Estonia – This is the ideal car-free day outside the capital

Spend a (car-free!) day cross-country skiing outside of Tallinn! You can take the train from Tallinn to Aegviidu — only 45 minutes and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped out of the city into a beautiful winter wonderland. As it’s an inland area protected by forest, there’s often more snow than what you see in Tallinn. 

Leave your belongings at the lockers inside the Health Depot (Tervisedepoo), conveniently found inside the Aegviidu train station. After a day of skiing, enjoy a hot sauna before heading back to Tallinn. Keep in mind the sauna must be ordered in advance!

The ski trails that start at Aegviidu Tervisedepoo connect to Aegviidu, Sportland Kõrvemaa Hiking and Ski Center, Nelijärve Recreation Center, Jäneda Mõisa Tourism Center, and Valgehobusemäe Ski and Recreation Center.

The “Aegviidu Suurring” ski trail covers the route Aegviidu – Pukimäe – Kõrvemaa Hiking and Skiing Center – Pukimäe – Aegviidu – Nelijärve Recreation Center – Jäneda – Nelijärve Recreation Center – Valgehobusemäe – Aegviidu, covering 65 km. The track is currently not fully marked, but there are maps and signs at the nodes.