Tallinn may be a small, historic city, but it’s a surprisingly good base for exploring Estonia’s magnificent natural landscapes. Its proximity to lush forests, waterfalls, and coastal regions makes it easy to escape the urban buzz and dive into some of Europe’s most charming wilderness areas. We especially love how some tours combine cultural sites with outdoor adventures, giving you a well-rounded taste of Estonia’s varied scenery. For example, a trip to Lahemaa National Park offers not only stunning nature but also insights into rural Estonian life.
If you’re considering a day outside the city, there’s a good range of options—from shorter hikes to full-day excursions—each with its own unique focus. Whether you’re after a quick nature fix or a comprehensive exploration, Tallinn’s nearby parks deliver authentic experiences, friendly guides, and memorable landscapes. Below is a quick overview of the top choices to help you decide.
1. From Tallinn: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park
This highly-rated tour (4.9/5 from 451 reviews) offers a 7-hour journey into Estonia’s largest national park. It includes visits to waterfalls, bog walks, old fishing villages, and forests, making it ideal for those wanting a thorough outdoor experience. The tour features stops at Jägala waterfall, the tallest in Estonia, and Sagadi Manor, a beautifully preserved estate that showcases the region’s aristocratic past. A highlight is exploring Viru Raba, where you can walk along forest trails and boardwalks in a bog—a quintessential Estonian landscape.
What sets this tour apart is its detailed itinerary that balances guided walks with free time for photos and exploration. The guide, Chris, is praised for his storytelling and local knowledge, often sharing edible plant tips and anecdotes about rural life. The tour’s small group size creates an intimate atmosphere, making it easier to ask questions and customize your experience. For a comprehensive day with diverse scenery and cultural stops, this trip is hard to beat.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a full day of natural beauty, wildlife, and local insights without the hassle of planning transport themselves.
2. Lahemaa National Park Day Trip
Rated a perfect 5.0/5 from 241 reviews, this 9-hour excursion offers a relaxed, in-depth exploration of Lahemaa’s highlights at a very reasonable price—about $139.03 per person. The tour emphasizes sustainable and intimate experiences, limiting groups to just 8 people. You’ll start with a walk through the Viru Bog Trail, an easy hike over wetlands that showcases Estonia’s unique peatlands. Next, you’ll visit Jagala Waterfall, the largest in the country, with plenty of time for photos.
The journey also includes stops at Sagadi Manor, where you can appreciate historic architecture and gardens, and Altja, a seaside village that remains largely unchanged. This tour balances scenic walks with cultural insights, making it great for families or travelers who prefer a slower pace. The local guide, Johanna, is known for her storytelling and careful attention to comfort, especially in variable weather.
A real plus here is the diverse itinerary packed into a manageable day, providing a broad sense of Estonia’s natural and cultural landscape. Reviewers love how much ground they cover without feeling rushed, and many note the high quality of the lunch break.
Bottom line: Best suited for those who want an affordable, small-group adventure with a mix of wetlands, waterfalls, and seaside charm.
3. Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park
This popular 7-8 hour tour (rated 5.0/5 from 92 reviews) is perfect for travelers who want a structured, guided experience of Lahemaa’s key sights. For around $147.46, you’ll visit Jägala Waterfall, where the limestone cliffs and rushing water make for stunning photos, plus Sagadi Manor, which offers a glimpse into Estonia’s Baltic-German past through its restored rooms and gardens. The final stop is Viru Bog, where you walk along forest trails and wooden boardwalks to experience the quintessential Estonian bog landscape.
Guided by an expert, you won’t need to worry about navigation or logistics, and the small group size ensures a personalized touch. Reviewers highlight the guide’s deep knowledge and the variety of stops—each offering a different aspect of Estonia’s natural and historic heritage. This tour is well-suited for those short on time but eager to see a bit of everything in Lahemaa.
While the price is slightly higher, the convenience and focused itinerary make it a good value for the experience delivered.
Bottom line: Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive, guided day with natural waterfalls, historic manors, and forest walks.
4. From Tallinn: Lahemaa National Park 3 Waterfall Hike
For those who prefer active exploration, this 5-hour guided hike (rating 4.8/5) takes you to three of Lahemaa’s waterfalls: Joaveski, Nõmmeveski, and Vasaristi. The tour is designed for nature lovers who want to combine physical activity with storytelling about Estonia’s folklore, wildlife, and landscape. The route includes crossing streams, observing water ouzels (dippers), and spotting deer, making it a hit with outdoor enthusiasts.
The hike begins after a comfortable hour-long drive from Tallinn, setting a relaxed tone. The guide shares folk stories and natural history as you trek along forest paths and over wooden bridges. This tour is best suited for active travelers comfortable with a moderate walk and variable weather.
Reviewers note that the waterfalls are especially beautiful after rain, and the stories about Estonian culture add an inviting layer of context. It’s a shorter, more physically engaging option that offers a true taste of Lahemaa’s wilderness.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers eager to experience Lahemaa’s waterfalls on foot while learning about local folklore.
How to Choose
When selecting the best national park tour from Tallinn, consider your interests, fitness level, and how much time you want to spend outdoors. If you prefer a full-day, comprehensive adventure with cultural stops, the From Tallinn: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park is ideal. For a more intimate experience with a focus on wetlands and seaside villages, the Lahemaa National Park Day Trip offers excellent value and small-group comfort.
Active travelers who love hiking might prefer the Lahemaa National Park 3 Waterfall Hike, while those wanting a guided, sightseeing-focused day will find the Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park suits their preferences.
Timing also matters—summer months offer longer days and better weather, but many tours operate year-round, so check availability ahead of time.
Final Thoughts
Tallinn’s proximity to Lahemaa National Park makes it a prime destination for outdoor lovers. Whether you want a full-day exploration with cultural highlights, a small-group nature walk, or an active waterfall hike, there’s an option to suit your style. For shorter visits, the guided hikes are perfect, but if you’re after a more relaxed, sightseeing-heavy day, the longer tours will serve you well.
Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date. Each of these tours offers a meaningful way to experience Estonia’s remarkable landscapes—so pick what excites you most and go enjoy the natural beauty just outside Tallinn.