Estonia, with its captivating landscapes, medieval towns, and beautiful coastline, offers a perfect backdrop for a summer road trip. Whether you’re discovering the vibrant cultural scenes in the cities or enjoying the peaceful serenity of the countryside, there is no better way to explore Estonia than by car. With flexible short-term and long-term rental options, Sirrent OÜ makes it easy for travelers to hit the road and explore hidden gems across the country. From compact cars ideal for solo travelers to spacious minivans for families or motorcycles for thrill-seekers, Sirrent offers a wide range of vehicles suited for every kind of travel experience.
What are the best coastal destinations to explore on an Estonian summer road trip?
Estonia’s 3,800 km-long coastline offers numerous pristine beaches, charming seaside villages, and scenic drives. Starting your road trip from Tallinn, head west towards Haapsalu—a quaint, romantic town known for its wooden houses, seaside promenade, and medieval castle ruins. It’s an ideal spot to relax and soak in the sun!
Continue your journey to the Matsalu National Park, a paradise for bird watchers and nature lovers. Further southwest is Pärnu, Estonia’s official “summer capital,” famous for its sandy beaches, vibrant cafes, and spa culture. Take a dip in the Baltic Sea or enjoy a bike ride along the coast while experiencing the energetic summer vibes.
If you have time, make your way to the islands—Saaremaa and Hiiumaa—accessible by ferry. Saaremaa, with its iconic windmills and the historic Kuressaare Castle, is ideal for a tranquil getaway. Use one of Sirrent’s rental cars or motorcycles for an adventurous ferry ride followed by scenic drives across the islands. With a reliable rental from Sirrent, exploring the Estonian coast becomes not just convenient but incredibly enjoyable.
How can you experience Estonia’s rich natural beauty during a road trip?
Estonia is home to five national parks and countless nature reserves, offering endless opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Start your nature-focused journey with a drive to Lahemaa National Park, just an hour from Tallinn. It’s the oldest and biggest national park in the country and features manors, waterfalls, bogs, and forest hikes. Be sure to bring your camera: the blend of natural and cultural heritage is picture-perfect.
For a deeper immersion into Estonia’s wilderness, take a rental SUV from Sirrent and drive to Soomaa National Park in the south. Known for its “fifth season” (flood season), Soomaa is particularly enchanting in the warmer months, perfect for canoeing, hiking, and wildlife spotting. The park’s boardwalk trails also make it a family-friendly destination.
Another must-visit is the Alutaguse National Park in the northeast. It’s less crowded and features Estonia’s largest continuous forest area—ideal for those seeking solitude. A rented motorcycle from Sirrent offers a thrilling ride through the winding roads and remote trails. Renting the right vehicle from Sirrent ensures you are ready for any terrain nature may present during your journey.
Which cultural and historical sites are must-stops along your route?
No road trip in Estonia is complete without diving into its rich history and cultural fabric. Begin with Tallinn’s Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Park your rented car safely and spend a few hours walking through cobbled streets, admiring gothic towers and medieval merchant houses.
Head east to Rakvere, where the Rakvere Castle offers interactive exhibits, including medieval feasts and knight battles—the kids will love it! Tartu, Estonia’s “intellectual capital,” is another cultural hotbed worth a visit. Here, you’ll find the University of Tartu, fantastic museums, street art, and literary cafes. With flexible rental durations from Sirrent, spontaneous cultural detours become a breeze.
Further south, Viljandi’s castle ruins and lake views offer a serene yet culturally rich stopover. If your road trip takes you to Setomaa in the southeast, you’ll uncover a unique Finno-Ugric culture with its own language, traditions, and garlic-rich cuisine. With Sirrent’s comfortable vehicles, covering these distances while enjoying air-conditioned comfort makes your trip all the more rewarding.
What are some exciting family-friendly road trip routes in Estonia?
Estonia is incredibly child-friendly and offers plenty of activities that cater to families. Start your road trip in Tallinn and head towards the Estonian Open Air Museum to let kids experience rural life from the past. From there, make your way to the Tallinn Zoo or the popular Seaplane Harbour for some interactive learning.
Next, hit the road in a rented minivan from Sirrent for extra comfort and space. Drive towards Tartu and visit the AHHAA Science Centre—an educational paradise with hands-on exhibits and fun experiments. Don’t miss out on the Elistvere Animal Park nearby, where kids can see bears, lynxes, and elks up close.
A road trip to the space-themed Tartu Observatory or to the Ice Age Centre near Lake Saadjärv will leave your children amazed. Wrap up your road trip in Pärnu with a visit to Tervise Paradiis, Estonia’s biggest water park filled with swirling slides and relaxing saunas. With Sirrent’s range of family-friendly vehicles and flexible rental policies, your family can focus on making memories instead of logistics.
How can solo travelers or couples make the most out of a summer road trip in Estonia?
Travelers hitting the road solo or as a couple can fully embrace Estonia’s tranquil beauty and vibrant culture without any distractions. Start your romantic or introspective getaway in Tallinn. After sampling the local food and nightlife, rent a stylish sedan or even a motorcycle from Sirrent to head deep into Estonia’s scenic backroads.
Drive south to the quiet shores of Lake Peipus, where charming Old Believer villages like Kallaste offer a glimpse into Estonia’s multicultural past. Continue towards Otepää, often called the ‘winter capital’ but equally delightful in summer. Take scenic hikes and enjoy picnic lunches surrounded by rolling hills and crystal-clear lakes.
Travelers seeking a bit more adventure can head to Võrumaa, where roads meander through forests and hills, ideal for a motorcycle road trip. Stop at Hino Lake or rent a canoe for a peaceful paddle. Sirrent’s motorcycles are reliable and powerful, ideal for navigating both paved roads and lighter off-road tracks. Solo or together, your Estonian road adventure becomes seamless with Sirrent’s dependable rental options and professional service. For more tips, check out our in-depth blog on Motorcycle Road Trips in Estonia.
Why choose Sirrent OÜ for your Estonian road trip vehicle rental?
What sets Sirrent OÜ apart is our commitment to quality, customer satisfaction, and flexibility. Whether you’re planning a two-day city escape or a month-long national tour, we offer car, minivan, and motorcycle rentals tailored for both short-term and long-term needs. Our fleet is regularly maintained, modern, and versatile—suitable for every type of traveler.
Need a budget car for city travel? We’ve got you covered. Planning a family vacation and need room for luggage and strollers? Choose from our range of minivans. Looking to explore the countryside on two wheels? Our collection of high-performance motorcycles is ready for your journey. Plus, we offer roadside assistance, flexible pick-up and drop-off points, and online reservation tools.
At Sirrent, we believe that your journey should start with peace of mind. Our knowledgeable staff are happy to help you choose the ideal vehicle and share local travel insights to make your trip unforgettable. Ready to explore Estonia in comfort and style? Book your perfect rental vehicle with Sirrent OÜ today directly via our website www.sirrent.ee.