-open fairways, interspersed with narrower parts lined by dense forest. To guarantee a quality playing surface even in the hot, dry months of summer, a Danish designed sprinkler system has been installed. The course opens at the end of April and stays open until the end of November.

Also near Pärnu, Haapsalu and Kuressaare golf-courses have opened. At present we do not have full information on the stage of completetion of these courses, they are all open and all have plans to develop full 18 holes, but at least near Haapsalu it is still (December 2007) only 9 holes.

Cycling

Estonia’s varied and exciting scenery is ideal for cycling. The South-Estonian hills, opalescent lakes nestling in valleys, beautiful high pine forests, winding forest paths, peaceful but fascinating small towns, junipered coastal areas alive with dog roses. Deserted military regions invite cycling trips for both old and young, beginners or experts, alone or with friends. There is a large network of signed cycle routes in Estonia where those who are interested can find marvellous forest paths and attractive sights along the way. There are many accommodation places and other companies that hire out bicycles but you can always take along your own.

Hiking

The best relaxation and the way to really get to know nature and local culture is by hiking. There are 4 national parks and several local nature reserves in Estonia where, guided by signposts, you can walk along country paths and byways observing at close hand, seeing things that hurrying tourists can never take in from the coach window. The quite small territory of Estonia embraces different geological surface forms and associations of everyday and rare plants, birds and animals. Only by hiking can you perceive the deeper layers of nature and culture. To listen to the silence, to stroke the rough bark of an ancient oak, to pick wild berries, to feel the acrid smell of marsh rosemary and to notice the natural world from its tiniest forms to its most magnificent wonders. The best path-finder is a local guide who knows the particularities and peculiarities of the countryside and its most delicate nuances.

Riding

With horse-riding it does not matter whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider. There is a wide range of opportunities for trecking on horseback: forest paths, dunes, coastal areas covered with junipers or places of cultural significance connected with famous people from history. Nature has a different face for each season – the break of day, dawn, sunset, and nightfall are unforgetable experiences with your new friend the horse. If you are a beginner, you may go on a one-week riding camp or take elementary training in a riding school under the supervision of experienced trainers. Once again, you have acquired a new experience – you can ride a horse and enjoy the beauty of nature from a somewhat elevated position and with a different slant from the usual.

Skiing

The snowy slopes of Estonia have raised Olympic and World Champions but there is space for everyone on the ski slopes and skiing paths of Estonia. The hills in Otepää and Võrumaa are always snowy during winter time and the paths wait for sportsmen, beginners and Sunday skiers. There is choice for all tastes: cross country paths, skiboards, slalom hills, safari and snow taxis. Fresh air and an invigorating buzz in the bones after a sporting effort are guaranteed. The snow guns of the slalom hills enable you to polish your skills until the end of April and to take part in interesting events. You do not have to worry about either your equipment or your skills, in either case help is provided by professionals. A weekend or more in crisp air enjoying an active holiday restores your creative powers many times over.

Canooing

Canooing is a very popular activity in Estonia. You can choose for yourself what kind of trip you would like to take. Maybe you want a quick trip on a fast-flowing river, or maybe a lazy drawn-out float for several days down a quiet stream. Whether alone or in a group, competitive or not, you will enjoy your canoe trip prepared just for you. If you wish, a guide can accompany you to help you get the most out of your trip or to show you some of the finer points of canoeing. Normally trips are arranged for one to three days during the season from ice-in to ice-out. The price of the trip includes light meals, canoe rental, paddles and life vest, plus a basic course in canoe safety. Please make reservations well in advance.

Fishing

Estonia has a long coastline as well as many lakes and rivers. Everyone has the right to fish recreationally so long as they have the proper fishing permit. People may fish without needing a permit if they are only using a simple hand line which consists of a rod and line not more than 1.5 times the length of the rod, a single hook, float and sinkers. However, if a spinning reel is used you need to purchase a temporary permit. The form and price of a fishing permit is the same throughout Estonia. Prices of fishing permits are related to their validity. A fishing permit is personal and non-transferable. It can be purchased at any county Environmental Department.