Tallinn isn’t just a charming medieval city; it’s also a fantastic base for outdoor enthusiasts. The surrounding landscape offers everything from quiet lakes and lush forests to rugged coastlines and peat bogs. What makes these tours stand out is their ability to combine nature, local culture, and active fun, often with expert guides leading the way. Whether you’re after a peaceful walk in untouched forests or an adrenaline rush with huskies or bog shoes, Tallinn has something to offer. And yes, many of these excursions, like the Half Day Hiking Tour in Beautiful Estonian Nature, are perfect for those wanting a taste of Estonia’s wild side without a week-long commitment.
One of my favorites is the Half Day Hiking Tour because it takes you away from the tourist crowds, into Estonia’s scenic, varied landscapes. For animal lovers, the Husky Park with Cani-Cross Hike offers a chance to bond with sled dogs and explore the countryside in an active, memorable way. For something truly distinctive, the Bog-shoe Hiking Tour is a fun and authentic way to explore marshy, sponge-like landscapes with specialized footwear. And for history buffs, the Astangu Nature and History Hike offers a peek into Peter the Great’s fortifications.
1. Half Day Hiking Tour in Beautiful Estonian Nature
At number 1, we kick off with a half-day hiking tour that takes you into Estonia’s peaceful natural scenery. The tour begins with a scenic drive up to about an hour from Tallinn’s city center, leading you to a landscape that’s mostly untouched and far from tourist crowds. The highlight is the Paukjärv Nature Reserve — a large, flat area with scenic lakes, bogs, and forests that change quickly with the seasons. The 3-hour hike offers a perfect overview of Estonia’s natural beauty, and the trail conditions are good, making it accessible for most hikers.
The tour also includes a visit to the Jagala Waterfall, which is Estonia’s highest natural waterfall at approximately 8 meters high and more than 50 meters wide. This site looks different as the seasons change and is ideal for photos or just soaking in the scenery. Past travelers mention how peaceful and unspoiled the trails are, with one reviewer describing it as “a magnificent experience that made our trip truly memorable.” This tour is best suited for nature lovers who want a relaxed, scenic escape and don’t mind a 5-hour outing.
Bottom line: A quiet, scenic, and well-organized way to experience Estonia’s landscapes, perfect for those who want good trails without the crowds.
2. Tour to Husky Park with Cani-Cross Hike
Next on our list, the Husky Park with Cani-Cross Hike is a must-do for dog lovers and active travelers. During this approximately four-hour trip, you’ll visit a husky farm outside Tallinn, where you’ll learn about the breed’s history and the sled dog culture that is such a part of Estonia’s winter sport scene. The real thrill comes when you harness a husky and go for a hike through the countryside—an experience that’s both fun and unique.
What makes this tour stand out is the chance to interact with the dogs — playing, learning, and even taking a short ride. The cani-cross part is a fun twist, where a husky helps pull you along on your walk, creating a memorable bonding moment. Past guests rave about how friendly and helpful the guides are, and how the huskies are adorable and well-cared-for. The tour is ideal for active families, animal lovers, or anyone curious about Estonian outdoor life beyond city walls.
Bottom line: An engaging, animal-focused tour that combines nature, learning, and adventure, suitable for most fitness levels and families with kids.
3. Bog-shoe Hiking Tour
Number three is the Bog-shoe Hiking Tour, which offers a truly authentic Estonian experience. Strapping on bogshoes transforms a walk into an adventure through marshy wetlands and peat bogs—landscapes that are impossible to access with regular shoes. The tour takes you to KÕnnu Suursoo, a vast bog area where your guide shares legends, local stories, and insights into wildlife.
The real appeal here is the specialized footwear that keeps your feet dry and stable over the soft, sponge-like terrain. Travelers love how impressive and otherworldly the landscape is, especially when snow or frost adds a touch of magic. The tour includes hotel pickup, making it easy to join for a half-day adventure. One reviewer described it as “a must-do for nature lovers who want to see Estonia’s iconic wetlands up close,” emphasizing the unique environment you’ll experience.
Bottom line: An active, offbeat experience perfect for those interested in wetlands, legends, and a physically engaging way to explore Estonia’s marshlands.
4. From Tallinn: Husky Park Tour with Cani-Cross Hike
This tour expands the husky experience into a full-day adventure, starting with a visit to a sled dog park in KÕrvemaa. After learning about the dogs’ training and life at the farm, you’ll take a hike through the beautiful Estonian countryside harnessed to a friendly husky. It’s an interactive way to see the landscape and meet the animals that play such a key role in Estonia’s outdoor culture.
The experience includes learning about sled dogs, playing with the pups, and participating in a cani-cross hike. The tour is perfect for dog lovers and those wanting a more immersive experience than the shorter version. It’s a good value considering the full 4-hour duration and the chance to see rural Estonia with an enthusiastic local guide.
Bottom line: A comprehensive outdoor activity ideal for active families or anyone interested in working dogs and scenic countryside.
5. From Tallinn: Lahemaa National Park 3 Waterfall Hike
Number five takes you into Lahemaa National Park for a guided waterfall hike. Starting with a comfortable 1-hour drive from Tallinn, this tour explores Joaveski, Nõmmeveski, and Vasaristi waterfalls—each with its own character and charm. Your guide shares stories of local folklore, the area’s history, and points out flora and fauna along the way.
What makes this tour appealing is the combination of waterfalls—a rare sight in Estonia—and the chance to see deer and water ouzels. The hike is moderate, making it suitable for most fitness levels. Reviewers mention how beautiful and peaceful the scenery is, with some describing the waterfalls as “stunning and different in every season.” It’s best suited for those who want to combine nature with light hiking and cultural stories.
Bottom line: A scenic, water-focused hike that balances nature, wildlife, and local lore—a great choice for a full morning or afternoon out.
6. From Tallinn: Prangli Island Hiking and Sauna Tour
Number six offers a full-day escapade to Prangli Island, combining hiking with relaxation. You’ll take a ferry to this lesser-known island, explore its pine forests and seaside villages, and enjoy a guided walk through its wilderness and local sites. The tour also features a traditional sauna experience and a local lunch, making it both active and restorative.
What makes Prangli special is the rustic atmosphere, the stories about local legends, and the chance to see Estonia’s coastal life up close. Past travelers mention the warmth of the sauna and the delicious homemade food, which caps off the day beautifully. The tour is suitable for those who want an authentic, relaxed outdoor experience with a cultural twist.
Bottom line: An ideal tour for those seeking nature, local flavor, and some well-earned relaxation after hiking.
7. Tallinn: Astangu Nature and History Hike
Finally, the Astangu Nature and History Hike offers a shorter, more focused experience. In just 2.5 hours, your guide will take you through the Peter the Great sea fortress tunnels, where you’ll learn about military history and see the underground chambers used for storage. You’ll also explore the mini-islands formed when tunnels collapsed and enjoy views from Mäeküla limestone clint.
This tour is perfect for history buffs and those interested in military architecture, providing a good mix of outdoor walking and storytelling in a shorter timeframe. Many reviews praise the informative guides and the chance to see hidden tunnels. It’s a good option if your time in Tallinn is limited but you want a taste of the city’s military past.
Bottom line: A compact historical hike with some scenic views, ideal for history enthusiasts and travelers on a tight schedule.
How to Choose the Best Hiking and Trekking Tour in Tallinn
When selecting among these tours, consider your fitness level, interests, and how much time you want to spend outdoors. For a full immersion into Estonia’s landscapes, the Bog-shoe Hiking Tour and the Lahemaa Waterfall Hike are excellent choices. If you’re traveling with kids or animal lovers, the Husky Park with Cani-Cross Hike offers memorable encounters.
For those interested in history, the Astangu Nature and History Hike is short but packed with stories. If you want a mix of coastal scenery, local culture, and relaxation, the Prangli Island Tour delivers.
Booking early is advisable, especially in the summer months when tours fill quickly. Think about your interests and energy levels—some tours are perfect for casual walkers, others for active explorers looking for a physical challenge.
Final Thoughts
Tallinn’s natural surroundings offer a surprising variety of outdoor activities for all tastes. From tranquil lakes and waterfalls to exhilarating husky hikes and bog-shoe adventures, the options cater to nature lovers and history buffs alike. If you’re pressed for time, the Half Day Hiking Tour provides a gentle but scenic escape. For a more active and animal-filled experience, the Husky Park or Bog-shoe tour are excellent choices.
No matter what you pick, these tours promise a memorable look at Estonia’s wild side, nicely complementing your exploration of Tallinn’s historic charm. Be sure to book early, pack comfortable shoes, and prepare for some fresh air and unforgettable views.