{"id":29693,"date":"2024-05-24T13:32:46","date_gmt":"2024-05-24T13:32:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/?p=29693"},"modified":"2025-07-16T06:36:08","modified_gmt":"2025-07-16T06:36:08","slug":"travel-recommendations-from-regio-employees-near-and-far","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/travel-recommendations-from-regio-employees-near-and-far\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel recommendations from Regio employees near and far"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Spring is a great time to dream and make travel plans for the summer. Working as we do in Regio with data and maps on a daily basis, we\u2019re always travelling in our minds, especially in Estonia and the Baltic States. In eager anticipation of summer, we looked back on our most memorable trips and events from last summer, which we\u2019re happy to share with all of you! After all, personal recommendations from near and far are always welcome. Regio employees reminiscing about their travel destinations include Kertu, P\u00fc\u00fc, Iris, Kristel, Liisi, Triin, Merle, Riivo, \u00d5ie and all three Kadris. Incidentally, many of them make great year-round destinations!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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1. Church of the Holy Cross (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This wayfarers\u2019 church in Harju-Risti is open to all comers. You can climb its semi-circular tower, admire the views from it and even ring the oldest church bell in Estonia. The church also has a unique tower caf\u00e9 where you can serve yourself tea, coffee and biscuits, paying whatever you feel is a fair amount. A monument to the War of Independence still stands in the churchyard, having survived 50 years of Soviet occupation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

2. Ott & Matilda Caf\u00e9 in Laulasmaa (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This is a particularly lovely caf\u00e9 to stop in at if you\u2019re on your way to Paldiski.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Caf\u00e9 Ott & Matilda by the sea in Laulasmaa<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

3. Song and Dance Celebrations (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This was without question the big event of summer 2023, and one that several Regio employees attended. The feelings evoked by the concert (and the thunderstorm that followed) were unforgettable. You\u2019ll find Regio employees dancing at festivals this spring and summer as well \u2013 at the Fifth South-Eastern Estonian Dance Festival in P\u00f5lva (25 & 26 May), the Tartu Song and Dance Celebrations (15 & 16 June) and the Fifth Estonian-Swedish Song and Dance Festival in Haapsalu (6 July).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

4. Prangli Island (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Estonia\u2019s small islands are a classic travel destination. Despite the many tourists it attracts in summer, a trip to Prangli remains a genuine and authentic experience. The island is the perfect size for cycling and has everything you\u2019d want from a vacation: sandy beaches, untouched forests, a variety of places to eat (from burger shacks to restaurants), bars, holiday homes, a splash of culture and military heritage. There\u2019s something for everyone!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

5. Mohni Island (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Mohni<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Situated around 5 km off the coast of Viinistu, this small island boasts diverse nature. Traverse the boardwalk across its eastern moors or go swimming in one of its lovely coves. The island can be reached by boat from Viinistu Harbour, and it only takes three or so hours to explore the entire island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

6. Palmse Manor (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

For the first time in years, Palmse Manor\u2019s park is free to visit once again! You can also take a peek at the orangery and visit the caf\u00e9 during the summer season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

7. Toolse Castle and Lahemaa National Park (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Toolse<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re pressed for time, you can take a day trip from Toolse to K\u00e4smu on the north coast. There\u2019s lots to see, including the Toolse Order Castle, Vainupea Chapel, the Sagadi Forest Museum, the Altja fishing village, V\u00f5su beach and the K\u00e4smu Sea Museum with its unique rocky sea views. The water can of course be enjoyed in various locations as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

8. The upper course of the Narva River (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

From Vasknarva through Jaama, Karoli and Permisk\u00fcla to Kuningak\u00fcla, the Narva River offers panoramic views towards Russia that feature uniquely Russian rural settlements. Kuningak\u00fcla is a dead end, as mines block the way north. For a long time, the two sides of the river formed part of one country. People from both banks often fished and spent time together. Now, border guard boats patrol the river. By land, the nearest sizeable towns are dozens of kilometres distant. Despite the paved roads and regular buses, locals still gaze longingly across the river to the other side. The Narva River is a natural traffic route \u2013 a waterway that has always connected people, but also left them vulnerable to their enemies. Everyone can visit the ruins of the Vasknarva Order Castle, where history buffs will find a detailed information board. On the opposite bank lies the village of Skamja, where an enormous white, blue and red flag flies menacingly\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

9. Home Caf\u00e9 Days (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Home caf\u00e9s offer a peek into people\u2019s backyards \u2013 you get to see what they\u2019re up to, buy handmade crafts directly from their makers and eat your fill of homemade food. Many such caf\u00e9s are open year-round, especially on weekends \u2013 so it\u2019s worth Googling them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

10. Heroes\u2019 Obstacle Race by Seiklushunt (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s always good to challenge yourself and do something new \u2013 and the Heroes\u2019 obstacle course events are a great opportunity to do both. Last year\u2019s race in L\u00e4hte had easier obstacle courses like crawling across a field, as well more difficult ones like crossing a 60-metre ditch with mud up to the participants\u2019 chests. Jewellery and shoes alike were lost in the gloop. And even if you didn\u2019t lose your shoes, they likely fell apart after constantly getting stuck in the mud! The most surprising obstacle involved diving into a muddy field covered with tyres, where the only way forward was by swimming through the mud itself. Although people were still finding bits of mud clinging to them a week later, they\u2019re already looking forward to participating and challenging themselves again!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

11. Kivitalu Country Hotel (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Nestled in the hills of Otep\u00e4\u00e4, the village of N\u00fcpli is home to a truly cosy home restaurant where host and head chef J\u00fcri Makarov both cooks for guests and, as sous chef, organises dinners based on a variety of national cuisines (including Italian and Uzbek). You\u2019ll have to book a table in advance, so keep an eye on Kivitalu\u2019s Facebook page or website!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

12. P\u00e4rnu Music Festival (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This festival has orchestral music to suit every taste. Last summer\u2019s Babylon P\u00e4rnu concert was an absolute banger!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

13. Viscosa Culture Factory and Virtsu Beach House (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Culture has been overtaking old factories not just in Tallinn and Tartu, but also in smaller places like Viskoosa and Virtsu! There\u2019s no denying the unique ambience of these renovated old factories, and even of those yet to be renovated. Since these venues are usually run by people from the local community in their spare time, they give off an air of freedom and independence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

14. Abruka Chapel (Estonia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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Abruka Chapel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Last summer, a new house of worship was built on the island of Abruka: a modest log chapel with a shingle roof that\u2019s open to all wayfarers. Stained glass windows by artist Mare Saar decorate the structure, depicting the four seasons on the island.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

15. Saulkrasti Sunset Trail (Latvia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Regio’s own Latvia Travel Guide introduced us to this spot. Several kilometres long, this hiking trail winds its way across dunes on the shores of the Baltic Sea.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

16. Sigulda Tarz\u0101ns Park (Latvia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This adventure park features obstacle tracks and a range of other attractions. It\u2019s a must-do for families with children!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

17. The outskirts of Riga\u2019s Old Town (Latvia)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll find all sorts of interesting places on the outskirts of the Old Town in Riga, including the Art Nouveau showcase that is Alberta Street with its many embassies. There are some lovely caf\u00e9s in the area, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

18. Kirkilai Karst Lakelets and Observation Tower (Lithuania)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Kirkilai<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

These surface depressions are well below the level of groundwater and have thus turned into lakelets. They\u2019re 20-30 metres in diameter on average, and 8-11 metres deep. More than 30 of these little lakes are interconnected. To enjoy stunning views of the landscape, climb the 32-metre, crescent-shaped observation tower.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

19. Pakruojise Manor and Flower Festival (Lithuania)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This manor complex features numerous buildings and a park. Installations and festivals can be enjoyed here year-round, including a flower festival in summer and lantern shows during the colder months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

20. Treetop Walk (Lithuania)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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This path through the treetops in Anyk\u0161\u010diai reaches up to 20 metres above the ground. You can get up close and personal with the local flora and fauna in just half an hour. At the end of the trail, an observation deck provides magnificent panoramic views of the surrounding forest and the \u0160ventoji River.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

21. Republic of U\u017eupis in Vilnius (Lithuania)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This riverside district of Vilnius has its own constitution \u2013 one which, among other things, grants dogs the right to be dogs. The constitution is also available in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

22. Serlachius Art Museum (Finland)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\"Serlachius<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Situated between the cities of Tampere and Jyv\u00e4skyl\u00e4, this magnificent museum features an annex built in 2014 that\u2019s somewhat similar to the Estonian National Museum in Tartu. The collections of the G\u00f6sta Serlachius Fine Arts Foundation are renowned for their pieces from Finland\u2019s golden age of art and paintings by old European masters. A cosy caf\u00e9 can be found in the museum\u2019s courtyard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

23. Energylandia Amusement Park (Poland)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

This park features rides for kids of all ages and is perfect for anyone travelling to Poland with children.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

24. G\u00e1nt (Hungary)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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West of Budapest lies an old mining area turned landscape protection zone which features peculiar red sand. Information about the former mines can be found in the local museum.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

25. Malta<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Malta is a land of sun and sea! But once you\u2019ve had enough of the blazing sun, make your way to the Esplora Interactive Science Centre for hours of fun. Its outdoor area offers great views of the port and the city of Valletta. And when it comes to Malta, you mustn\u2019t forget about its cats! If you love feeding, petting or just admiring felines, be sure to visit the \u0120nien Indipendenza park, one corner of which is reserved for stray cats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n


Of course, we can\u2019t leave you without recommending some useful travel aids:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

An Estonian road map<\/strong> \u2013 every car should be stocked with a comprehensive one! Our road map is printed on tear-resistant paper and features 75 destination recommendations with photos and introductory texts also in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Regio<\/figure>\n\n\n
Estonian Road Map With Cycling Routes<\/svg><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

The one-of-a-kind Estonian Road Atlas<\/strong> is accurate in scale and provides information on more than 5000 points of interest. The atlas is indispensable in areas where there\u2019s no mobile signal (or your batteries die).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Regio<\/figure>\n\n\n
Estonian Road Atlas<\/svg><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

Travel guide to Latvia<\/strong> \u2013 the first in-depth travel guide to Latvia of its kind, with plenty of photos and destination recommendations! Latvia is near to us and dear to us, but uniquely different from Estonia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Regio<\/figure>\n\n\n
Latvia, Travel Guide<\/svg><\/a><\/div>\n\n\n

In Latvia and Lithuania, our Baltic States Road Atlas<\/strong> will help you discover great hole-in-the-wall spots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"Regio<\/figure>\n\n\n
Baltic States: Regio Road Atlas of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania<\/svg><\/a><\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Spring is a great time to dream and make travel plans for the summer. Working as we do in Regio with\u2026<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":29135,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[124],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-29693","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travelling"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29693","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=29693"}],"version-history":[{"count":7,"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29693\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":29710,"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/29693\/revisions\/29710"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/29135"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=29693"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=29693"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.regio.ee\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=29693"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}