Source: Mariann Liimal, Visit Estonia
Wild swimmers, beware — you will fall in love with Estonia's urban swimming spots. Estonia's cities are famous for their outdoor swimming spots, especially during summer. Luckily, the swimming season doesn't end when the snow begins to fall! Cold-water swimmers can also find excellent places to take a dip in Estonia's cities. Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, and Haapsalu have several swimming spots near or just outside the city centre, and Pärnu has a kilometre-long sandy beach right in town — perfect for those who want to combine an urban adventure with some beach time! (Hint: check water quality and beach conditions before you head out.)
Central Tallinn
Pirita Beach is Tallinn's largest beach and probably the preferred beach among locals. The beach offers family-friendly facilities such as toilets, changing cabins, playgrounds, and ice cream kiosks. Pirita Beach is about 20 minutes by bus from the central bus station in Viru Keskus. Other popular beaches in Tallinn include Stroomi Beach, Pikakari Beach on the Paljassaare peninsula, and the Iglupark bathing area in Noblessner, which also offers year-round saunas.
On the outskirts of Tallinn
Just outside Tallinn you will find several beaches set in scenic surroundings. In Viimsi, you can visit Haabneeme Beach and end the day with a relaxing meal at NOA. The beach at Lake Harku is the city's only freshwater beach. From there, you can easily get to Tallinn Zoo and the Open Air Museum. Kakumäe Beach is located by the beautiful Haven Marina, and after a refreshing dip, you can enjoy a meal at Puri. If you want a real adventure, you should go to the beaches on the islands of Aegna and Naissaar, which are easily reached by ferry from Tallinn.
Tartu and Narva
Whether you go to Tartu in the south or to Narva in the north, you will find many wonderful opportunities to swim in the city. Tartu offers freshwater swimming near the city center at nice bathing spots along the river. A short bus ride from central Narva, you will find Estonia's Mecca for swimming and spas — Narva-Jõesuu. Year after year, visitors are attracted to Narva's picturesque coast with its endless sandy beach.
Pärnu and Haapsalu
Pärnu and Haapsalu are two real summer gems. Pärnu is Estonia's summer capital and the ultimate destination for those looking for a classic beach holiday. Along the seaside promenade you will find all the facilities you need — restaurants, toilets, playgrounds, and changing cabins. Haapsalu is a quaint seaside town filled with adorable wooden houses; its charm will make you want to visit again and again. Around the city there are several swimming beaches, including a popular winter swimming spot.
