As the bright colours of summer begin to turn to autumnal hues in Estonia, it’s ideal to take advantage of the opportunities this time of year brings to promote and enjoy your health. We bring you ten ideas to tie in with Estonia’s autumnal charm, encompassing health, wellbeing and active pursuits to suit everyone.
Take a hike!
Estonia’s lush forests come alive with colour and fungi in autumn. Take advantage of this in combination with the concept of “Shinrin-Yoku” or forest embalming.
A relaxing walk in the woods can reduce stress, boost the immune system and improve mood. Breathe in the fresh air, listen to the rustling leaves and enjoy the energy of the forest.
Want to pick up the pace? Nordic Walking can help
Nordic walking is a workout with special sticks to strengthen your joints and body while moving. It doesn’t require much, but it can challenge even the most athletic soul.
Estonia’s picturesque landscapes offer the perfect opportunity for this activity, as we have hundreds of health trails. Nordic walking improves cardiovascular health, keeps muscles toned and burns calories.
If Nordic Walking on your own seems boring or dull, Stebby has Nordic Walking training groups for you HERE.
Climb safely to heights
Want to challenge yourself? There are a number of climbing centres in Estonia where you can literally test your strength from your fingers to your toes.
Climbing is a great way to develop strength, balance and coordination while providing fun and challenge for all levels of fitness.
In Stebby, you’ll find your own challenging wall to climb HERE.
Yoga both outdoors and indoors
Do you know how many different styles and teachings of yoga there are? Try at least some of them yourself.
On dark mornings, yoga can help you wake up calmly and give you a sense of wellbeing that you’ve already made an active start to the day. There are also days that you can do yoga outdoors! Yoga promotes flexibility, clearing your mind and relaxation, making it the perfect daily fall routine.
Find the right yoga class or style for you HERE.
Invest in your hobbies
When the days start to get shorter, invest more time and resources in your well-being. This could be a hobby that gives you new insights and enjoyment.
For example, learn to meditate, take a cooking class focusing on seasonal foods, join a clay circle or join a choir. These indoor activities will keep your body energised and your mind healthy all autumn long.
Autumn canoeing
Discover Estonia’s rivers and lakes in the autumn season with a canoe trip. Cruising the calm waters is a soothing experience that doesn’t require too much effort, but gets you away from the city. Canoeing offers a great upper-body workout and a unique view of Estonia’s natural beauty.
Find a canoe trip nearby HERE.
Geogames and GPS treasure hunts
Need adventures? Explore the varied Estonian landscape, both in the city and in the countryside, by taking part in a game of geocaching or by walking along different orienteering trails. Use a GPS or smartphone to find hidden locations, for example.
Geocaching and other geogames are a fun way to stay active, improve navigation skills and discover hidden treasures in your local area.
Adventure company 360 KRAADI offers mobile games across Estonia HERE. Read their article HERE.
Cycling in autumn
The weather is still warm, so go out and enjoy a bike ride. There are plenty of cycle paths and forest trails for cycling in Estonia, and the autumn season’s cycling races are not all over yet. Plan a long hike or compete with others in the beautiful autumn countryside.
Maybe you’ll find another autumn cycling event HERE.
Enjoy a sauna
Whether it’s a classic country sauna or a modern spa centre, saunas offer relaxation, improve circulation and make you feel good.
After your sauna session, cool off in the fresh autumn air or even try out for a winter swim in the refreshing waters. If you can’t take a sauna yourself, there are spas in every region of Estonia – you just have to find the right one.
You can find Spa centre passes HERE.
There is a photographer in everyone
Connect movement with memories. Capture the beauty of Estonian autumn by trying your hand at photography. All you need is a smartphone or get out an old film camera and see what you can capture on it.
By noticing the details in nature, you can savour the moments and be present with body and mind. Try capturing colourful foliage, misty landscapes or local wildlife to create everlasting memories.
If you’re interested in trying something new, Stebby has over 9000 ways. Check them all out HERE.
