Frequently Asked Questions about Estonia

Want to know more about Estonia? Read our FAQs about Estonia and discover a host of reasons why Estonia would be perfect for your next event or conference.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT ESTONIA

When is the best time of year to visit Estonia?

If you want to make the most of the warmer weather, the best time to visit Estonia is in late spring or summer. The fine weather means you can meander around Estonia’s stunning cities and spend time seeped in the country’s spectacular natural landscapes. Those planning a visit between May and July can take advantage of the country’s ‘white nights,’ when summer days extend long into the night. The sun almost never sets in June, which is something unique for visitors from southern Europe. Estonian summers are relatively short however and temperatures do begin to cool down quite rapidly from mid-September onwards.

Autumn can be a beautiful season in which to visit, as the landscape is transformed by autumnal hues. Business travellers can enjoy the relative peace, post peak leisure and cruise tourist season. Similarly, spring is a superb time to travel. The countryside becomes green and lush following the winter thaw and the cities’ pavement cafés become populated once again.

While Estonia can experience significant snowfall during the winter, it can be a magical time to visit. From stunning frozen landscapes to the charm of snow-covered medieval cities, wrap up warm during the colder, darker days.

Does Estonia offer reliable Destination Management Companies (DMCs) with which to work?

Estonia boasts a number of professional and experienced DMCs, most of which are members of the Estonian Convention Bureau. Our DMCs have managed many demanding incentive groups and organised numerous successful conferences. As such, your only difficulty will be in determining which DMC to choose.

One great advantage of being a small destination is that our suppliers have developed strong working relationships. Instead of competing, our organisations work in partnership to guarantee clients the best possible outcome for their event. Don’t take our word for it however, simply take a look at our partner organisations’ testimonials.

What are the most interesting activities for well-travelled clients?

Estonia offers many ‘must-do’ activities to ensure visitors make the most of an extended conference stay. For first-timers, Tallinn’s medieval Old Town is not to be missed. Once a bustling trade hub, today, the city boasts UNESCO World Heritage site status and is famed for its winding cobblestone streets and half-hidden courtyards. A walking tour around the Old Town typically lasts a couple of hours and takes in the city’s most fascinating sights.

For those already at home in Tallinn, an interesting and unusual activity is a leather workshop with Stella Soomlais. A famous Estonian designer with a passion for leather craft, Stella’s designs are unique and beautiful. Have fun with colleagues or friends, designing and creating your own leather accessory with Stella’s team on hand to help.

Alternatively, immerse yourself in the fascinating landscape of Estonia’s bogs. Take a bog shoeing tour through the peat pools, hollows and raised beds, all of which are still in the process of formation. This enchanting landscape currently covers 22% of Estonia and is a haven for flora, fauna and wildlife.

Why not try your hand at another craft activity and enjoy a sweet treat at the same time? Tallinn has a rich association with marzipan. Originally revered for its medicinal properties, nowadays marzipan is a popular treat. Visitors can participate in a marzipan painting workshop, with the opportunity to sculpt, colour and paint their own creations.

Another unique activity for groups is a visit to an Estonian sculptor´s studio. Enjoy learning the secrets of sculpture in a bohemian and creative environment. At the end of the workshop, participants can take their own work home as a reminder of this unique activity.

For a fun, adrenaline-filled activity, why not get behind the wheel of a rally car? You can organise a fun, rally sprint contest as a company event or as a special activity for a group of conference delegates with two drivers going head to head to take the trophy for the team.

When is Estonia’s peak conference season?

As is the case for many popular conference destinations, Estonia also enjoys an increased number of business visitors during the months of May, June and September. As such, organisers may encounter higher rates during these more popular months.

To avoid a more costly conference or event, why not consider the months of April or October to benefit from more competitive rates.

What is the average room rate for a 4 to 5 star hotel?

Estonia’s cities boast a range of top quality hotel venues. Prices are dependent on the season and will vary according to demand. On average, you can expect to pay between 115 and 120 euros per night for 4 star accommodation. An elegantly appointed room in a 5 star hotel will set you back around 130 to 150 euros per night.

Hotel accommodation services in Estonia benefit from a reduced rate of tax and breakfast is almost always included in the room rate. Furthermore, city tax, which is a general tax levied on accommodation by many municipalities, does not apply in Estonia.

What’s the capacity of Estonia’s largest conference space?

Estonia is a boutique destination for conferences. The largest venue available is the Alexela Concert Hall, which is located in the Solaris Centre in Tallinn. The Alexela Concert Hall’s Grand Hall seats 1829 guests on three levels. A short, 5 minute walk from most business class hotels and the picturesque Old Town, its city centre location means it’s also a mere 10 minutes from the airport.

The Concert Hall has hosted some of Estonia’s largest scientific conferences. In 2014, the venue was visited by 1600 delegates of the Congress of the European Sleep Research Society and in August 2017, the annual Meeting of the European Federation of Animal Science (EAAP) took place, welcoming 1100 delegates.

In addition, Estonia boasts many centrally located conference hotels, all well-equipped to cater for smaller groups. The largest venue is found in the Hilton Tallinn Park Hotel, which is located in the city centre, a stone’s throw from Tallinn’s main business area, the harbour and the Medieval Old Town. Its Grand Ballroom can comfortably accommodate 530 guests.

How many hotel rooms are available in Estonia’s conference city destinations?

There are many centrally located hotels in both Tallinn and Tartu, with availability to suit a range of different budgets. Tartu boasts a capacity of 1000 hotel rooms in total, whereas Tallinn can accommodate more guests, with 7300 rooms available.

How would you describe Estonian cuisine?

Traditional Estonian cuisine has substantially been based on meat and potatoes or fish in coastal and lakeside areas. However today, its influences come from many other cuisines. From international specialities to a number of contributions from the traditions of its neighbouring countries, Estonian cuisine can be described as Nordic with a twist.

Estonian chefs enjoy incorporating healthy, local ingredients into simple dishes that reflect Nordic culinary traditions. International and fusion gourmet food can be enjoyed very inexpensively, making Estonia a desired destination for foodies. In recent years, many new, top quality and reasonably-priced restaurants have sprung up in Tallinn and Tartu. Both of which are increasingly popular conference city destinations.

What language is spoken in Estonia?

The official language of Estonia is Estonian. This is a Uralic language which is related to Finnish. English, Finnish and Russian are also widely spoken.

Is Estonia easy to get to?

Estonia is only a 2 to 3 hour flight away from most European hubs. The country’s largest airport is Tallinn, which is located just 4 km from the city centre. Easily accessible, the airport has good public transport links, offers sufficient access for taxies and provides plenty of car parking options.

Tallinn’s already convenient airport became even more accessible recently with the addition of a new tram connection from the city centre. This is welcome news for event organisers, as the tram links provide hassle-free transfer options, enabling easy access to many hotels straight from the airport.

These are some just some of the frequently asked questions about Estonia that we receive daily, but if you have any further questions or would like to know more about Estonia, then please get in touch today.

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