A variety of different activities can be enjoyed in Estonia. Amongst the most popular leisure activities are canoeing, hiking, sailing, and cycling. Some of the most popular sports are skiing, soccer, athletics, and fencing. Games like basketball and golf are played, but they are not amongst the most popular. Estonia has only one 18-hole golf course, located at Niitvälja, 33km south-west of Tallinn.

Estonia has a great historical heritage to be explored. Architecture of note includes wooden barn-dwellings, medieval churches, and strongholds. Many eighteenth and nineteenth century manor houses also remain to be explored. Prominent buildings include the Danish-built Toompea Castle in Tallinn, the Karja Church in Saareamaa, the Palmse Manor house in Laane-Viru County, Tartu University; and Kadriorg Palace, built by Peter the Great.

For more information about cultural sites and tours, visit www.estonia.zeezo.com/recreation-leisure.htm or contact the local tourist board.

Eating out

Traditional Estonian cuisine includes porridge, soup, stew, casserole, black pudding, sauerkraut, dark rye bread, preserves, and pickles.

Main meals typically consist of meat, usually chicken, pork, lamb, veal, or beef; or fish, eel, cod, herring, plaice, and salmon being among the most common. Vegetables are potatoes, cabbage, beans, beets, carrots, peas, and mushrooms.

Dairy products such as cheese, eggs, milk, cream, and yoghurt have their place in the Estonian diet.

The most beloved deserts are cakes, pastries, ice cream, and fruit. Apples, cherries, pears, cranberries, raspberries, and strawberries are the most common, and honey is often used as a sweetener.

The traditional Estonian drinks are beer and kvass. Tea and coffee are also very popular.