Best Estonia area to visit in winter?

[leona]

Where would be the best spot in Estonia to visit this winter? I like to ski, but I would like to do other activities as well

[Valdur]

Where would be the best spot in Estonia to visit this winter? I like to ski, but I would like to do other activities as well

You should visit the Old Town in Tallinn for certain if you're coming to Estonia. For winter activities, Otepää is Estonia's winter capital and the center of many winter sporting activities (it is a hilly region and you can downhill ski there.) But mind you all of Estonia get's snow so you'll find skiing (cross country) everywhere and ice racing (boats/cars) on most of Estonia's lakes and waterways. Perhaps it depends what you really want to do, or if you just want to sip a hot tea and look at nice views In Pärnu they have a big indoor water park too, so you can swim and things in the winter as well.

Tallinn has nice Christmas market if you are here then. If weather permits there are often nice big ice sculptures being carved in the Old Town of Tallinn too.

It is all available to you here.

[leona]

Thank you for your reply.

I've been doing more research on the areas you mentioned. Although it would be nice to ski, I think my friend and I will want to go to Tallinn first. The pictures I've seen from there are beautiful, and it sounds like it has a long interesting history. To get a more cultural experience would it be worthwhile to rent an apartment? I'm also thinking this might be cheaper. Would you have any specific recommendations as to websites where I can look into this? I've found some already, like:

http://www.inyourpocket.com/estonia/tal ... mentrental

It would be nice to stay right in the Old Town centre. I also like the look of theses apartments, which are old-looking and quaint.

http://www.casamundo.co.uk/estonia/harj ... allinn.htm

Some of them are also in the historical centre, and their prices seem decent to me. Any other ideas? Or is it best to stay in a hotel? Hopefully we can combine the trip with a stay in Ostepaa too, and do some cross country skiing. What would be the best way to travel from Tallinn to Ostepaa?

[Valdur]

It is difficult to answer your question without knowing how long you plan to stay in Estonia and if you want to cook your meals in an apartment or will you dine out in restaurants, etc? Hotels are very empty now (winter + bad economy) so you can get big discounts. You should call and ask for discounts everywhere (hotels & apartments) and see what best price you can receive. It is a good time to bargain for accommodation. Staying in the Old Town is the best idea if the price is good for you.

Tallinn to Otepää your option is private rental car or take the bus. I would recommend rent a car so you can go all kind of interesting places.