Estonia is a great place for traveling by bike thanks to its compact size, peaceful scenery, and a well-developed network of roads and trails. There are hardly any annoying climbs to make you sweat — just cycle along and admire the view.
Bike rentals are available all around Estonia if you don't want to take your own on holiday. If you do plan to travel with your own wheels, then read on to the end of this article where we cover how to transport your bike in Estonia. There are rental stations almost everywhere in the country, including on the major islands.
Multi-day bikepacking trips in Estonia are a breeze, as there are campsites along most of the routes, or you can plan your trip around the country's many sustainable places to stay. Pick your route (we've outlined some of the best below) and head out on the open road!
You can get around Estonia's compact capital by bike. Biking may not be the preferred form of transport in Tallinn (yet), but improvements are being made every year to the city's network of bike paths. If you don't have your own bike, you can easily rent one or grab an electric bike using the Bolt app. (FYI: cycling Tallinn's Old Town is for ride-or-die bikers. The cobblestones make for a bumpy ride, so use your wheels to explore Kalamaja, Kadriorg, or other neighborhoods that are off the beaten —but on a smoother — path.)
There are a couple of long-distance bike rides that make for a delightful day in Tallinn.
The city of Tartu has installed an official bike rental system called Tartu Smart Bike with about 750 bicycles available at 69 rental stations. You can buy a daily, weekly, or annual ticket, and the electric bikes are connected to the entire public transit system.
South Estonia is an ideal region for bike tours. This area gives you get a wonderfully comprehensive overview of the Estonian landscape, and you may very well have the roads nearly all to yourself.
Anyone who knows Estonia knows that you can cycle almost everywhere, as there are relatively low volumes of traffic, even on major country roads. Plus, off-road trails offer adventurous mountain bikers more challenging terrain.
A great longer tour is the Ikla–Võiste–Pärnu cycling route. It takes about two days to do the entire route, but of course you can cover it in smaller parts. The route goes along the old highway from Riga to Pärnu. You'll pass numerous campsites and campfire spots, charming little fishing villages, and old churches. From Häädemeeste to Pärnu, the route goes along the Via Baltica, which does have quite a bit more traffic. If that doesn't bother you, the route is definitely worthwhile.
Photo by: Priidu Saart, Visit Pärnu
There are two noteworthy cross-country trails in Estonia – the Oandu-Ikla trail, which covers 375 km North to South, and the 628-km-long Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve trail, which runs East to West. Both routes can be done with off-road bikes. These trails will lead you through primeval nature, tiny villages, and Estonia's infamous wetlands. There are plenty of campsites and cabins along the way.
One of the most exciting bike routes in Europe, the EuroVelo 10, runs along Estonia's extensive coastline. The 981-km route starts in the south, passes Pärnu, the larger islands, Tallinn and then through Lahemaa National Park, finally ending at the Russian border.
Estonia's islands are not densely inhabited, and only about ten islands have permanent residents. The islands are known for their windswept, sandy beaches, stony outcrops, and historical sites that go back centuries. Estonian islands are the perfect bikepacking destination for those seeking peace and seclusion. You can cover dozens of kilometers of beach trails without coming across a single soul, making for a welcome respite from hectic city life.
If you want to go to Saaremaa, you have to go through Muhu. In the very east of the small island is the ferry port of Kuivastu, which connects Muhu with the mainland. The island can be conquered by bike in about two days. A complete island tour covers about 80 kilometers. On the way you'll see picturesque fishing villages, windmills, country houses and lots of wild nature — including moose and roe deer.
Photo by: Valmar Voolaid, Visit Saaremaa
The capital of Estonia's largest island is Kuressaare, home to a medieval castle complex, spas, and delicious restaurants. The island has so many spa hotels that it's been nicknamed "SPA-remaa." Saaremaa has a wonderful Baltic Sea island flair — long beaches, sand dunes and squat, gnarled coniferous trees.
Hiiumaa is Estonia's unofficial cycling island. With hardly any larger towns and lots of wilderness, you can relax and breathe in the fresh air. The entire island is accessible by bike and there are loads of great routes with rest stops and sightseeing spots:
Photo by: Priidu Saart
Kihnu is known for three things: colorful skirts, fish, and two-wheeled transportation. While the old Soviet motorcycles may now be few and far between, bicycles have become the new favorite way to get around the island. The Kihnu Travel Wheel is a route designed by the islanders to cover all the must-see spots on the island in a circular route. Some of the highlights include the museum and lighthouse. The island may be small, but take your time — an overnight stay will give you a glimpse of the island's UNESCO-listed culture.
Around 350 people live on Vormsi, spread out in 14 different villages. Take two days to complete the 55-kilometer tour around the island. The tour starts at the pretty island port of Sviby, where you can also rent bicycles. If you need a break from your wheels, then try out the sails at the boat rental or stop at the café with a view of the sea. The route leads through the island's villages, offers a visit to the farm museum and of course the lighthouse is also on the plan.
You have two options for overnight accomodations if you're traveling by bike.