Estonia
Breathtaking Hanseatic charm in our medieval capital Tallinn and in other old Hansa towns, large areas of almost virgin nature –pine forests, deserted sandy beaches, bogs and wetlands, which have nearly disappeared from the rest of Europe, big and small islands with wooden windmills and juniper fields – that’s all just some of the attractions of Estonia, the northernmost of three Baltic Countries, lying around the Baltic Sea cost.
Due to Estonia’s strategic location as a link between East and West, it’s stirring history has come through the ages of rapacious kings and conquerors. Russian Orthodox onion domes, Swedish named villages and towns, German manors and Danish castles – the influence of many different invaders upon Estonia’s ancient culture are what make this Baltic country so unique.
Modern Estonia is developing fast and changes in every aspect of economical and social life have been taken place during past years. The Estonian travel industry as other fields of economy has seen remarkable improvements since independence. Already now new comfortable hotels, cosy and nice restaurants, friendly and qualified guides and hostesses and attentive service, all at very affordable prices, are there for an increasing number of visitors.
Tallinn – Estonia’s medieval capital
Kilometres of winding cobblestone streets, red roofs, watchtowers in the Old City walls that surrounds the Old Town, a whole storybook of medieval houses - that’s all Tallinn, one of the oldest cities of Northern Europe. This rich medieval town was forgotten for 50 years in the Soviet times and now, more than ever, Tallinn is attracting tourists to discover the spirit of old medieval times.
Don’t miss the Tallinn’s famous Gothic Town Hall and the lively Town Hall square, the heart of the Old City with outdoor cafés, shops and never-ending activity. Wandering on the original medieval street network, discover hidden courtyards, churches, Hanseatic period guild and citizen’s houses.
Tartu
a historic and young city, our second-largest town and the capital of beautiful South Estonia, a landscape of almost untouched nature, rounded hills and little lakes. This charming old university city is cosily small, yet big enough to offer a lot to a traveller - the glory of once well known Hansa-town, the ancient Dome Hill, academic atmosphere with old University buildings and merry student festivals, a rich cultural life of concerts, theatre and exhibitions.
Pärnu
– “Enchanting Cinderella on the Shores on the Baltic� has been a beloved resort town already for more than 100 years. Ivory-coloured beaches, shady parks, airy avenues and old medieval houses could tell stories about the previous proud member of the Hansa league. Today’s Pärnu is Estonia’s chic summer capital and offers a great number of various summer activities on the ground, and of course, on the water. Pärnu is also famous for it’s curative mud and mineral water cures, that keep sanatoriums and health centres busy year-round.
Saaremaa
– the biggest and the most famous of Estonia’s more than 1500 islands. Wind whistling over the juniper fields and white cliffs, wooden windmills and thatched roofs, fortified stone churches on the countryside, nature reserves, ancient hill forts… The capital city of Saaremaa is Kuressaare, where one the island’s main attractions is situated - the 14th century Bishop’s Castle, one of the best preserved medieval fortress in the Baltics.
Lahemaa National Park
on the Estonian northern coast is only short ride away from Tallinn. You can enjoy scenic coastal views, beautiful walks through pine woods and peat bogs with open pools, and old fishing villages. Not only peaceful nature scenes, but also nicely restored manor house complexes, once belonging to Baltic-German noblemen can be seen and visited in Lahemaa National Park.
