If you’re heading to the beautiful Baltic country of Estonia, then this is the only packing list you’ll need!
No matter whether you’re planning to travel there in summer to enjoy long sightseeing days under the warm sun, or opting for a festive trip full of Christmas markets and steaming saunas, this article has you covered!
Kicking off with 8 great tips about packing for this eastern European gem, the latter half of this article contains a complete item-by-item breakdown of everything that needs to go into your bag for an amazing adventure.
With exciting cities, stunning countryside and a very youthful and forward-feeling vibe, there’s no question I was hugely impressed when I visited Estonia, and likely you will be too.
As long as you’re prepared that is!
So don’t risk your top trip experience by packing the wrong stuff, instead take a read through this complete packing list and head away on your Estonian explorations fully ready and rearing to go!
Related Posts
- Is Tallinn Worth Visiting? Top Things to Do in this City
- Reflections on my Stay in an Estonian Mirror House
- Where to Stay in Tallinn? Best Accommodation Picks
This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.
#1 Prepare for the Season
The first thing to know when it comes to packing properly for Estonia (and to getting the best from this article!) is that this country is the land of seasons.
Visit Estonia in the summer and you’ll have a totally different experience to the one you’ll enjoy if you visit in the winter.
Not only do the temperatures and weather vary wildly, but so too do the type of activities and adventures you can experience.
And of course, this will have a large impact on your packing list for Estonia too!
As travellers commonly head to Estonia at both times of year – the country looks as stunning under snow as it does in the sunshine! – I’ve decided to include packing items for both seasons in this complete guide, so you’re fully covered!
#2 Packing for Estonian Cities
It’s very likely that you’ll be visiting at least 1 or 2 cities during your time in Estonia, so I’m going to discuss packing tips for these.
Tallinn is the obvious favourite in this country (and rightly so), but you shouldn’t dismiss Estonia’s other main city of Tartu, in the south of the country, either.
As such, you should probably plan for a few good city days during your Estonia trip and pack accordingly.
Flat shoes that can be used for comfortable walking are a must, as well as some comfortable shorts or trousers depending on the season.
I’d also recommend a good daypack, so you can carry things comfortably around with you for the whole day, plus a metal water bottle is a great idea as Estonian tap water is drinkable and free!
Dress codes are pretty relaxed in this country and you’ll be totally fine wearing things above the knee when walking around cities in the summer.
People don’t even get dressed up for dinner or the evenings in Estonia (it’s very similar to Scandinavia in this way), so I wouldn’t advise bringing anything too fancy with you.
That said, you may want to pack some nicer jeans, smart / casual tops and a pair of evening sandals or pumps if you are heading out to one of these top Tallinn restaurants and bars.
#3 Packing for Estonian Countryside and Coast
If you weren’t in the know yet, then you’ll get a pleasant surprise when you learn Estonia has some seriously beautiful countryside and coastline that both offer a huge range of outdoor fun.
From walking and biking to swimming and SUP-ing, it’s all on offer here and should definitely be taken advantage of!
Just half an hour from Tallinn and you can really be in the wild, so definitely make some you pack some activewear if you’re planning on getting amongst it, even as part of day trip.
Hiking trousers or leggings, plus trainers, will certainly make enjoying any active pursuits easier!
When being active in the warmer months, a cap to keep the sun off your face and a small backpack and a buff might also be a good idea and, personally, I always think a thin waterproof / windproof jacket is a good shout, even if rain isn’t forecast.
For the coast in the summer, you’ll want your swimwear, sarong, sunscreen and towel – items that are a good idea to still bring in the winter so you can enjoy the amazing sauna culture in Estonia too.
Otherwise, if you’re enjoying getting outdoors in the winter, just remember to wrap up warm – merino base layers and down jackets are the key!
#4 Use Packing Cubes
And now seems like as good a time as any to tackle the notion of packing cubes – a key way to ensure all your Estonian packing list fits into a small backpack or suitcase.
After all, most people only head to Estonian for between 3 and 7 days, so there really is no need to take the earth… especially if you’re using a budget airline to travel there and they’re charging you extra for your baggage!
My top tip if you want to compress your gear, so it takes up less space, as well as have it nicely organised, is to use packing cubes.
A godsend for disorganised packers everywhere, I absolutely love these ones and personally, would never consider heading off to Estonia, or indeed anywhere, without them!
#5 Keep Luggage Light
And if you manage to condense your stuff down well, then this whole Estonian packing list should fit into a 30-50l backpack, or a medium-sized wheelie suitcase.
I never take anything bigger, even when I’m travelling for 6 months at a time!
This 46l Atmos backpack from Osprey makes a great option, otherwise, if you’re taking a suitcase, make sure that it will fit into the overhead locker on a plane or train, so you don’t have to wait for your luggage or risk losing it.
Hard shell suitcases with TSA locks and spinner wheels are the best option.
Those with extendable compartments are also great, so you can start small and increase the size if you buy any souvenirs!
Check out this great one I recommend.
#6 Think About Footwear
Shoes are one of the things that take up the most room in your luggage, so selecting these wisely is a great way to keep your luggage weight down.
When it comes to packing for an Estonian summer trip, try to select footwear that is lightweight, (i.e. small, thin sandals or light trainers, pumps or sneakers) for your case or backpack, and then wear any walking shoes or trainers you need on the flight there!
This country is pretty flat, so hiking boots really aren’t necessary.
When it comes to winter footwear, warm boots, or even snow boots, are a good idea for covering the countryside and city elements of your trip.
#7 Don’t Forget Sunglasses and SPF in Summer
It’s worth remembering it can be really sunny during the summer in Estonia, so you should definitely pack items for your trip that protect your face and eyes from those UV rays.
UV-protected sunglasses and a 30+ SPF are therefore great ideas for your packing list, especially if you’re planning any outdoor activities.
A hat or cap that protect your head and neck from those UV rays, especially if you’re walking or enjoying any active pursuits, is also a must.
I’d also advise bringing a good moisturiser you can use on your hands, body and face too in case the sun makes your skin dry, as well as an SPF lip balm (voice of experience!)
#8 Invest in a Portable Charger
I highly recommend investing in a portable charger for your trip to Estonia if you don’t have one already, so that you can charge your phone and camera when you’re out and about.
My go-to brand here is Anker and I actually have 2 of their portable chargers – one that comes out with me during the day and the other that is charging wherever I’m staying, so it’s ready to swap over.
For my big camera, I also have a spare battery, so that I can swap batteries around and keep snapping happily away all day.
This is especially important if you’re visiting Estonia in the winter, because cold temperatures drain batteries a lot faster.
Just enter your details below and I'll email it you - simple!
Information will be sent to the email provided above
Complete Packing List for Estonia
So now we come to my complete Estonia packing list – a full breakdown of all the items you should bring with you on a trip to this country no matter whether you’re visiting during the warmer or winter months.
Geared towards being comfortable and packing light, the length of your stay in Estonia will, of course, dictate the amount of each item that you need, but here’s a checklist of all the gear I’d recommend travelling with if you’re in this country for 5 days…
Clothes & Shoes for Summer
2x Shorts
2x Jeans / Trousers
1x Long Skirt or Maxi Dress
5x Singlets / T-Shirts
2x Thin Long Sleeved Tops / Cardigans
2x Jumpers / Sweaters
1x Activewear Set
1x Denim Jacket
1x Thin Waterproof / Windproof Jacket – Like this one
Sandals – You can’t go wrong with a Birkenstock!
Trainers Pumps / Flats – Converse are a good casual option
Sun Hat / Cap
Clothes & Shoes for Winter
3x Jeans / Trousers
2x Base Layer Leggings – My organic ones from Green Rose kept me so warm!
5x Singlets / T-Shirts
3x Base Layer Long Sleeved Tops – The merino ones I wore from Green Rose are made in the Baltics, so I knew they were up to the job!
3x Jumpers / Sweaters
1x Down Jacket
1x Long Wool Coat
Winter Boots – I love my Doc Martin Chelsea Boots
Snow Boots
Beanie + Gloves
Clothes for Both Seasons
Underwear
Socks
Swimwear
Scarves / Buffs
Nightwear
Toiletries
Thin Toiletries Bag with Hook
Shampoo & Conditioner Bars – Try these!
Shower Gel / Soap
Deodorant
Face Cleanser, Toner, Serum & Moisturiser
Cotton Buds / Pads
SPF Sunscreen & SPF Lip Salve
Toothbrush, Toothpaste, Floss
Razor & Spare Blades
Nail Scissors, Nail File & Tweezers
Hair Bands & Hair Brush
Band Aids, Paracetamol, Antiseptic cream, Antihistamines
Menstrual Cup
Electronics
Smartphone & Bluetooth Headphones
Portable Charger – Anker for the win!
Camera – Love my Sony A6000
Spare Lens, Battery, Memory Card & Charger
Euro Adapter – Skross are the best I’ve found
Headlamp & Spare Batteries
Other Useful Things!
Glasses / Contact Lenses if you wear them
Sunglasses with UV Protection
Eye Mask & Earplugs
Day Pack
Water Bottle – Kleen Kanteen ones are great
Travel Insurance Policy – World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world. Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Passport
Credit Cards and Debit Cards – I always recommend Wise as the best card for good exchange rates and low transaction fees when travelling.
SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!
So there you have it, my top tips and complete checklist for your Estonian packing.
Have you travelled to this country?
What was the one packing item you found most useful?
Any questions, or any suggestions, please drop them into the comments below and I’ll get back to you…
