Winter Fun in Estonia

Text Stewart Johnson
Photo Rauno Liivand / Toolbox Estonia

Winter in Estonia is a veritable wonderland. Snow-capped pine forests, frozen bogs, cross-country and downhill skiing…where should you even start, if you want to do it all?

Let’s start with some professional winter sports events that you can watch, or if you’re in amazing shape, even compete in. 14–15 February will see the world-famous Tartu Marathon, which isn’t actually in Tartu, but in nearby Otepää. Also in Otepää will be the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup Stage on 12–15 March.

Cross-country skiing is a staple sport in Estonia. While you’re free to go into the wild and ski where you want, there are several established cross-country ski tracks throughout Estonia. Some of the most popular are in Nõmme, in Tallinn, the Tehvandi ski track in Otepää of course, and perhaps the most unique and family-friendly ski track is the Tähtvere Sports Park in Tartu. While you exercise on a well-groomed track, your kids are sled down the various hills inside the track, so they won’t wander away unsupervised.

Downhill skiing is surprisingly very popular in a country that is known for being rather flat. The advantage is that the slopes in Estonia aren’t nearly as crowded as Alpine resorts, making it easier and friendlier for youngsters and beginners learning the sport. Popular downhill ski locales are Kuutsemäe near Otepää, and the Kiviõli Adventure Centre in Ida-Viru County. Another smaller yet popular slope is in Nõmme, Tallinn.

While indoor ice-skating is possible year-round in a few locations in Estonia, outdoor ice rinks are where the real fun is. Did you know there’s a public ice rink in Tallinn’s Old Town? There’s also one on Tartu’s Town Hall Square until 1 March. Then of course there’s the popular Pirita Sports Centre, as well as a few other smaller rinks throughout the city. And if you’re in Viljandi, don’t forget to try skating on the lake!

A particularly interesting winter activity is in Soomaa National Park, where you can rent a kick sled and ice shoes to explore the frozen bogs. It’s just over an hour’s drive from Tallinn.

As this beautiful winter continues, the Baltic Guide will provide you with more ideas of how to enjoy the great outdoors.

To learn more about this and similar topics
Cross-country Skiing downhill skiing Kick Sled Skiing Soomaa Tallinn winter activities winter sports