The cold and dark season can be beautiful with its peaceful atmosphere and twinkling lights, but the lack of daylight, grey weather and long stretches of darkness can leave many of us longing for sunshine, warmth and endless summer evenings.

If escaping to a sunny destination in the south is not an option, there is no need to worry. There are plenty of ways to recharge and lift your spirits right here in Estonia.

Enjoy the Warmth of a Fireplace

One thing that can really help during the cold season is light. Hang up festive lights, light some candles and make the most of every bit of daylight you can get. Or spend an evening in a cosy restaurant with a real fireplace.

The wonderfully atmospheric Stenhus Restaurant is located in Tallinn’s Old Town. Here you can enjoy the best of European cuisine and dishes prepared with local ingredients in a historic building dating back to the 13th century. The atmosphere is romantic, cosy and relaxing.

It is a lovely place to visit after exploring the towers and museums of Tallinn Old Town, or why not stop by after a relaxing spa experience at Park Inn by Radisson Meriton Conference & Spa Hotel Tallinn.

Go Hiking

The days are short and the weather may not always be inviting, but hiding indoors is not necessarily the best way to deal with the winter blues. Quite the opposite – getting outside and making the most of the daylight can do wonders.

If you do not want to travel far from the city, Pääsküla Bog in Tallinn is a convenient place to recharge in nature.

If you feel like taking a slightly longer trip, visit Viru Bog, located just about an hour’s drive from Tallinn. The bog has a 5.5-kilometre circular hiking trail.

Another beautiful option is Mukri Bog in Rapla County. A long boardwalk winds through lakes and wetlands, and an 18-metre observation tower offers beautiful views over the surrounding landscape.

Take a warm drink and a sandwich with you, dress warmly and you may soon discover that there is really no such thing as bad weather. With the right clothes, a day in nature can give you enough energy to carry you through the whole working week.

Visit a Botanical Garden

Plants can have a positive effect on both our physical and mental wellbeing. If possible, bring a houseplant into your home – or even better, pay a visit to the Tallinn Botanic Garden.

Even in late autumn, you can enjoy plenty of greenery and lush plant life here.

Nature flourishes in the Palm House, where, for example, papaya blossoms in November. You can also visit the subtropical greenhouse and the greenhouse dedicated to plants from arid regions. The northern greenhouses are home to many exotic species too, including black pepper plants in bloom.

Massage and Relaxation

Massage can also be a great way to ease the tiredness and tension that often comes with the cold and dark season. In fact, it is something worth treating yourself to regularly throughout the year.

During autumn and winter, aroma massage can be especially enjoyable. Essential oils can help create a sense of wellbeing and relaxation.

Foot and head massages are also excellent choices. Foot massage is suitable for people who work either sitting or standing, as well as for anyone whose job involves a lot of walking.

Johan Spa Hotel in Kuressaare offers a wide range of massages using essential oils. Among other options, you can enjoy a slimming massage with citrus essential oils or a calming massage with lavender essential oil.

The hotel also offers head and neck massage, which can help relieve tension around the eyes, support better sleep and improve concentration.

Go to a Stand-Up Comedy Show

Laughter is one of the quickest ways to lift your mood and take your mind off everyday worries. If nothing seems particularly funny at the moment, a stand-up comedy show might be exactly what you need.

Spend an evening with friends or your partner listening to jokes and stories. Comedy Estonia regularly brings comedy nights to venues such as Möku in Tartu, Winkel in Tallinn and Ükskõik.

Try a Sauna Ritual

A sauna is a place where you can step into a different world and leave stress and worries at the door. It is especially comforting during the darkest time of the year, so why not take the experience a step further and try a sauna ritual?

A sauna ritual is a guided sauna experience led by a sauna master. These rituals introduce you to sauna traditions while offering a memorable and relaxing experience. They may include whisking with sauna whisks, throwing steam and the use of essential oils.

You can experience sauna rituals, for example, at Ring Spa Hostel. Here you can take part in steam, salt and aroma rituals. Sauna yoga is also available on Tuesdays.