Discovering South Estonia: Culture, Nature and Tradition
Tuesday, 13 October 2026
Estonia may be best known for Tallinn and its medieval Old Town but beyond the capital lies a fascinating country of ancient traditions, beautiful landscapes and wonderfully welcoming people.
I recently had the opportunity to explore South Estonia on a familiarisation trip organised by Visit Estonia, discovering a lesser-known region where cultural heritage, nature and traditional ways of life remain deeply connected.
Setomaa - A Unique Cultural Heritage
One of the most memorable parts of the trip was visiting Setomaa, in south-eastern Estonia, close to the Russian border. Home to the Seto people, this fascinating region has its own distinctive language, customs and traditions, shaped by centuries of history and Orthodox Christian heritage.
What struck me most was the warmth and hospitality of the people we met and their genuine pride in preserving their unique identity. I instantly felt at home.
Traditional Seto costumes are particularly beautiful, featuring intricate embroidery and individually designed silver jewellery. At Obinitsa Museum, we had great fun with our wonderful guide, Helen, who enthusiastically demonstrated the elaborate process of dressing in traditional Seto clothing. I felt so at ease that we even ended up having a dance!
Far from being an experience staged purely for tourists, it was wonderful to meet people so passionate about sharing their heritage. It offered a genuine insight into a distinctive culture that is thankfully still alive today.
Smoke Saunas and Centuries-Old Traditions
Another unforgettable experience was discovering southern Estonia's traditional smoke sauna culture, recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Unlike modern saunas, these traditional wooden buildings have no chimney. Wood fires slowly heat stones, filling the sauna with smoke before it is ventilated and ready for use.
For generations, the smoke sauna has been far more than somewhere to relax. It is a place for physical and spiritual cleansing, family gatherings and the passing down of traditions. Learning about these customs offered another insight into Estonia's strong connection with its cultural heritage.
From Forest to Table
Food was another highlight, with a wonderful emphasis on fresh, seasonal and locally produced ingredients.
Foraging for wild mushrooms, berries and herbs remains an important part of Estonian life, and there is a real appreciation for making the most of what nature provides. Traditional methods of preserving and preparing food are combined with creative contemporary cuisine, with sustainability also playing an important role. One particular highlight was enjoying a beautifully prepared lunch in the forest after our hike, surrounded by autumn colours. Combined with the warm hospitality of our hosts, it perfectly captured the region's close relationship with nature and its food traditions.
After a chilly bog walk, I particularly appreciated a warming cup of freshly brewed oregano-infused tea, and we even sampled some of the berries we had found along the way.
Ancient Bogs, Waterways and Wild Swimming
South Estonia's natural landscapes were equally impressive. Vast forests, ancient peat bogs, dark lakes and peaceful waterways create a remarkable sense of space and tranquillity.
Exploring the bog landscapes was particularly fascinating, with carpets of moss, scattered pine trees and small pools of dark water creating an almost otherworldly setting. Wooden boardwalks and bogshoeing allow visitors to discover these fragile environments up close.
We also explored the waterways of Emajõe Suursoo by canoe, paddling through peaceful wetlands surrounded by reeds and autumn-coloured woodland. Another very unique experience was visiting a secluded retreat beside a dark bog lake, where a floating sauna and the opportunity for wild swimming offered a wonderfully Estonian approach to wellbeing. As one of our local hosts explained, what we call 'wild swimming' is simply swimming to them!
The contrast between the warmth of the sauna, the cold lake water and the beautiful surroundings perfectly reflected the country's deep connection with nature. Bog swimming in October is certainly refreshing!
A Lasting Impression
What made this trip particularly special was not simply the beautiful scenery or unusual experiences but the people we met along the way. Their warmth, hospitality and pride in their heritage have left a lasting impression on me.
South Estonia offers something refreshingly different, combining fascinating living traditions, authentic local experiences and unspoilt natural beauty. If you are looking to explore beyond Estonia's familiar sights and embrace its wilderness and culture, this is a region well worth discovering.
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It would be my pleasure to help you discover south-eastern Estonia. Contact me to plan your tour, Sarah
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