Plan your own Bachelor-inspired trip to Estonia

The Bachelor, one of the most popular reality shows in the United States, filmed an episode in Estonia in the autumn of 2022. After airing in February 2023, members of the #BachelorNation could finally see what makes Estonia a fairy-tale destination. Start planning your own romantic getaway by following in the footsteps of The Bachelor.

Fairy-tale romance in Tallinn

The cast and crew stayed at the Swissôtel Tallinn. This hotel is in the center of Tallinn's modern business district and has all the luxurious amenities you would expect. You get the best of Tallinn's modern and medieval sides as a short walk transports you to Old Town's cobblestone streets and narrow alleyways.

The culinary scene in Tallinn has developed at an astounding pace over the last few years, and 2022 saw the arrival of the first-ever MICHELIN Guide Estonia. Zach and host Jesse Palmer sat down for a chat at Rado, one of the city's top restaurants listed in both the MICHELIN Guide and the White Guide Nordic. Rado is located in the heart of Old Town, steps away from Town Hall Square, making it a perfect place for a meal after a day of sightseeing.

Sweet treats and wife-carrying!

Old Town was also the scene of Zach and Charity's one-on-one date. They explored Old Town from the comfort of a horse-drawn carriage, passing by the iconic onion-shaped domes of St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral in Upper Old Town before stopping to join a wife-carrying contest. This strange sport originated in Finland, supposedly with a band of thieves known for ransacking villages and carrying away women. The Wife Carrying World Championships have been held in Finland since 1992. While the sport may have come from Finland, Estonians have always been among the top competitors. An Estonian team holds the world record time for completing the course.

Zach and Charity also stopped at the Olde Hansa Almond Stand for a brief snack before ducking into the Olde Hansa Shoppe to try a local liqueur. It was clear they wouldn't recommend the liqueur! Olde Hansa is perfect for a romantic outing for two — enjoy a meal by candlelight and let the atmosphere transport you back to the Middle Ages without leaving the comforts of the modern age. The carriage ride ended with a sweet treat at Cafe Maissmokk, the oldest continually operating cafe in Old Town. A visit to this classic cafe would not be complete without tasting its famous marzipan.

The two lovebirds had their final romantic dinner in the ballroom of Kadriorg Palace, a stunning palace built by Czar Peter the Great and named for his wife, Catherine I. During the day, the palace functions as an art museum. The building is just as gorgeous as the works on display. Look up at the ballroom ceiling — it's a work of art in and of itself. The garden and surrounding green space make up one of the largest parks in Tallinn. Wander the grounds and marvel at the ancient chestnut and oak trees; during autumn, the leaves are ablaze with oranges, reds, and yellows.

A day that goes from rustic to ritzy

The group date got a glimpse of traditional folklore and rituals at the Open Air Museum. The group had guidance from a local "witch," who helped them open their hearts to love. The leafy trees and relaxing paths of the museum grounds are sure to open your heart — breathe in and enjoy the fresh air!

The group date went from rustic to ritzy with the after-party at Saku Manor. The manor was first mentioned back in 1489, but the current manor house was built in 1820. It's one of the country's best examples of neoclassical architecture, with luxurious decor and beautifully painted ceilings. Saku Manor was also the setting for the episode's final rose ceremony.

Baring it all in the sauna

The final one-on-one date was a bit more unusual, though Zach and his date partook in one of Estonia's most treasured traditions — the smoke sauna. The couple warmed up with an invigorating birch whisk massage before heading into the sauna. Little did they know Patsuloigu Smoke Sauna is known for being "au natural." An Estonian couple joined them in the sauna and hot tub and gave them some tips for making a relationship last. The date ended at Kõltsu Manor. This stunning wooden manor home was restored to its 19th-century grandeur when the Baroness von Uexküll built it for a summer home near the "singing sands" of Laulasmaa Beach.

This episode of The Bachelor offers just a taste of what Estonia has to offer: gourmet food, romantic manor homes, rustic charm, and ancient traditions. Visit Estonia and experience them for yourself!