When most travelers think of Scandinavia, they picture Sweden’s red cottages, Norway’s fjords, and Finland’s saunas. Yet tucked away on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea lies a country that delivers the same Nordic experience — often at half the price.
Welcome to Estonia, a nation that has long been labeled “Eastern European” but is increasingly making a case as the sixth Nordic country. With its Viking history, Scandinavian-style architecture, shared language roots, and modern Nordic lifestyle, Estonia offers a travel experience that feels profoundly familiar — yet refreshingly affordable.
Cycling Through Estonia’s Nordic Heart
On Vormsi Island, Swedish road signs lead visitors past traditional red farmhouses, windswept Baltic beaches, and dense pine forests. Here, even the beloved Swedish ritual of fika — coffee and cinnamon buns — is alive and well, except it costs only €4 instead of €10.
At first glance, the island feels like Sweden. But in reality, it is Estonia, carrying centuries of Nordic cultural influence that many outsiders overlook.
Estonia’s Nordic Roots
Estonia shares deep historical and cultural ties with its northern neighbors:
- Language: Estonian belongs to the Finnic branch of the Uralic language family, making it partially understandable to Finnish speakers.
- Religion: Protestant traditions shaped much of its culture, similar to Sweden and Finland.
- History: Denmark briefly ruled northern Estonia, and Sweden governed the country from the 16th to the 18th centuries, abolishing serfdom and introducing education.
Mart Kuldkepp, professor of Nordic history at University College London, explains:
“Internationally, Estonia has been defined by its Soviet past. But the country itself has consistently stressed its proximity to the Nordic world.”
For Estonians, this is not reinvention — it is reclaiming their true heritage.
The Legacy of Estonian Swedes
Before World War II, around 9,000 Swedes lived in Estonia, concentrated on the Noarootsi peninsula and islands like Vormsi, Hiiumaa, and Saaremaa. They kept their Swedish culture alive for centuries until 1944, when most fled to Sweden to escape Soviet occupation.
Today, their legacy is being revived. Restored farmhouses, museums, and cultural festivals celebrate their traditions. On Vormsi, Elisabeth, a Swedish woman whose family fled in the 1940s, returns every summer.
“I grew up hearing stories about Vormsi. Now I come back every year. It feels like coming home.”
Viking Heritage and Nordic Spirituality
Estonia is more than just Swedish-style cottages. Its Viking past runs deep. On Vormsi, the 12th-century St Olaf’s Church honors Norway’s patron saint, who spread Christianity across the region.
Recent discoveries, including Viking ship burials on Saaremaa Island, prove Estonia was an integral part of the Viking trade and cultural network.
As art history professor Kersti Markus notes:
“The Baltic Sea once connected the Nordic world. Estonia was always part of that story.”
Affordable Nordic Experiences
Travelers who love Scandinavia’s beauty but dread its prices will find Estonia a dream come true.
- Café Day (Kohvikute päev): Locals open pop-up cafés offering salmon, berry desserts, and lemonade — all for under €10.
- Dining: A fresh fish meal in a seaside village costs around €12.
- Hotels: Nordic-style boutique stays in Haapsalu or Tallinn come at 40–60% less than in Oslo or Stockholm.
- Transport: A first-class train ticket from Haapsalu to Tallinn costs just €6.
Simply put: Estonia delivers the Nordic lifestyle at a fraction of the cost.
Haapsalu: The Capital of Estonian Swedes
The charming town of Haapsalu once served as the capital of Estonia’s Swedish community. With its clapboard villas, saunas, and sweeping bay, it feels like a Scandinavian resort.
The Rannarootsi Museum tells the story of coastal Swedes, complete with a 20-meter embroidered tapestry — Estonia’s version of the Bayeux Tapestry.
Tallinn: A Nordic Capital in Disguise
Estonia’s capital, Tallinn, blends medieval charm with sleek Nordic modernity.
- The Unesco-listed Old Town recalls the Hanseatic League, with cobblestones and Gothic spires.
- Creative districts like Telliskivi resemble Copenhagen’s urban hubs, with design shops, co-working spaces, and minimalist restaurants.
- Michelin-recognized cuisine showcases Nordic-Estonian fusion, with local chefs putting Estonia on the global food map.
As Markus puts it:
“What feels Nordic in Estonia is the blend of tradition and modernity in both architecture and food.”
Estonia’s Modern Nordic Identity
Since gaining independence in 1991, Estonia has actively promoted its Nordic connections.
- In Finland, Estonia markets itself as “their backyard,” emphasizing shared language roots and sauna culture.
- For Swedes, it highlights old Swedish settlements and coastal ties.
- For Norwegians, it promotes the St Olaf pilgrim trails and Viking heritage.
Kristiina Kästik from Visit Estonia explains:
“We invite Scandinavians to rediscover old Swedish areas and embrace our shared heritage. Estonia is Nordic at heart.”
Why Estonia is the Nordic Escape You Need
Estonia may not officially be part of Scandinavia, but in landscape, culture, food, and lifestyle, it delivers everything travelers love about the Nordic world. And it does so without the crowds and costs of Stockholm, Oslo, or Helsinki.
For those seeking:
- Viking history and medieval castles
- Saunas and sandy beaches
- Fresh fish and foraged Nordic flavors
- Affordable boutique hotels and cultural festivals
Estonia is the unsung Nordic nation.
Conclusion
Estonia is rewriting its place on the map — not as a former Soviet state, but as a modern Nordic country with deep historical roots. From cycling across Vormsi Island to wandering Tallinn’s cobbled streets, every moment feels both familiar and fresh.
For travelers searching for authentic Nordic experiences at affordable prices, Estonia is the hidden gem of Northern Europe — a place where history, culture, and modern life blend seamlessly into a unique escape.