What is it like travelling with a motorhome in Estonia? We've just returned home after almost three glorious weeks on the road with our campervan in Estonia, and we've put together a post about roads, traffic rules, campsites and anything else you want to know about travelling by campervan. The quick summary is that travelling by motorhome in Estonia is very easy and enjoyable!
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Which ferries go to Estonia?
There are two different ferry lines to choose from when travelling by motorhome to Estonia - either Stockholm to Tallinn (Tallink Silja or Viking Line) or Kapellskär to Paldiski (DFDS). The first option takes longer, offers more entertainment and is more expensive. The second option is faster, much easier (most travellers are truck drivers) and cheaper.
Which ferries go to islands within Estonia?
There are many islands in the Estonian archipelago, which can be visited by ferry. The two largest islands are Saaremaa (Saaremaa) and Dagö (Hiiumaa). There are also islands such as Kynö (Kihnu), Runö (Ruhnu), Moon (Muhu), Ormsö (Vormsi), Odensholm (Osmussaar) and Stora and Lilla Rågö (Suur-Pakri and Väike-Pakri).
From the mainland it is usually possible to go down to the ferry terminal half an hour beforehand to catch the ferry, but there are of course special days when there may be a queue. For the ferry between Saaremaa and Dagö it is good to book in advance, at least during the high season. You can book ferries at Veeted.com and on Praamid.ee.
What happens at customs?
Estonia is part of the EU and goods for personal use can be brought in free of VAT and duty if VAT has been paid in the country of purchase. Tax-free goods purchased on international waters include 200 cigarettes or 250 grams of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits or 2 litres of fortified wine (15-22%), 4 litres of wine and 16 litres of beer, and other goods with a value of EUR 300.
Motorhome in Estonia - How are the roads?
The roads are generally good and of a good standard. In some parts of the countryside there are also small gravel roads when turning off the main roads.
Do you pay motorway tolls?
There are no road tolls for passenger cars or mobile homes in Estonia. As of 1 January 2018, transport vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are subject to tolls, but this does not apply to mobile homes over 3.5 tonnes. More information on this can be found at Teetasu.se(We thought it was a bit unclear what applied to motorhomes over 3.5 tonnes, so we emailed and asked. We were told "No, campers do not have to pay").
How is the traffic?
Estonia has a relatively small population of 1.3 million people and only a limited number of tourists. This means that traffic is less congested.
What is the speed limit for a motorhome in Estonia?
Passenger cars with or without trailers, motorcycles and motor homes with a total weight of less than 3.5 tonnes follow the speed limit signs. On roads you can usually drive at 90 km/h and on motorways 110 (in summer and if you have had a driving licence for at least two years) or 90 km/h. Mobile homes with a total weight of more than 3.5 tonnes can drive at a maximum of 70 km/h.
When should you use winter tyres?
Winter tyres are required from 1/12 to 28/2 regardless of whether or not there is winter weather. Winter tyres should also be used before and after this period, if road conditions so require. Dual tyres are allowed from 15/10 to 31/3, and if there is winter weather, they are accepted throughout the period from 1/10 to 30/4.
Which traffic rules apply?
The blood alcohol limit is 0.0. Talking on a handheld mobile phone and sending text messages while driving is prohibited, but hands-free calls are allowed. You cannot overtake a tram that has stopped at a stop. Roundabouts are often marked with priority signs, and the same rules apply as in Sweden. If there are no priority signs, the right-hand rule applies.
Can you drive a large motorhome in Estonia?
You can absolutely drive large motorhomes in Estonia. There is a charge for lorries over 3.5, but not for motorhomes. See more under the heading "Do you pay motorway tolls?" (higher up in the post).
How much does it cost to refuel?
It is relatively cheap to fill up, costing about 14.30 SEK per litre (2019). There are plenty of petrol stations along the main roads, and Circle K stations are common. Most petrol stations take credit cards.
Can you free camp with a motorhome in Estonia?
Free camping is allowed, except in national parks and as long as it is not on private land. It is also allowed to stay overnight in a vehicle parked on a road, street or car park. We found it very easy to fricamp. There is plenty of beautiful nature and nice places to free camp. It also generally feels very safe to hitchhike, although of course normal caution should be exercised.
Are there car parks?
There are motorhome pitches in Estonia, although they rarely provide specific 'motorhome services' (grey and black water drainage or water filling). However, it is common to find rubbish collection, swimming pools and sometimes barbecue areas. The pitches are often marked in the app CamperContact.
What are the campsites like?
Many Estonian campsites are simple, but there are also very modern campsites. Some campsites are mainly focused on cabins and tents, and sometimes these are limited in service when it comes to motorhomes. Others have every conceivable service in the form of grey water drainage, chemical toilets, water filling facilities, etc. You can find campsites for example via the CamperContact app, via Camping.info and at Camping-Estonia.ee.
What is the cost of camping with a motorhome in Estonia?
We paid between 17 and 25 euros per night including electricity at the campsite, and 10 euros at a simple campsite without electricity. These prices are for 2019, and we were two people in the motorhome.
Do you need anything special when travelling by motorhome in Estonia?
In addition to the obvious things like a passport and driving licence, it's a good idea to bring your car's insurance papers. All vehicles must also carry a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher. When getting out of your car on a busy road, you should wear a reflective vest.
Can you manage in English?
Most people we met in Estonia spoke very good English. We also met some who spoke more broken English, but in general English works well.
What is the situation in rural areas?
The Estonian countryside is green and beautiful, and it sometimes feels like being in Sweden 50 years ago. In general, you are struck by the calmness and very little stress. You see farms, cows and cottages. The easternmost part of the country is a bit poorer than the western part, but it is well-kept and green, and people are hospitable.
What is available in shops and restaurants?
There are many different food chains and the range of products is fairly similar to that of Sweden, except that you can buy alcohol in ordinary shops. Prices are lower than in Sweden, and you can take advantage of bargains such as chanterelles, raspberries and blueberries. On the islands, along the coast and at Lake Peipus, it is common to sell both fresh and smoked fish. Many restaurants, especially in the larger cities, serve very modern and creative dishes.
Summary
We really loved travelling by motorhome in Estonia! The scenery is beautiful, there is no crowding and it is single to travel here. You can read more at Visit Estonia. Here are some reasons to travel by motorhome in Estonia:
- Beautiful nature
- Amazingly beautiful beaches
- Interesting history and exciting sights
- No congestion
- Good prices
- Personalised campsites
- Allowed and safe to hitchhike
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Ruth i Virginia says:
It sounds really inviting in many ways.
Guess it will be packed with motorhomes.
in 5-6 years after "raters" have read your posts. 🙂
27 July 2019 - 7:04
Helena says:
It was really nice to travel with a motorhome in Estonia! Hope in a way that it will not be crowded, but many more will at least fit without crowding! 🙂
27 July 2019 - 8:46
Matts Torebring says:
We may not be travelling there ourselves, but thank you very much for letting us join the trip. After all the summer holidays in Europe, we want to explore more of the local area at home, like south of Haparanda to Ystad. But should we make a trip, you have given us and everyone else, a professional information about everything.
27 July 2019 - 8:04
Helena says:
Nice that you wanted to "come along" on our trip Matts! 🙂 And of course there is a lot to explore also in Sweden!
27 July 2019 - 8:47
Lena - gott för själen says:
What a wonderful trip you have offered. And fantastic useful information for those who want to travel around like you. Or for those who just visit the places. Well done!
Hug Lena
27 July 2019 - 8:48
Helena says:
Thank you Lena! A very nice trip in a nice country! 🙂
27 July 2019 - 10:25
Rita Ikonen says:
Very interesting reading! Thank you very much! Last year we drove "The Big Baltic Tour" Karlshamn to Klaipeda, Vilnius, Riga Saarenmaa and Tallinn. However, two weeks was too little time! The only sadness was that we did not manage to enter Kaliningrad despite persistent attempts.
27 July 2019 - 9:09
Helena says:
What an interesting trip you made! But understand that it was tight with two weeks... We are thinking about Latvia and Lithuania for next summer. Did you apply for a visa to Russia in advance, or did you try at the border?
27 July 2019 - 10:26
Anonymous says:
We tried from home SE. Even had a Russian colleague involved in the search. Then we ran out of time. The closest we were would have been to park somewhere and take the train in and with booked accommodation we had solved the invitation. As I understand it, it is easier by car to go in from Poland. We took a bus trip down to the border on the cape. Was thus a few kilometres from the border. Krukset is the motorhome... Thinking about flying there 🙂.
27 July 2019 - 15:17
Helena says:
Aha ok, I see! Have heard that it can be similar in Belarus. On the Polish little cape we have also been, as far east as possible 😉.
27 July 2019 - 17:10
Ama de casa says:
Great info! But I guess you have to get a motorhome first? 😉
27 July 2019 - 9:42
Helena says:
Motorhome is good 🙂 But of course you can travel with a regular car too! 🙂
27 July 2019 - 10:27
Nils-Åke Hansson says:
It's been so long since we were there with a motorhome that there was a lot of roadworks and they had their own currency.
Had exchanged and received banknotes that the person who received it in Estonia would frame the money in a picture. They were banknotes that were out of circulation but still usable.
It has been interesting to follow you on this journey. Makes me want to come back
27 July 2019 - 10:02
Helena says:
Interesting! Yes, things have changed a lot since then. Now it's the euro, and we didn't see much in the way of roadworks 😉.
27 July 2019 - 17:10
Ditte says:
Great info for those thinking of travelling in Estonia. And it also works perfectly to get around by car the route you made. (Have tested most places just by car) Maybe you have to book hotels / accommodation before if you are travelling in high season.
And Estonia is highly recommended.
27 July 2019 - 12:31
Helena says:
Yes, of course you can travel by regular car too! In some places you may need to book accommodation in advance (I know that it was difficult in Tartu in connection with the rally), but in general I think it is possible to find accommodation without booking as well.
27 July 2019 - 17:12
Knut Natt och Dag says:
What great information!
27 July 2019 - 12:33
Knut Natt och Dag says:
What great information!
27 July 2019 - 12:35
Helena says:
Great if it is appreciated! 🙂
27 July 2019 - 17:12
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
Great information if a motorhome trip to Estonia comes up! We just have a big I-country problem, we can't choose among all the tempting destinations and unfortunately time is a limiting factor, even though we are not bound by work anymore?!?!???
27 July 2019 - 13:34
Helena says:
Yes, there are many places to choose to travel to ... and it is nice that it is so! 🙂
27 July 2019 - 17:12
BP says:
Comprehensive and very good information for all motorhome owners! Well done! After your reports, more caravans should actually go to Estonia.
27 July 2019 - 20:52
Helena says:
Thank you very much! We really think more people should travel by motorhome to Estonia. Amazingly beautiful! 🙂
28 July 2019 - 19:51
Karin says:
Exciting reading just in time, we are travelling to Estonia in a week! Now we are even more excited to go. We will have time for some Latvia and Lithuania as well.
28 July 2019 - 8:50
Helena says:
But what fun! Then you have a wonderful trip ahead of you! 🙂 Hope you also found our reports with travel tips?
28 July 2019 - 19:52
Christer och Ann-Marie Svedberg says:
Hello!!! Thank you for a nice and perfect description of travelling in Estonia by motorhome. We have done it a few times, as almost every time we visit our relatives. And each time we explore a new part of the country.The picture you present is true to our experiences. Estonia is an amazing country with everything from the vast forests to the amazing limestone cliffs by the sea.
28 July 2019 - 13:33
Helena says:
Glad to hear that what we write matches your image of Estonia! Fantastically nice! 🙂
28 July 2019 - 19:52
Lisen Espeland says:
Welcome home!!!
I can admit that I'm getting a little anxious to pack up the family and "do Estonia" with a campervan?
I hope more of your followers do too!
Don't forget to check out http://www.visitestonia.com before you travel!
Welcome to Estonia!
Sunny greetings,
lisa
Visit Estonia
28 July 2019 - 17:30
Helena says:
Thank you so much Lisen! What a fantastic trip we had! Fantastically nice to travel in Estonia!!! And yes, great to check out Visit Estonia, we have found a lot of useful info there ourselves! 🙂
28 July 2019 - 19:54
Bo Källenius says:
Very nice article.
However, the blood alcohol limit is 0.0 !
28 July 2019 - 19:45
Helena says:
Thank you very much Bo! If this is correct, we will of course change it immediately! Can you give me a source so I can check it? I have taken this particular information from Motormännen.
28 July 2019 - 19:56
Reiselinda says:
Have finally had time to look through your posts from Estonia. Have realised that it has been a fantastic trip, and it looks like Estonia has a lot to offer. We have some other plans before we go there, but at least now we know where to find the information we need!
04 August 2019 - 10:48