28.6.2022 | Leisure

Caravanning in Estonia – “Don’t settle for just one campsite”

Text Elina Mikkonen
Photos Elina Mikkonen / Estonian Camping Association

Campsites in the Baltic countries will be the destinations of more and more caravans from around Europe this summer.

The caravan season will soon be at its busiest again, and this summer is expected to be a record high after two corona years.

Markku Lehtonen is a member of the board of the Estonian Camping Association. According to him, many Finnish caravanners are itching to get behind the wheel. The desire to go south again is strong, because the last couple of summers have been spent touring only in Finland.

Lehtonen also has his own campsite – Camping Pikseke – in Haapsalu. The so-called “old people” want to meet their acquaintances, and it is easy to come to Estonia. It is close and safe.

“During a normal summer, we have about 500 caravans, now we are expecting a busier summer,” Lehtonen predicts.

Caravanners going to Estonia for the first time are also recommended to tour the whole country. It is a good idea to plan for at least a week. If you want to visit the Estonian islands too, it can easily take at least ten days.

When leaving Tallinn, it is worth going down to the west coast, to the south and back up along the shore of Peipsi Lake in the east. The route gives a good overview of Estonia.

Estonia is a small country, but its regions are very different. Plains in the north and west. There are hills, rivers and lakes around Viljandi and Tartu. There are many caravan and camping areas along this route. There are not so many in central Estonia yet.

Eastern Estonia and the shores of Peipsi Lake are worth experiencing. The region has its own culture, dating back to the 17th century, when Russians fled from Russia to Estonia. As the name implies, the “Onion Road” on the shores of Lake Peipsi is known for its onions, which have been cultivated by hand for centuries.

In August-September, the world’s best onions are sold in the seaside villages of Peipsi Lake. The stalls are decorated with spectacular onion counters. Fish from Peipsi Lake is also a great treat. The Onion Road is about 40 kilometers from Tartu.

Markku Lehtonen places the new Vanamõisa Caravan Park near Tallinn in the top three campsites in Estonia. It is the largest campsite in Estonia with 150 caravan pitches, cottages and tent sites.

Markku Lehtonen, Kalmer Tint and Lia Timmu presented Estonian camping services at the Turku fair.

Mereoja Kamping can be found on the north coast, about a hundred kilometers east of Tallinn. You can admire the sunsets in a scenic location by the sea. There are 50 caravan pitches, ample room to pitch tents, along with cottage accommodation in the area.

One of the newest caravan parks, Solar Caravan Park north of Pärnu, is also one of Lehtonen’s favourites. Solar Caravan Park is powered by solar energy.

All of the above places have good and varied services. Nature facilities are also available nearby offering the opportunity to engage in a wide range of activities on land and water, providing entertainment for travellers of all ages and tastes.

The Estonian Camping Association currently has 18 campsites. The number of caravan pitches in the campsites varies from a few dozen to over a hundred.

Caravans are taken to the areas in order of arrival, but during the summer season, it is a good idea to inquire about places in advance. The price level is quite similar throughout the Baltics. The price is usually around 15-30 euros per day for two people. The price includes all essential services for caravans, such as electricity, sewage disposal and water intake.

Estonian Camping Association

The Estonian Camping Association consists of campsites operating in Estonia that meet the requirements defined by the association. The main goal of the association is to guarantee customers quality services at its members’ campsites.

You can become a member of the association if the quality criteria are met. The association also carries out quality control.

Frequently asked questions and answers:

Do I have to pay motorway tolls in Estonia? No.
What is the condition of Estonian roads? The road network is mainly in good condition.
How do I get to the Estonian islands? By car ferry. Tickets can be purchased online at www.praamid.ee.
s tap water drinkable? Yes.
Are the shops open every day? Yes.
Are hiking trails free? Yes.