Travel Guides: All Countries / Europe / Estonia
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| | | Reinventing a nation |  | Why go on holiday to Estonia?
Estonia has successfully re-invented itself since the end of Soviet rule and has a thrusting young economy which has seen the average standard of living rise to near Western standards.
Despite these changes, tradition remains a large part of everyday life, especially in Estonia's many beautiful little islands. The country's boglands are its most impressive geographical feature and a striking terrain through which to hike.
How much does it cost?
As a rough guide, a London to Tallinn flight cost from around £250. A night in a three-star hotel in Tallinn, with breakfast, is about £30. Weekend breaks are from £300.
When should I go?
Estonian winters are very severe (temperatures can dip to -12C) and autumn is very wet, so late spring and summer are the best times to go (temperatures rise to around 20C/68F).
If you're keen on skiing, skating or ice fishing, winter is a perfect time to go, but daylight hours are few.
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| | | Exploring the boglands |  | What should I do when I'm there?
You'll most probably arrive in the capital, Tallinn. It is one of the most modern cities in the Baltic, but the Old Town is still a delightful mess of 14th and 15th-century turrets, walls and spires.
Town Hall Square comes alive in summer when you can wander around the winding cobbled streets. Toompea, Tallinn's central hill, has a castle, Lutheran and Russian Orthodox cathedrals and the Estonian Art Museum. The park at Kadriorg was laid out by Peter the Great, who lived in the Kadriorg Palace.
What about the islands?
Hiiumaa is a small, quiet island west of the mainland with a beautiful coastline and a tiny population. The Tahkuna Peninsula has a lighthouse (great views) plus an excellent bird reserve.
The larger island of Saaremaa is just as sparsely populated as its northern neighbour. The capital Kuressaare has a 13th-century castle and a botanical reserve.
Abruka is a miniscule island, beautiful and rugged with a population of less than 30. There's a botanical/zoological reserve (summer only) which offers classes, horse riding, meals and rustic accommodation.
What outdoor activities are there?
Try bog-walking in places like the Soomaa National Park. An easier way to explore these sludgy wonders is in a haabja, a traditional Estonian canoe. You can even build your own haabja at the Kasma Sea Museum. There's also summer sailing, rowing and diving.
Estonia is also a Mecca for bird-watchers, who migrate to the Matsalu and Kaina Bay bird reserves. There are plenty of opportunities for winter sports - skiing and snowboarding at the Kuutsemae and Vaike-Munamae sports centres - and snow-biking in Voru.
Are there any special events in Estonia?
The All-Estonian Song Festival, an event held every five years, is a huge event which climaxes with a 30,000-strong choir singing folk songs - a spectacular occasion.
Jaanipaev on June 23 is mid-summer and Estonians head off into the country to dance and sing around bonfires. Every second July there is a lively folk music and dance festival in Palmse.
Thousands of pilgrims make the trip annually to the Puhtitsa Convent, a gorgeous Russian Orthodox nunnery in Estonia's north-eastern area.
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| | | From theatre to techno | | Where's good for nightlife?
There are several pubs and bars in Tallinn (mainly in the Old Town), and the nightclubs are a ravers' paradise, with frequent all-nighters, live cabaret shows and techno techno techno!
Tallinn has several theatres (including the Russian Drama Theatre) and houses the Estonian National opera and ballet.
In the south-west, the coastal resort town Parnu has been dubbed the summer capital of Estonia, and really buzzes during festival times, when the clubbing scene spills onto the beach.
What's the food like?
With Estonia's wholehearted acceptance of all things Western, most international cuisines are readily available, particularly in Tallinn. Estonian food itself is a sturdy mix of red meat, chicken, sausage and potatoes.
Smoked or salted fish is a common starter and blood sausages and pancakes are a national favourite, particularly at Christmas. Saku beer is well worth a glug, but the sweet, powerful Vana Tallinn liqueur is an acquired taste.
What should I buy?
Amber jewellery, various handicrafts, including unusual figurines crafted from straw, paintings and prints. If you're buying anything valuable, check the export rules first, as there are some restrictions.
In Tallinn, there's an excellent shop at the Estonian Folk Art and Craft Union at Viruvaljak 4, and you can buy traditional folk costumes at Kastitoo at Vana Posti 1.
What is there for children to do?
Tallinn offers two amusement parks, a zoo (at Paldiski maantee 145), and a Doll Museum, while there is a mini-zoo and the beach at Parnu.
Tourist office
Although the Estonian Tourist Board is large and efficient, there is no UK office. The embassy or one of the several travel agents dealing with the Baltic States are best. You can collect brochures in person from the Estonian Embassy, 16 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5DG between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, telephone: 020 7589 3428.
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| | Fact File : Estonia |
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| | | Estonia | | Did you know?
Estonia is home to about 800 brown bears, 250 pairs of golden eagles and the European flying squirrel.
Language
Estonian.
Visas
None required for stays under six months.
Getting there
Regular flights between the capital Tallinn and London, or bus from western or Scandinavian Europe — cheap but uncomfortable. Sail from Scandinavia or northern Germany, or get a train from Warsaw.
Flying time from London
Two hours and 45 minutes.
Getting around
Estonian roads are good and traffic is light, so hiring a car is a good move. As it's so flat, cycling is also viable. Trains and buses are good but can be slow. Within towns and cities use buses and trams, but they get crowded. Taxis are cheap and abundant.
Currency
Eesti Kroon (EEK).
Costs
Beer (0.5 litres) £1, 24-exposure roll of camera film £2, moderately-priced restaurant meal with wine £12, litre of petrol 50p, four-mile taxi ride £2. All prices will vary.
Weather
Winter 10-35F(-12C-2C), summer 32-68F(0C-20C).
Time difference
Two hours ahead of the UK.
International dialling code from the UK
00 372.
Voltage
220 volts AC, 59Hz (European style 2-pin plugs).
Opening hours
Banks Monday-Friday 9am-4pm; shops 9am-6pm Monday-Friday, and until 3pm on Saturdays. In larger towns department stores open until 8pm and usually on Sundays.
Health — before you go
No jabs necessary, but for remote forested areas, a vaccination against tick-borne encephalitis is advised.
Health — when you are there
Make sure you have good holiday insurance as the UK has no reciprocal healthcare agreement with Estonia. It's advisable to take a supply of any medicine you may need.
Warnings
There have been some muggings in cities, so keep your wits about you, especially after dark. Keep passports and valuable locked up in hotel safes and carry a photocopy of your passport with you for ID.
Emergency
Police 110, ambulance 112. British Embassy, Kentmanni 20, 2nd floor. Tel 6313462 / 6313463
Customs
Estonians are a stony-faced lot, but don't take this as unfriendliness; it is just their way.
Pets
Will have to undergo six months quarantine on their return to the UK.
Tipping
It's fairly usual to tip waiters 5-10% by rounding up the bill; in some cases, they may try to do it themselves.
Tourist office
Although the Estonian Tourist Board is large and efficient, there is no UK office. The embassy or one of the several travel agents dealing with the Baltic states are best. You can collect brochures in person from the Estonian Embassy, 16 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5DG between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday. Alternatively, telephone 020 7589 3428.
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| | Available rental properties in Estonia |
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| |  | | City Style
Newly renovated and furnished stylish and sunny apartment with high ceilings in the city center with a double bed and a lot of place to fit your cloth
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Holiday Rentals in Estonia |
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