Don't know much about camping in Estonia? No problem. We've done some research for you and put together the most important facts about camping in Estonia.
Estonia is a true underdog among the camping insider tips. Not only will you find plenty of unspoilt nature in the northernmost country of the Baltic States - from moorland to forests and lakes to the Baltic Sea coast, everything is here - wellness fans will also get their money's worth thanks to the Estonian sauna culture (there are also saunas on many campsites), just like wild campers - and all those who want to become one. Here you can find out why Estonia is ideal for wild camping, what you should bear in mind when travelling through Estonia by camper and what there is to see.
Holidays in Estonia by motorhome - how to get there
If you're travelling from Germany to Estonia in a camper, motorhome, caravan or car, you should expect to spend at least 18 hours driving. On your way, you will pass through Poland (here you'll drive on the A2 motorway, which is subject to tolls), Lithuania and Latvia - where you want to stop is up to you.
Traffic regulations in Estonia
Speed limits
The speed limit for motorhomes is 50 km/h in urban areas and 90 km/h outside urban areas and on dual carriageways.
Blood alcohol limit
The blood alcohol limit is 0.0.
Traffic light colours
In Estonia, the traffic lights alternate between green, flashing green, yellow and red. You are not allowed to drive when the lights are yellow (and red, of course).
Lighting
You must drive with dipped headlights all year round and every day.
Winter tyres
Winter tyres are compulsory from 1.12. - 1.3. and are sometimes extended to earlier or later months.
Animals on the road
Caution is advised, especially in the early and late hours, as there are many moose in Estonia, some of which stray onto the roads.
Other particularities
Although vehicles with foreign licence plates are theoretically exempt from the obligation to carry them, you should have a fire extinguisher and 2 wheel chocks in the car to prevent misunderstandings in the event of an inspection.
You can find more information on traffic regulations in Estonia at ADAC, and further information on recommended travel vaccinations and safety can also be found on the website of the Federal Foreign Office.
Good news for those who don't like camping. Free-standing and wild camping is largely tolerated in Estonia - as long as you don't camp in built-up areas, nature reserves, national parks or cultivated land. Outside built-up areas, you are also allowed to spend several nights in car parks, but for safety reasons it is recommended that you only spend the night in supervised car parks. You can also park on private land as long as you have the landowner's permission.
What's particularly cool about Estonia is that wild camping and free standing are not only tolerated, but even supported by the state forestry office, the RMK, in the form of small, free forest campsites. You can't expect showers or electricity at these sites, but many at least have dry toilets, fire pits, rubbish bins and picnic tables. Wild camping+, so to speak. On the RMK website, you can browse all the forest campsites, fire pits and other facilities maintained by the RMK. browse the website.
At this point it should be mentioned that Estonia is home to various wild animals. Wolves, bears and moose in particular are not to be trifled with. Fortunately, you can find numerous guides on camping and wildlife on the internet.
An absolute highlight in the north of Estonia is the country's capital, Tallinn. The city is easy to explore on foot, has a beautiful old town, beaches including promenades and of course you will also find various restaurants, cafés and bars here. When looking for a campsite in or around Tallinn, we came across the campsite Vihula Talu. The site has the most important facilities, is beautifully green and offers a variety of activities or excursions, and there is also a sauna.
Overall, the north of the country is known for its unspoilt nature and forests, small fishing villages and the northern limestone coast. The Laheema and Alutaguse national parks are also popular with visitors, as is the town of Rakvere, which is particularly famous for its 13th century castle ruins.
Laheema National Park is a wonderful place to go on various hikes. Among other things, you can visit the northernmost point of the Estonian mainland, the Purekkari headland on the Pärispea peninsula. You can camp in Laheema National Park and right on the coast at Laheema Camping, for example, or you can head for this campsite from RMK.
In the south of Estonia, you will find Karula National Park, many lakes, deep forests and the pretty little town of Viljandi. The landscape of Karula National Park - a mixture of forest, moors, lakes and much more - is best explored on foot or by bike. There is an RMK campsite in the immediate vicinity of the national park, but unfortunately we were unable to find out exactly whether it is also suitable for campers and motorhomes or only for travellers with tents. If you're thinking about staying here, it's best to check with the national park's visitor centre. Another nice RMK site in South Estonia is in the Pärnumaa recreation area, right by the sea.
In the west of Estonia you will find one thing above all - the Baltic Sea coast. In addition to coastal towns such as Pärnu and Haapsalu, the Matsalu National Park and the Soomaa National Park are among the highlights of the western regions of Estonia. The harbour town of Pärnu is particularly popular with tourists in summer. For sandy beaches, restaurants, cafés, bars, water sports and wellness, you've definitely come to the right place; for camping, the Solar Caravan Park and Camping Esplanaadi are there for you.
Soomaa National Park consists largely of rivers and bogs as well as forests and meadows. The special thing about the national park is that it is flooded year after year. At this time, you can't hike as you normally can on the boardwalks, but there are guided canoe tours and when the water freezes, you can even take out your ice skates. Canoe, kayak and SUP tours are also offered when it's not flood season. You can camp directly on the Navesti River at Watercamp Estonia.
There is a beautiful RMK site in the Estonian idyll on Peraküla beach near Nõva.
Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are among the most popular Estonian islands. On Saaremaa you can visit medieval stone churches, explore the Vilsandi National Park and much more. You will find the Kaali crater and a single town, Kuressaare (or Arensburg), which is particularly famous for its wellness centre. You can stroll and walk along Järve beach and the cliffs of Panga.
Thanks to Saaremaa's great popularity, there are also several campsites on the island. The Piibelehe Guesthouse site is located directly by Kuressaare. You have a view of the open sea at Köiguste Camping, while Muha Ranna is beautifully green. At Tuhkana beach there is a RMK site, as well as at Triigi beach.
The island of Hiiumaa is particularly known for its historic lighthouses such as the Kõpu lighthouse and its remoteness. You can also go surfing and sailing off Hiiumaa - Ristna beach even has the highest surfing waves in the Baltic Sea. There are also plenty of opportunities for hiking, so Hiiumaa is perfect for anyone who likes to get away from it all and enjoys outdoor sports. You can stay at the Viinaköök campsite, the Hirmuste campsite (RMK) or the Ninaotsa campsite, also run by RMK.
Ready for your holiday in Estonia
To summarise once again: Estonia is a fabulous place for friends of simple (and sometimes free) campsites, unspoilt, diverse nature, the sea and culture. Estonia is also a little camping insider tip, so you have a good chance of finding a campsite even during the peak summer season. In any case, we wish you lots of fun camping. And please don't mess with any moose.
