If you’re planning to attend Impact Day 2024, the premier sustainability festival in the Nordic and Baltic regions, you might be thinking about how to travel more sustainably in Estonia. Here are some tips to make your visit as eco-friendly as possible: look for quality certifications, support local businesses, and explore beyond the usual tourist spots.
Sustainability is at Estonia’s Core
Estonia is home to World Cleanup Day, a movement that has inspired over 18 million people globally to participate in cleaning up the environment. For over a decade, this country of just 1.3 million has demonstrated its commitment to sustainability, proving that even the smallest nations can have a significant impact.
Sustainable tourism is a growing focus in Estonia. A number of dedicated individuals and organizations are working to ensure that future generations can enjoy the country’s natural beauty and cultural richness.
Support Local Businesses
A simple way to contribute to sustainability is by supporting local businesses. Start with your dining choices: many Estonian eateries highlight local produce, like dairy and fish from Lake Peipsi. Grab an Estonian pirukas—a scrumptious pastry filled with various fillings—at a local market for a delightful snack on the go.
Estonian restaurants emphasize seasonal, local ingredients. Check out the MICHELIN Guide’s Green Star establishments for top-notch sustainable dining. Currently, three restaurants in Estonia have earned this eco-friendly distinction.
Expand your local spending beyond food. For souvenirs, look for Estonian-designed crafts, including textiles, woodworking, and pottery. You can also find locally made cosmetics, soaps, and candles. Estonia’s fashion scene is inspired by traditional arts and nature, with sustainable fashion designers like Reet Aus creating upcycled collections from production leftovers.
Seek Out Quality Certifications
Look for the Green Key label, an international certification for eco-friendly tourism businesses, including hotels and restaurants. Green Key establishments in Estonia are committed to environmental goals, adhering to criteria related to energy use, waste management, and sourcing local produce. They are also reviewed annually to ensure standards are maintained.
Keep an eye out for food labels like EHTNE during your travels. On Saaremaa, this label signifies products made from locally grown ingredients or sourced from the Baltic Sea.
Experience Foraging
Foraging is a beloved activity in Estonia, with forests offering seasonal delights like mushrooms, wild garlic, and berries. If you’re new to foraging, consider hiring a guide to ensure you pick the right specimens.
After your foraging adventure, visit a local market to gather additional ingredients. Staple items such as hearty black bread pair perfectly with Estonian delicacies like moose or wild boar sausage, smoked fish, and kohuke—a chocolate-covered dairy treat.
Explore Green Destinations
Estonia is recognized by the international Green Destinations program, with several locations on their TOP 100 list of sustainable destinations. In 2023, places like Hiiumaa, Saaremaa, Järvamaa, Lahemaa, Pärnu, Rakvere, and Tartu were celebrated for their sustainability efforts.
Embrace Slow Travel and Wander Off the Usual Path
Estonia’s charming cities are ideal for exploring on foot, offering a wonderful way to immerse yourself in local neighborhoods. The country also boasts thousands of kilometers of hiking trails, including the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route and the Camino Estonia, which connects to the famous Camino Santiago in Spain.
By opting for an extended stay and venturing beyond popular tourist spots, you will help reduce pressure on local resources and practice more sustainable tourism.
Discover the Hidden Beauty of Estonia
Just by choosing to visit Estonia, you’ve already strayed from the typical tourist path. Once here, you might find yourself losing track of time as you explore serene beaches, hike through pristine forests, or wander through charming villages—all without the usual tourist crowds.
