
Estonia People & Culture
Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia ESTONIA INTRODUCTION Everything that you see while travelling around in Estonia is inseparable from our history. Estonians belong to the oldest people in Europe and were already living on the coasts of the Baltic Sea at the time when the first pyramids were erected in Egypt. Since the 13th century they have been invaded and ruled by Germans, Danes, Swedes, Poles and Russians, but each one of them have left behind also something good. The Republic of Estonia was declared on 24 February 1918, and for a couple of decades the people felt pride in their home country. The destructive occupation by the Soviet Union which lasted half a century interrupted the natural development and growth of Estonia, which until then had been keeping up well with its northern neighbour Finland. In 1991 Estonians regained their independence in the course of the “Singing Revolution” and returned to their rightful place in Europe and the world TALLINN INTRODUCTION Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is truly one of the gems of Northern Europe. The city lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, only 70 km (43 miles) south of Helsinki. At the historical heart of the city is the hill of Toompea, covered in cobbled streets and filled with medieval houses and alleyways. The lower town spreads out from the foot of the hill, still protected by the remnants of a city wall. Around the city wall is a series of well-maintained green parks, great for strolling. While the old town has been astonishingly well preserved and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, it is now in better shape than ever, with the bigger roads converted into fashionable shopping streets reminiscent of Zürich or Geneva, the new town sprawling all around is largely built in typical concrete Soviet style. The new center of town is Vabaduse Väljak (Freedom Square) at the edge of the old town, and nearby is the giant matchbox of Hotel Viru, the former Intourist flagship and notorious den of Cold War intrigue (every room was tapped and monitored by the KGB!). Recently, Tallinn has received a boom in tourism, especially by day trippers which visit it from its sister city across the Baltic Sea, Helsinki. Most tourists who visit Estonia arrive first in Tallinn. Since this medieval Hanseatic town, the capital, the business and cultural centre of Estonia deserves a guide book of its own. Flights to Tallinn is easy to find and with Easyjet flying straight from London or Berlin into this beautiful city, how did you manage to stay away for so long? You may also find various options connecting from various main hubs in Europe using other low cost carriers. We have a rental apartment in Tallinn for short and long term rentals. Have a look at www.estonia-apartment.com Good tip? (0) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia I visited Estonia in 2001 and really enjoyed my time in Tallinn in particular. The city has a unique blend of cultures from around the Baltic - including Russian, Swedish and other lesser influences. The historic centre of the city is quite well preserved (considering the impact of the U.S.S.R in the region) - of real note are the partial remains of the medieval city walls which offer a stark contrast to the Soviet era concrete tower blocks which dominate the skyline on the outskirts. Furthermore there is a very nice market square where there are often many different goods on display, and you can often see a number of people dressed in the traditional dress which is very nice. Also many of the younger generation speak English, whilst Russian is quite common amongst the older generation - so there are a wide number of people who should be ok travelling around the city. Good tip? (0) Erra, Ida-Virumaa County, Estonia All the cool people grew up in that place :) Good tip? (0) Soosaare, Viljandimaa County, Estonia soosaare is small place in estonia. You will find there lot of forest and stones. There are not much people and if like nature you will find very peaceful place. Good tip? (0) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia Bring a good and concise book on the language...and please just start speaking... People will like that you made an effort, and you won't come across as a tourist right away... Good tip? (0) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia ESTONIA INTRODUCTION Everything that you see while travelling around in Estonia is inseparable from our history. Estonians belong to the oldest people in Europe and were already living on the coasts of the Baltic Sea at the time when the first pyramids were erected in Egypt. Since the 13th century they have been invaded and ruled by Germans, Danes, Swedes, Poles and Russians, but each one of them have left behind also something good. The Republic of Estonia was declared on 24 February 1918, and for a couple of decades the people felt pride in their home country. The destructive occupation by the Soviet Union which lasted half a century interrupted the natural development and growth of Estonia, which until then had been keeping up well with its northern neighbour Finland. In 1991 Estonians regained their independence in the course of the “Singing Revolution” and returned to their rightful place in Europe and the world TALLINN INTRODUCTION Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is truly one of the gems of Northern Europe. The city lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, only 70 km (43 miles) south of Helsinki. At the historical heart of the city is the hill of Toompea, covered in cobbled streets and filled with medieval houses and alleyways. The lower town spreads out from the foot of the hill, still protected by the remnants of a city wall. Around the city wall is a series of well-maintained green parks, great for strolling. While the old town has been astonishingly well preserved and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, it is now in better shape than ever, with the bigger roads converted into fashionable shopping streets reminiscent of Zürich or Geneva, the new town sprawling all around is largely built in typical concrete Soviet style. The new center of town is Vabaduse Väljak (Freedom Square) at the edge of the old town, and nearby is the giant matchbox of Hotel Viru, the former Intourist flagship and notorious den of Cold War intrigue (every room was tapped and monitored by the KGB!). Recently, Tallinn has received a boom in tourism, especially by day trippers which visit it from its sister city across the Baltic Sea, Helsinki. Most tourists who visit Estonia arrive first in Tallinn. Since this medieval Hanseatic town, the capital, the business and cultural centre of Estonia deserves a guide book of its own. Flights to Tallinn is easy to find and with Easyjet flying straight from London or Berlin into this beautiful city, how did you manage to stay away for so long? You may also find various options connecting from various main hubs in Europe using other low cost carriers. We have a rental apartment in Tallinn for short and long term rentals. Have a look at www.estonia-apartment.com Good tip? (0) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia I visited Estonia in 2001 and really enjoyed my time in Tallinn in particular. The city has a unique blend of cultures from around the Baltic - including Russian, Swedish and other lesser influences. The historic centre of the city is quite well preserved (considering the impact of the U.S.S.R in the region) - of real note are the partial remains of the medieval city walls which offer a stark contrast to the Soviet era concrete tower blocks which dominate the skyline on the outskirts. Furthermore there is a very nice market square where there are often many different goods on display, and you can often see a number of people dressed in the traditional dress which is very nice. Also many of the younger generation speak English, whilst Russian is quite common amongst the older generation - so there are a wide number of people who should be ok travelling around the city. Good tip? (0) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia you should see the old hanse part of tallin...amazing buildings, nice peaople and a lot of culture Good tip? (0) Tartu, Tartumaa County, Estonia Tartu is a university town and a very young city. It has a population of about 100.000 and is the second larges city of Estonia and the oldest in the Baltic States. Tartu is the intellectual and cultural capital of Estonia, its university has a very long tradition (since 1632). Because of the large student population Tartu has a thriving nightlive with many bars, pubs and clubs. Popular destinations for tourists are: - Café Maailm: http://www.klubimaailm.ee/ - Gunpowder Cellar : http://www.pyss.ee/ Former Powder Magazine and Highest Pub in the World! - The Wilde Irish Pub: http://www.wilde.ee/ Nice Terrace Popular for locals: - Zavood : http://www.zavood.ee/ funky and "popular with the alternative crowd" ( In Your Pocket ) or "battered cellar bar" that "attracts an alternative, down-to-earth crowd with its inexpensive drinks and lack of attitude." ( Lonely Planet ) = Come in and find out! And have a Sip Si[c]k… Good tip? (0) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia Nice Viru Hotel, markets and strong alcohol culture. Good tip? (0) Tartu, Tartumaa County, Estonia One of 3 main party cities in Estonia. Tartu is a student city, so it has pretty good clubbing, nice cafés/restaurants, etc. Crowd is usually younger, and more relaxed than for example in Tallinn. If you're interested of electronic music events, this is the place where it's most likely to happen. Good tip? (0) Viljandi, Viljandimaa County, Estonia The Viljandi Folk Music Festival is a music festival in Estonia with a central focus on European folk music . It is traditionally held in late July, when the otherwise quiet city of Viljandi is completely transformed as the small city center is suddenly flooded with people. The main attraction of the festival is the friendly atmosphere. In the year 2006 , over 24,000 people attended the concerts, but many more just came to take part in the festivities. As such, it is the largest annual music festival in Estonia, and one of the largest folk music festivals in Europe. Good tip? (0) Tapa, Laane-Virumaa County, Estonia a small city, railroad leads there. sports hall is new and renovated :) these are my impressions. Good tip? (0) Kuressaare, Saaremaa County, Estonia If you need LPG in Estonia, you've got a problem. Fortunately, there is small gas station, which not only refills home gas tanks, but also has an LPG outlet for cars. Its address is Kaevu 27, on the eastern edge of Kuressaare town, nearby junction with Marientali street. Good tip? (+1) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia loved this city wished i had a longer stay Good tip? (0) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia ESTONIA INTRODUCTION Everything that you see while travelling around in Estonia is inseparable from our history. Estonians belong to the oldest people in Europe and were already living on the coasts of the Baltic Sea at the time when the first pyramids were erected in Egypt. Since the 13th century they have been invaded and ruled by Germans, Danes, Swedes, Poles and Russians, but each one of them have left behind also something good. The Republic of Estonia was declared on 24 February 1918, and for a couple of decades the people felt pride in their home country. The destructive occupation by the Soviet Union which lasted half a century interrupted the natural development and growth of Estonia, which until then had been keeping up well with its northern neighbour Finland. In 1991 Estonians regained their independence in the course of the “Singing Revolution” and returned to their rightful place in Europe and the world TALLINN INTRODUCTION Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is truly one of the gems of Northern Europe. The city lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland, only 70 km (43 miles) south of Helsinki. At the historical heart of the city is the hill of Toompea, covered in cobbled streets and filled with medieval houses and alleyways. The lower town spreads out from the foot of the hill, still protected by the remnants of a city wall. Around the city wall is a series of well-maintained green parks, great for strolling. While the old town has been astonishingly well preserved and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, it is now in better shape than ever, with the bigger roads converted into fashionable shopping streets reminiscent of Zürich or Geneva, the new town sprawling all around is largely built in typical concrete Soviet style. The new center of town is Vabaduse Väljak (Freedom Square) at the edge of the old town, and nearby is the giant matchbox of Hotel Viru, the former Intourist flagship and notorious den of Cold War intrigue (every room was tapped and monitored by the KGB!). Recently, Tallinn has received a boom in tourism, especially by day trippers which visit it from its sister city across the Baltic Sea, Helsinki. Most tourists who visit Estonia arrive first in Tallinn. Since this medieval Hanseatic town, the capital, the business and cultural centre of Estonia deserves a guide book of its own. Flights to Tallinn is easy to find and with Easyjet flying straight from London or Berlin into this beautiful city, how did you manage to stay away for so long? You may also find various options connecting from various main hubs in Europe using other low cost carriers. We have a rental apartment in Tallinn for short and long term rentals. Have a look at www.estonia-apartment.com Good tip? (0) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia I visited Estonia in 2001 and really enjoyed my time in Tallinn in particular. The city has a unique blend of cultures from around the Baltic - including Russian, Swedish and other lesser influences. The historic centre of the city is quite well preserved (considering the impact of the U.S.S.R in the region) - of real note are the partial remains of the medieval city walls which offer a stark contrast to the Soviet era concrete tower blocks which dominate the skyline on the outskirts. Furthermore there is a very nice market square where there are often many different goods on display, and you can often see a number of people dressed in the traditional dress which is very nice. Also many of the younger generation speak English, whilst Russian is quite common amongst the older generation - so there are a wide number of people who should be ok travelling around the city. Good tip? (0) Parnu, Parnumaa County, Estonia Famous for its spa treatments, visit Parnu's neoclassical Mudaravila wallow in the mud! It's all good clean fun. Then take a stroll along the beach to breath in the Baltic Sea air. Good tip? (0) Tallinn, Harjumaa County, Estonia Multi Coloured City of Tallinn, I found the streets quite unique and very beautiful. Get rid of the semi or high-heel boots or shooes...lots and lots of cobblestone streets. I actually observed (from an outside cafe) how the girls (I assume lokals) was very efficient walkers there, in the meantime I lost a heel and my selfrespect by trying to eat the pavement a few times. Got a great (expensive) pair of sneakers in a lokal store. Make sure you go to the old town and see these beautiful coloured houses and streets. The Cathedral, Fat Magarita, Government house and embassy houses Food and drinks were very good and there are plenty of reataurants to choose from. Good tip? (0) Bradt Travel Guides |