From January 15 to February 17, 2026, Tallinn marks the Shrovetide season with the return of Tallinn Bun Fest, a city-wide celebration dedicated to the vastlakukkel. More than 40 cafés and bakeries take part, presenting over 120 interpretations of the beloved cardamom-spiced bun, from classic cream-filled versions to contemporary and inventive variations.
From January 15 to February 17, 2026, Tallinn celebrates its most beloved seasonal pastry with the return of the Tallinn Bun Fest. More than 40 cafés and bakeries across the city take part, presenting over 120 interpretations of the traditional vastlakukkel—the soft cardamom bun filled with whipped cream or custard that marks the Shrovetide season in Estonia.
While closely related to Sweden’s semla and Finland’s laskiaispulla, the Estonian version has developed its own character. During the festival, classic cream-, jam-, and almond-filled buns appear alongside modern variations, including vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options. Several bakeries also experiment with savory fillings, offering unexpected takes on the traditional recipe.
Organized by Visit Tallinn, the Bun Fest unfolds as a city-wide, month-long celebration rather than a single event. Throughout the festival period, Shrovetide buns take center stage in café displays and menus, supported by an active social media presence highlighting participating bakers.
A special bun map helps navigate the city’s offerings and makes exploration easier.
