Estonia

The charming Baltic nation of Estonia is roughly the size of Switzerland and is located in northern Europe. Estonian is the main language spoken in Estonia and the country boasts its own distinctive cultural and historical traditions. Estonia is graced with a rich range of flora that includes more than 1,400 different varieties of plants, many of which are very rare in the rest of Europe. A large number of European mammals can also be found in Estonia, including brown bears, roe deer, wolves and elk. 

Driving is the best way of getting around Estonia. The roads throughout the country are good, while traffic is generally light and most major destinations are located within easy driving distance of each other. Around half of Estonia is covered with forests and several roads wind their way through Estonia’s major forests, while several large areas of the country are covered by large lakes. Pärnu is the summer capital of Estonia and was built in the 19th century. This large town boasts a range of attractions including several beautiful sandy beaches. Estonia is also home to several islands, the largest of which is Saaremaa. This island is sparsely populated and features a large botanical reserve as well as a 13th century castle, while the island of Hiiumaa features stunning stretches of coast. 

The main gateway to Estonia is Tallinn, which boasts its own international airport. This is a good place to collect a rental car before using it to explore the city and surrounding area. Tartu is Estonia’s second city and the country’s main cultural hub. Motorists can follow a long winding road southeast through the country to reach Tartu from Tallinn. This drive is simply spectacular and takes motorists through many of the country’s unspoilt natural zones, while there are also traditional towns to stop at along the way such as Kose and Paide.