1. Rummu Quarry – Estonia’s Maldives Beneath the Surface

Just 45 km outside Tallinn lies one of the most breathtaking and mysterious places in Estonia: Rummu Quarry.
In the middle of lush forests, striking white limestone hills rise above crystal-clear turquoise water—an unexpected scene that looks more like the Maldives than Northern Europe.

Originally a Soviet-era limestone quarry and prison, the site was abandoned and eventually submerged, creating a hauntingly beautiful underwater world. Chairs, prison walls, machinery, and even vehicles remain frozen in time beneath the water, making Rummu one of the few known underwater prison ruins where divers can explore history up close.

Today, Rummu is a playground for:

• Scuba divers

• Paddle boarders

• Drone photographers

• Travelers hunting for surreal landscapes in Estonia

Visit during sunrise or sunset, when the golden light hits the turquoise water, and you’ll understand why locals sometimes call it “Estonia’s Maldives.”

2. Viru Bog – A Fairy-Tale Landscape in Lahemaa National Park

If you want to understand the soul of Estonia and the foundations of life in Estonia, visit Viru Bog in Lahemaa National Park—just an hour from Tallinn.

Bogs are sacred natural spaces in Estonia. They cover 20% of the country and have shaped Estonian history and culture. For generations, people have gathered berries and herbs here. During difficult times, bogs even sheltered those fleeing war, plagues, or occupation.

Walking along the wooden boardwalks of Viru Bog is like stepping into another world, surrounded by:

• Floating islands

• Velvet moss carpets

• Mirror-like black pools

• Silence so deep that time feels suspended

The most magical experience? Swimming in the bog pools.

These pools are incredibly deep—sometimes more than 20 meters—creating a sensation similar to floating in outer space. With the pitch-black water beneath you and the peaceful bog around you, the experience is both surreal and unforgettable.

For an even more breathtaking moment, visit during autumn mornings when fog settles on the landscape, turning Viru Bog into a living fairy tale.

3. Kaali Crater – Where Space Once Collided With Estonia

Located on Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island, Kaali Crater is one of the country’s most mysterious natural wonders. About 3,500 years ago, a massive meteorite struck the island, creating nine craters that dramatically changed the region’s landscape and ancient myths.

The largest crater is:

• 110 meters wide

• 22 meters deep

• Filled with emerald-green water

Historically, Kaali Crater was believed to be a sacred sacrificial site. Archaeologists suggest that animals—and possibly humans—were offered here during ancient rituals. Standing on the crater’s edge today, you can feel that powerful mix of geology, history, and mythology.

If you view Kaali from above, especially in winter when the lake freezes, the landscape resembles something extraterrestrial—perfectly round, peaceful, and surreal.

Why These Places Reveal the Magic of Life in Estonia

These three magical destinations—Rummu Quarry, Viru Bog, and Kaali Crater—highlight what makes life in Estonia so unique: untouched forests, ancient stories, mysterious landscapes, and a deep connection between people and nature.

Estonia may be small, but the experiences it offers are truly extraordinary. If you are planning a trip or simply exploring what life in Estonia feels like, add these locations to your list. Their beauty is raw, rare, and unforgettable.

To discover more about the country’s culture, quirks, and everyday experiences, make sure to check out my video on the “crazy things that are considered normal in Estonia.”