Estonia is lucky to have four (actually five!) seasons. Each has its own unique charm, so you can visit again and again and find something new to experience every time.
Here are six reasons why it’s easy to fall in love with autumn in Estonia.
Hiking and fall foliage
As the weather cools in Estonia, the leaves begin to change. The bogs turn golden brown, and flocks of birds pass through on their way to warmer climes. Once the leaves have fallen, the bare branches and quiet, foggy mornings give the landscape an otherworldly feel. Another upside to off-season hiking? No pesky bugs!
Foraging for forest foods
While you’re out in the woods and bogs, you’re apt to find seasonal delicacies such as mushrooms and berries. Foraging is a national pastime in Estonia, but if it’s your first time, go with an experienced guide to make sure you’re picking the right thing.
Estonian chefs also take advantage of nature’s seasonal bounty. You’ll find chanterelles, apples, cranberries, and other wild products on menus around the country. You can get the best of both worlds — hiking and fine dining — by organizing a catered picnic showcasing local products.
Estonia’s traditional fall holidays
While Halloween has become popular in bigger cities, Estonia’s traditional autumn holidays, Mardipäev and Kadripäev, are still celebrated in smaller towns and villages. These celebrations hark back to Estonia’s rural past and mark the end of the harvest season. In Tallinn, you can join in the fun at the Open Air Museum.
Spotting bears before they turn in for the winter
Autumn is best for bear watching in Estonia, as bears tend to stay in one place longer as they fill up before hibernating. Several companies have special hides tucked away in the forest where you can spend the night waiting for a glimpse of one of Europe’s largest mammals. You’re also likely to have other four-legged visitors, like wild boar, moose, raccoon dogs, and deer.
Visiting wineries during the harvest season
Though Estonia is officially a winemaking region thanks to the Nordic grape varietals that grow here, many of the country’s wineries produce fruit and berry wines. See (and taste!) for yourself at one of the over 20 producers on the Estonian Wine Trail.
The film selection at the Black Nights Film Festival
Estonia’s largest cultural event of the season is the Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF). This film festival is one of the few A-category festivals in the world, like Cannes, Venice, and Berlin. For two weeks in November, when the nights feel especially dark, you can catch a film in one of Tallinn’s cozy cinemas. Many screenings are accompanied by Q&As with directors, producers, and actors, and you can also join other cinephiles at a number of parties and side events.
