ESTONIA
A country of 1500 islands, medieval old towns and endless forests, Estonia feels like an inviting place for culture and nature enthusiasts, should it be a tour of medieval Hanseatic cities, an island hopping or a swamp safari.
The small size of Estonia makes travel from one point to another inexpensive and can also accommodate changing landscapes and lot of excitement in a few days trip. Furthermore, there are very special ways to travel: You can move along ice roads between the mainland and the islands in winter, you can enjoy the fifth season at Soomaa in spring by taking a tour through the forest by boat. This is accompanied by Wi-Fi as a “human right” – almost all of Estonia is covered with wireless internet access network that is mostly free.
Tallinn
Tallinn is the capital city of Estonia and an ideal holiday destination if you want to combine the comforts of modern world, versatile nightlife and luxurious adventures with rich cultural scene, historic settings and making the most of you travel.
The vast majority of travelers come to Estonia through Tallinn, the capital city, either by plane, train, bus or driving, making it the most international city in Estonia.
With half a million citizens, Tallinn is hardly a world metropolis. However: short distances and low traffic are advantages to cherish. Whether you have only few hours or few days, you get to experience a lot. Medieval Tallinn Old Town, one of the best preserved Hanseatic town centres in the world, is just a short walk away from the city business centre with its skyscrapers, modern hotels, luxurious restaurants and shopping malls.
Tartu
The university city of Tartu sits on the Emajõgi river. The large student population and wealth of museums means that the city is always alive with interesting and new events to entertain you.
Come to Tartu and see the famous kissing sculpture, meet the Tartu ghost (perhaps) and use it as a base for your South Estonia explorations.
Tartu is Estonia’s second largest city and also the oldest one in the Baltic States – first mentioned in 1030.
Tartu has always been the intellectual capital of Estonia. It is the cradle of the Estonian Song Festival, Estonian Theatre and the Estonian State. In the period Estonians call “The national awakening” Tartu was known as the Athens of the Emajõgi River (“Mother River”) and until now the city has retained its intellectual and bohemian ambience.
Islands
Estonia’s 1500+ islands offer an enormous amount of charm and ancient history. Most popular are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Kihnu, Ruhnu and Vormsi.
Life moves at a slower pace on the islands and Estonia’s traditional values are strong there. They are a perfect place to see how Estonians used to live before the modern age. The nature is essentially untouched and many visitors find an inner peace on the islands.
Text courtesy of Estonian Tourist Board