Tallinn is a fantastic hub for exploring Estonia’s national parks—not just because it’s surrounded by lush forests and scenic coastlines, but because many tours make it effortless to experience the country’s natural beauty without the hassle of planning. Whether you’re eager to walk through ancient forests, see stunning waterfalls, or learn about rural life, Tallinn offers a variety of guided trips that suit different interests and fitness levels. The tours we highlight below include everything from a comprehensive full-day adventure to a focused waterfall hike, all with the goal of making your escape into nature easy and memorable.
One of our favorite options is the From Tallinn: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park because it combines a variety of landscapes—forests, bogs, waterfalls, and seaside villages—while giving you insights into Estonian rural life. Its detailed stops and enthusiastic guides really stand out. For those who want a shorter, active experience, the Lahemaa Waterfall Hike offers a concentrated dose of waterfalls and folk stories in just five hours. And if you prefer a guided tour that takes the worry out of navigation, the Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park with a small group provides a relaxed atmosphere for exploring this impressive wilderness.
1. From Tallinn: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park
At number 1 on our list, the From Tallinn: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park offers an in-depth exploration of Estonia’s first and largest national park. This 7-hour tour is perfect if you want a comprehensive experience without the hassle of planning your own transportation. The tour visits Jägala Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Estonia, and takes you through bogs, forests, and seaside villages like Kasmu, giving a well-rounded picture of Lahemaa’s natural and cultural highlights.
What sets this experience apart is the detailed itinerary and the engaging guide, Chris, who is praised for sharing stories about rural life, flora, fauna, and even edible plants like spruce. The tour includes walking in a bog, exploring an old fishing village, and discovering Viru raba parkla, which features a guided walk in a stunning forested bog landscape. The stop at Sagadi Manor adds a historical touch, giving insights into Estonia’s Baltic-German heritage.
The reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides, like Chris, make the day memorable. One reviewer called the guide “absolutely amazing,” while another appreciated the variety of stops and the inclusion of nature walks and waterfalls. The only potential drawback is that the trip involves a lot of driving (about 75 minutes between some stops), but this is offset by the rich experience packed into a single day.
Bottom line: If you’re after a full, guided immersion into Lahemaa’s forests, waterfalls, and villages, this tour offers excellent value with a personal touch.
2. Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park
At number 2, the Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park scores a perfect 5.0/5 from its reviewers, which says a lot about its quality. Priced at around $147.46 per person, this tour is ideal for those who want a guided, worry-free day out. It’s perfect if you prefer a smaller group—hence more personalized attention—and want to see some of Lahemaa’s most famous sights like Jägala Waterfall, Sagadi Manor, and the forests around Viru Bog.
The main highlight is visiting Jägala Waterfall, where the limestone cliff plunges 8 meters—an impressive natural feature that makes for great photos. The guide explains how the waterfall was formed, and visitors can walk down to the river or view it from the top. The tour also includes a visit to Sagadi Manor, a historic estate showcasing the Baltic-German architecture and an adjoining forest museum, giving insight into Estonia’s traditional rural life.
Reviewers rave about how knowledgeable guides like Jorge and Chris make the trip engaging, sharing details about flora, fauna, and Estonian culture. The tour runs for about 7 to 8 hours and takes care of transportation, so you can relax and enjoy the scenery.
Bottom line: For a small-group experience that emphasizes personalized storytelling and natural beauty, this tour is excellent. It’s especially good for those who want a relaxed pace with plenty of opportunities for photos and questions.
3. From Tallinn: Lahemaa National Park 3 Waterfall Hike
Number 3 on our list is the Lahemaa National Park 3 Waterfall Hike, a 5-hour guided hike that appeals to those who want a more active experience. This tour focuses on exploring three waterfalls—Joaveski, Nõmmeveski, and Vasaristi—and learning about the area’s folklore, flora, and fauna.
What makes this hike special is the opportunity to experience not just nature, but also local stories about Estonia’s cultural connections to these landscapes. The guide shares folk tales, and you’ll have chances to see both wildlife like deer and water ouzel (dipper) along the forest trails. The trip begins with a scenic one-hour drive from Tallinn into Lahemaa, followed by a walk that combines waterfalls, forest paths, and folk stories, making it engaging and educational.
This is a good choice for travelers who are comfortable with light to moderate physical activity and want to see waterfalls up close. While shorter than the other tours, it’s packed with authentic experiences and a chance to connect with Estonia’s natural and cultural landscape through a focused hike.
Bottom line: If you’re looking for a physically engaging way to experience three waterfalls and hear local legends, this guided hike offers a memorable, active day in Lahemaa.
How to Choose the Right Tour
When deciding between these tours, consider your budget, fitness level, and interests. If a full day of diverse landscapes, cultural sites, and storytelling appeals to you, the From Tallinn: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park is a great pick. For a more intimate, small-group experience with a focus on scenery and natural highlights, the Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park delivers excellent value and personalized attention. If you prefer an active outing with waterfalls and folklore, the Waterfall Hike is your best bet.
It’s also worth considering your travel timing—some tours run year-round, but always check availability ahead of time, especially in winter months when weather can impact accessibility. And, if you’re keen to explore beyond the main sights, these tours can be combined with other Tallinn day trips or cultural experiences.
Final Thoughts
Tallinn’s proximity to Lahemaa National Park makes it an ideal destination for outdoor lovers and curious travelers alike. Whether you’re after a comprehensive guided tour, a small-group adventure, or an active waterfall hike, Estonia’s first national park has something to offer. Both the detailed, story-rich trips and the focused hikes provide genuine glimpses into Estonia’s natural beauty and rural charm.
To make the most of your trip, consider booking early—especially during peak seasons—to secure your spot. With so many options suited for different interests and activity levels, you’re sure to find a tour that makes your visit to Tallinn even more memorable.