Recreation and tourism in Estonia. Tourism in Estonia Organizational features of beach tourism in Estonia

The cost of mobile communications and the Internet in Estonia is low, especially in comparison with other European countries. There are three major mobile operators - Tele2, Elisa and EMT. SIM cards are sold in salons, post offices, kiosks of the R-kiosk network, supermarkets and other points of sale.

As for the Internet, all operators provide relatively inexpensive mobile Internet, which is purchased in “packages”. Any tourist can use Wi-Fi, since it is provided free of charge in most hotels, restaurants and some shopping centers.

Language and communication

The most widely spoken language is, of course, Estonian, followed by Russian. Estonian is a very specific language, not everyone can master it, but still, if you are planning to visit the country, I recommend learning a few words. Local residents are pleased if a tourist greets or thanks them in their native language. Many people speak Russian, especially in the eastern part bordering Russia and in the capital. Almost everyone speaks basic English.

Features of the Estonian mentality

Estonians are quite closed people. This is why many foreigners who come to the country may find local residents inhospitable and indifferent. In fact, this is not true. Estonians are indeed calm and phlegmatic, and direct all their energy to themselves and their family. But once you stir up a person a little, get to know him better, you will understand that he is actually a very pleasant conversationalist and companion.

Before traveling to Estonia, many Russian tourists fear that Estonians will treat Russian-speaking tourists arrogantly, and sometimes even aggressively. There is some truth in this, but it is the exception rather than the rule. Most Estonians, especially those who work in the tourism industry, are always ready to help guests, regardless of their nationality.

Shopping. What should you bring?

Of course, you shouldn’t compare Estonia with other European countries when it comes to shopping. However, there are some things that you should definitely buy here.

Products. Many of the products you see on store shelves are made in Estonia to the highest standards. First of all, it is high-quality meat and milk. In addition, the country is famous for its Kalev confectionery factory, where delicious sweets and chocolate are produced. You can also buy famous Estonian liqueurs as a souvenir or as a souvenir.

Things made of wool. In Estonia you can buy both expensive handmade woolen products and more modest items, but in any case they will delight you with warmth and quality.

Souvenirs. If you really want to buy a few trinkets, then let them not be banal magnets and keychains, but interesting items made of leather, glass or metal, made by hand. Such souvenirs are sold mainly in the old town of Tallinn. Local craftsmen put their soul into them, so handmade souvenirs will fill your home with warmth and bring good luck.

Kitchen. What and where to eat in Estonia?

Estonian cuisine was formed first under the influence of Sweden and Germany, and later also of Russia. The food here is quite simple and filling. The basis is local products: meat, fish, cereals, bread, vegetables and milk in all variations. Since the set of available products was initially quite scarce, Estonians came up with some crazy combinations that are not always to the taste of foreigners, for example, herring with sour cream, bloody pancakes or milk soups. Those who dare to try such dishes are very satisfied. Estonians also have a big sweet tooth. Among the local desserts you will find not only pastries, but also, for example, sweet soups and jelly. As for alcohol, you can highlight local beer, which, by the way, is quite good, as well as liqueurs, the most famous of which are Vana Tallinn and Vannu Kukk.

Top 5 dishes of Estonian cuisine

1. Cartulipors (or potato piglets). This dish is pork baked in mashed potatoes. The dish is tasty and filling, very popular at Christmas.

2. Kama. This is a mixture of barley, rye or oatmeal with peas, filled with milk or curdled milk. For sweetness, you can add honey, jam or fruit. Such mixtures are sold in regular supermarkets in the grocery departments.

3. Mulgicapsad. This hearty dish is prepared mainly in winter; its ingredients are pork, sauerkraut and pearl barley.

4. Verivorst (or blood sausage). Here, there is probably no need to explain what it is made of. To be honest, the product is not for everyone, but nevertheless, the dish is an integral part of Estonian cuisine. Verivorst is usually served with berry sauces.

5. Piparkook. These cookies are loved by many Estonian sweet tooths. The cookies contain a mixture of spices: cinnamon, cloves, ginger and pepper, which gives it its own special spicy taste.

Holidays and Events

Despite the fact that Estonians are not a particularly religious nation, religious holidays such as Christmas and Easter are among the most popular and celebrated. Long before these dates, all stores are filled with holiday goods, and housewives recall recipes to pamper their family with a delicious dinner.

On Christmas Eve, it is customary for Estonians to visit each other, where the treat is traditional food: blood sausage, kartlipors and piparkook.

Another very interesting holiday is Jacob's (Midsummer's) Day. Midsummer's Day is a traditional summer holiday with a touch of paganism and mysticism. It is celebrated on the day of the summer equinox. The event is famous for its interesting tradition - searching for a fern flower at night (according to legend, the fern blooms only once a year and on this very night, and happiness and good luck await the one who finds the flower). On the night of Midsummer, people have fun, sing and light bonfires.

Safety

In general, the security situation in the country is not bad. The crime rate is low, and an ordinary person can feel quite comfortable on the street in the evening. However, do not forget about simple rules to avoid trouble.

Firstly, you need to keep an eye on your belongings and money in places where tourists gather, yes, pickpockets have not been canceled. Secondly, you should not vigorously discuss political, national and other controversial issues with unfamiliar local residents, especially after a couple of glasses of beer or something stronger. Third, park wisely. If you come to Estonia with your own car, then you should not leave your car in places where it could in any way interfere, or in places not intended for parking. It is also not recommended to leave a personal car in an open parking lot near the port in Tallinn. If you decide to go somewhere by ferry, it is better to prefer the so-called multi-tiered “parking houses”. Fourthly, before your trip, be sure to write down the most important phone numbers separately - the numbers of loved ones and relatives, your bank, the police, the ambulance and the Russian embassy. If you get into trouble, you will know where to turn. It is also a good idea to have photocopies or scans of documents. For example, before every trip I send myself a photo of my documents by e-mail.

3 tips that you will definitely need when traveling around the country

1. To prevent your holiday in Estonia from starting with many hours of waiting in line to cross the border, I recommend booking your departure time from the country. It doesn't cost a lot of money, but it will allow you to cross the Estonian part of the border within one hour. On our first trip by car to Estonia, we didn’t do this, which cost us six hours of downtime. By the way, this procedure does not apply to entry; here you will have to stand in a general queue.

2. Be sure to visit an Estonian spa hotel. It is unlikely that such a ratio of price and quality can be found anywhere else.

3. Calculate your budget. When I first went to Tallinn, I was sure that Estonia was quite a budget country, but this is not entirely true. Hotels, food and souvenirs cost a lot of money. For example, in Tallinn, a more or less decent hotel will cost no less than fifty euros per night for a double room, and having lunch in an inexpensive establishment, for example, in a canteen, will cost no less than 20 euros for two.

Photos from Visit Estonia are used in this material.

International tourism became one of the important sectors of the Estonian national economy in the 1990s. In Soviet times, more than 400 sanatoriums and recreational facilities operated here. 450 thousand people vacationed there annually. Tallinn was a famous tourist center. Estonia was famous for its developed network of tourist hotels, boarding houses and campsites in various parts of the country - on the shores of Pärnu Bay, on the islands of the Moonsund archipelago, along the shores of lakes. However, most of them are now used to a much lesser extent as the concept of tourism has changed. Tourism for the purpose of treatment and recreation has been replaced by entertainment tourism, domestic - international. The linguistic and geographical (80 km) proximity of Finland determines the predominance of Finnish tourists arriving on short-term visits, primarily to Tallinn. A certain role is played by the relative cheapness (compared to Finland) of alcoholic beverages and services, with a certain level of service development. In 1995, 1.3 million tourists visited Estonia, 96% of them from Finland. The European Union Regional Development Fund allocated 791 million kroons (50 million 700 thousand euros) to support cultural and tourism facilities in Estonia. .

Estonia is famous for its diversity of tourism types

Northern Estonia (“Toila”, “Narva Jõesuu”) is a changing landscape, where the steep seashore gives way to sandy beaches. In addition to traditional mud therapy, treatment of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract is offered. The “salt chamber”, the walls of which are made of salt blocks (“Toila”), has a beneficial effect on the respiratory system.

Southern Estonia (“Pyhajärve”, “Värska”) is an untouched nature, the amazing beauty of the hills, here is the highest point of the Baltic states - the Haanja Hills, national parks and nature reserves with numerous rivers and lakes. "Pyhajärve" and "Värska" are located on picturesque lakes. This is where you can find peace and quiet and restore peace of mind. Värska uses local mineral water in its treatment.

All SPA hotels and sanatoriums in Estonia offer accommodation in rooms whose quality meets international standards. The hotels' spa facilities, guaranteed service, and the presence of swimming pools make a wellness holiday in Estonia enjoyable, regardless of the time of year.

The second type of tourism in Estonia is educational tourism. Undoubtedly, this type of tourism is very popular in Estonia. The country is rich in history, architectural monuments, museums and other attractions that interest tourists from all over the world. The centers of educational tourism are Tallinn, Narva, Tartu.

Active recreation is well developed in Estonia.

Water sports recreation. During a canoe trip, a tourist will not only be in close contact with nature, but will also be able to see the most beautiful places in Estonia, which are usually difficult to get to without a boat: sandy cliffs of the high banks of the Ahja River with colorful geological deposits; raised bogs in the Soomaa nature reserve, where the pristine silence will only be disturbed by the splashes of your oars. There are several canoe trip options to choose from. This can be a short journey along fast-flowing rivers or a long descent downstream of lazy rivers. An accompanying person can take part in a hike with tourists and help in steering the canoe and show interesting places. Typically a canoe trip lasts from one to three days. The season opens immediately after the rivers become free of ice and ends with the first frost. The cost of the trip (from 200 to 1000 CZK) includes canoe rental, a life jacket and a short course in safe canoeing techniques, as well as guide services and light snacks at rest stops. The price depends on the duration of the trip. If a tourist has never sailed a canoe before, he will be able to learn basic boat control techniques very quickly. Sailing can be a delight even for an observer. White sails, playing water, beautiful and brave people who, despite a hopeless calm or an uncontrollable storm, steer their ship wherever they want. Yachts are advised to ask the port authorities to notify the next port they arrive at.

Ski tourism. Skiing came to Estonia from Scandinavia at the beginning of the century and quickly took root here. It is no exaggeration to say that every resident of Estonia has skied at least once. Cross-country skiing is popular due to its flat terrain and low hills. Specially laid trails provide an opportunity to break out of confinement within school walls and offices. The climate of Southern Estonia, where there is almost always snow, makes the Otepää resort a particularly attractive destination for winter holiday enthusiasts. The largest and most modern ski center in the Baltics has been created here. In Southern Estonia, ski lovers have conditions for skiing down 200-300-meter slopes of moderate steepness. Some of the slopes are equipped with lifts. All necessary equipment can be rented. The center of ski tourism is the city of Otepää; there are also ski resorts in the area of the city of Võru and other areas of southern Estonia.

ATV safari. This type of recreation is suitable for thrill-seekers who have good coordination of movements and have experience driving motor vehicles. ATV safari is carried out in a beautiful natural place in Estonia (Põhja and Lõuna Kõrvemaa) in any weather and at any time of the year. Instructions and study tours are provided.

Horseback riding. It doesn’t matter here who the tourist is - a novice rider or an experienced rider. There are plenty of opportunities for horseback riding in Estonia: forest trails and groves, juniper-covered shores and dunes, or historical parks where you can ride in the footsteps of famous people. If a tourist is a beginner rider, he can undergo a week-long riding camp or initial training in a riding arena under the guidance of experienced instructors - and he will have the ability to control a horse and the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature, observing it from a higher altitude and in a different way than usual. There are several riding clubs and schools in Estonia. If a tourist doesn’t know how to sit in the saddle, it doesn’t matter, they will teach him how to do it. Many farms have horses that you can ride for a small fee.

Hiking. The best way to relax, get out into nature and experience local culture is by hiking. Estonia has four national parks and several protected areas, where, following marked hiking trails, a visitor to the country will have an excellent opportunity to see everything that a hurrying tourist would never see from a car window. To get closer to Estonia's untouched nature, it is best to follow special hiking trails in many scenic spots or follow a special route in one of the nature reserves.

Fishing. You can fish without paying anyone for it with only one simple fishing rod with a rod no longer than 1.5 m, a single hook and live bait. The rod can be equipped with a sinker and a float. Fishing on private reservoirs is allowed only with the permission of the owner. Fishing with spinig, net, etc. is paid. Such fishing is permitted only if you have a fisherman's ticket and taking into account the established restrictions on seasons, fishing places and types of fish. Tickets and information about restrictions can be obtained from regional conservation departments, the Ministry of Environment and registered fishing societies. The price of a fisherman's ticket is 25 - 200 CZK depending on the duration of validity.

Cycling. Estonia, with its varied landscapes, is an ideal place to travel by bike. People with different riding experiences can choose a suitable route on hilly or flat terrain. You can ride a bicycle where it is impossible to reach by car.

Golf. Estonia's only 18-hole golf course is located 33 km southeast of Tallinn, next to the well-known horse riding center of Niitvälja. The total length of the course is 6,280 m. The shortest distance to the hole is 153 m, and the longest is 510 m. The owner of the course is the Estonian Golf Center. The field was equipped in the so-called “Floridian style,” which is characterized by slightly steep slopes, the presence of water barriers and free approaches, alternating with narrow approaches with areas of dense forest. The quality of the playing field in hot and dry summers is guaranteed by a watering system designed by Danish designers. The course is open from the end of April to the end of November.

The Republic of Estonia is located in northeastern Europe.

Estonia borders on Russia in the east and Latvia in the south. In the west and north, the country is washed by the Gulf of Riga and the Gulf of Finland of the Baltic Sea. The area of the state is 45.2 thousand km 2. Approximately 10% of Estonia consists of islands. In total, Estonia has more than 1,500 islands, both large and very tiny.

The capital of the state is the city of Tallinn. Other large cities in Estonia: Tartu, Narva, Kohtla-Jarve, Pärnu.

Estonia is part of the eurozone and the European Union, and participates in the Schengen area.

Time

Estonia is located in the Eastern European Time zone, that is, the UTC+2 time zone. Due to Estonia's transition to summer time, along with most European countries, time here lags behind Moscow by one hour in summer and two hours in winter. Daylight saving time begins at 03:00 on the last Sunday in March, and the country switches to standard time at 04:00 on the last Sunday in October.

In summer, the sun rises at 04:12 and sets at 22:38. In winter, the sun rises at 10:16 and sets at 16:35.

Climate

The climate type in Estonia is moderate, smoothly transitioning from maritime to continental as you move from the coast inland. Autumn is the rainiest time of the year. Due to the influence of sea air masses, the weather in Estonia is very changeable and can change noticeably several times even within one day, but this has little impact on the tourism industry.

The average temperature in winter in Estonia is -5 °C, and in summer - +15 °C.

The best time for a beach holiday in Estonia is summer, which lasts from June to August. And cultural tourism with excursions and sightseeing is good from May to September.

Population

The population of Estonia is about 1.3 million people, in the capital Tallinn there are more than 410 thousand people. There are more than 62% Estonians in the country, the second largest nation is Russians (30%), Ukrainians (3%), Belarusians (1.5%), and Finns (1%) also live here.

Device

According to the form of government, Estonia is a parliamentary republic.

The country is divided into 15 maakondas (districts).

Language

The only official language of Estonia is Estonian. Russian and Finnish are very common languages in the tourism industry, and English is much less common. But for residents of European countries who do not know Russian and Finnish, it will be useful to take Estonian language reference books on the road.

Money

The national currency of Estonia is the euro. Credit cards can be used throughout the country; they are accepted in shops, large shopping centers, hotels and restaurants.

You can exchange money at banks, exchange offices located at the airport, train stations and hotels. The exchange rate is different everywhere, information about the exchange rate and commission for exchange must be found out in advance. It is usually most profitable to change money at banks.

Customs

You can import and export cash in any quantity, both local and foreign currency. However, amounts over US$4,350 (or equivalent) must be declared upon entry.

Information on the volume of goods allowed for duty-free import into Estonia:

Tobacco products: 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, 100 cigarillos, 250 gr. tobacco products;

Alcohol: 1 liter of spirits, 2 liters of wine;

Perfumes: 50 ml perfume, 250 ml eau de toilette.

You can also import personal goods for a total amount of 430 euros.

Visa

Estonia is part of the Schengen zone, therefore, to enter the country for tourism and recreation, you must have a Schengen visa or a national Estonian visa to cross the state border.

The application for an Estonian visa must be completed electronically, then printed and submitted to the Consulate in printed form. An exception is made only for pensioners.

Information on the procedure for obtaining an Estonian Schengen visa: http://www.estemb.ru/konsulskaja_informatsija/cat-472/aid-2137

Healthcare

Medical services are provided at a fairly high level, but tourists only have to pay for it, including calling an ambulance. However, only a small number of medications can be purchased without a prescription; it is better to take the necessary medications with you on vacation. All tourists must have medical insurance; there are no exceptions for Russians.

Behavior rules

This country honorably preserves the culture, traditions and customs inherited from its ancestors. Estonians are a nation of calm, friendly and patient people. They are simple in everyday life, even their everyday clothes are extremely simple and functional. This is partly why you shouldn’t dress too pretentiously on weekdays, so as not to attract unnecessary attention from local residents.

Smoking in public places is strictly prohibited. World War II and Soviet times are inappropriate topics when communicating with Estonians. Some of them, even knowing Russian, prefer to communicate with Russian speakers in English, thus maintaining a distance. But in general, residents treat Russians calmly and reservedly, especially tourism workers.

It is not necessary to leave a tip, as they are included in the bill by default in the amount of 5-10%. But if you wish, you can leave change or change for very good service.

Attractions

Estonia is often called the Country of Bays - it is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. The nature of Estonia is unique; there are few places on earth where you will find such stunning landscapes, in which forests and seas, lakes and meadows are amazingly combined.

For most tourists, a holiday in Estonia is a wonderful opportunity to get acquainted with the unique history of this region, look at the ancient settlements that have stood here for centuries, and, of course, relax on the Baltic Sea coast. Estonia is suitable for outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling.

The capital of the state, Tallinn, is one of the oldest cities in Europe and has preserved its historical sights. The city center, also known as the Old Town, is still built up with ancient buildings, towers, fortresses, and the Vyshgorod castle is also located here. The lower city was previously built up with defensive buildings, some of which have survived to this day. One of the oldest attractions of Tallinn is the Town Hall Square, which houses one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, a complex of buildings of the Great Guild, and a monument to the sailors of the battleship "Rusalka".

Guidebooks also recommend tourists to see Narva Castle and the city of Narva itself, visit the Narva-Jõesuu resort area, the Observation Tower and Memorial Cross in Sinimäe in the province of Viruuma, the Mourning Park of the Victims of Evil in Hiiemägi, the island of Saaremaa, the Island of Hiiumaa and many other attractions.

Holidays

Information about numerous popular holidays in Estonia:

March/April - Good Friday

In June, the Slavic Wreath festival is celebrated, in July - the Viru Saru folklore festival and the Baltic Folk Festival, one of the largest in the country, and in October - the Days of Finno-Ugric Peoples. In summer, the Olesummer Beer Festival and the International Organ Music Festival take place, as well as the White Lady Festival.

In the spring, it’s worth visiting Estonia for Estonian Film Week, Estonian Music Days, and a jazz festival. In the fall - to the film festival and jazz festival "Joulujaz", timed to coincide with the upcoming Christmas in December.

A tourist's first visit to the All-Estonian Song Festival will be truly wonderful, when a huge crowd gathers on the Singing Field and sings in chorus.

One of the most interesting traditions, for which it is worth planning a vacation in Estonia for the summer, is the Grillfest holiday, which is held on Midsummer Day, also known as Jan's Day or Jaanipäev, also known as the summer solstice. All over the country, bonfires are lit the night before, people dance around them, sing and look for the magical fern flower. Many Estonians plan their own vacation during this time.

Traditional cuisine

National Estonian cuisine has much in common with German and Swedish, but is still very different from them. Estonian dishes are simple, but varied and satisfying, often including meat, including blood and liver, fish, potatoes, cereals, and vegetables. But Estonians very rarely use spices and seasonings.

Popular both among local residents and tourists are such dishes as: stewed cabbage with pork and barley, peas with pork legs, sausage, cheese (an original dish made from curd mass), smoked trout, blood dumplings and pancakes with blood, barley dumplings, porridge rutabaga with potatoes, pea porridge with buckwheat, beer soup.

Estonian sweets cannot be compared with others, especially chocolate with nuts, sweets with liqueur, with cherries and other fillings - they are fundamentally different, special.

The national drink is light beer, as well as beer with honey and unique mulled wine.

Estonia is a relatively inexpensive country, so food here is much cheaper than in many European countries.

Airports

Estonia has only one international airport, which is located in the capital of the state, Tallinn.

Transport

Rail transport in Estonia has become less and less popular over the years, although there are plenty of roads in the country. They mainly use commuter trains.

Olga Stepanova

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Once part of the USSR, and now a member of the EU and NATO, this country still attracts tourists. Mostly from the former Soviet republics and Russia. Of course, Russians spoiled by Turkey may think that there is “nothing to do in Estonia,” but in fact this country is worth visiting at least once in your life.

And the cold Baltic can be welcoming!

7 big advantages of holidaying in Estonia - why you need to go there?

Why go to Estonia? Anyone who has already been there will probably be able to easily answer this question.

Well, for the attention of those who are just planning to visit – 7 main reasons to visit this country:

First of all, nature. Nature reserves and islands, the Baltic Sea coast, beautiful pine groves and, of course, sandy beaches. In addition, in small Estonia they are very concerned about the environment, and vacation here is not only pleasant, but also useful.
Sea. Yes, it’s cold, but it certainly attracts both tourists and locals. Walking through the streets of a new city is wonderful, but if you can also swim in the sea, that’s absolutely wonderful!
Attractions. It is worth noting that there really is something to see in Estonia. First of all, these are medieval castles that have been preserved since the times of the famous crusader knights. In addition, tourists will be interested in old churches, mills and other historical monuments. Of course, special significance is given to the museum city of Tallinn.
Low prices. In this country, everyone has long switched to the euro, but in comparison with other European countries, in Estonia the price level is much lower. Unless, of course, you take into account individual “tourist traps”. In short, this country is a real paradise for shopaholics and simply thrifty people.
Public transport. If you travel independently and without a car, you can easily get to any city in Estonia - the transport component in Estonia today is at an excellent level, and the entire country is covered by bus routes. Moreover, all buses run regularly, are inexpensive, and the trip itself does not take much time.
Free Internet – almost everywhere. If necessary, you can connect to it anywhere in the country. If there is no signal, then you need to walk 500 m in any direction and find it (Wi-Fi is available here even “in the swamps”).
Most of the population speaks our native language. That is, in Russian. The rest, even if they don’t speak, understand. Therefore, you will not have language problems.
Local kitchen. The food here is hearty and simple, but surprisingly tasty and memorable. The most popular drink in the country is beer.
Night Estonia. The country doesn’t go to sleep when the sun sets – life here is in full swing, and even Finns come here to experience the “degree” of nightlife. Of course, this does not apply to Estonian villages - entertainment should be sought in Tartu and Tallinn.

Estonia for tourists: main attractions and interesting excursions

If you wish and have free time, you can see all the sights of Estonia in 3-4 days.

But if you only have a day or two to relax, then you need to start with the most important objects and places of the country, including the islands that can be seen during a boat trip.

So, what is definitely worth seeing in Estonia - and, of course:

Bishop's Castle. It is considered the only one in all the Baltic countries that has preserved its original medieval appearance. This building was erected back in the 13th century. Today, in the castle museum, guests of the country can see the exhibition of the Saarem Museum.
Tallinn Town Hall. This landmark, which was first mentioned back in 1322, has been around for over 600 years. The town hall was reconstructed a little later - in the 15th century.
Lahemaa National Park. The word “lahemaa” in translation sounds like the land of bays. In this fantastic place, a third of which is covered by the sea and two thirds by forests, the very first Estonian national park was founded back in 1971.
Castle in Rakvere. This landmark, which you will find in the north of the country, was built by the Danes at the beginning of the 13th century. The very first renovation work was carried out only in 1988.
Kadriorg. The construction of this palace and park ensemble began in 1718 by decree of Tsar Peter the 1st, who, according to legend, laid 3 bricks into the castle wall with his own hands. These famous bricks were even left unplastered. This castle is also famous for the fact that Peter and Catherine lived in it for some time.
Museum of the Occupation. This building is dedicated to the “occupation regime” under which Estonia was from 1941 to 1990. This landmark is still considered controversial even in Estonian society. What can we say about tourists from Russia?
Fat Margaret Tower. This architectural monument (note: defensive structure) dates back to the 16th century and is one of the most famous symbols of Tallinn. The diameter of this tower is 24 m, and the walls are almost five meters thick. Today it houses the Maritime Museum.
Bronze soldier. Initially, this monument, which is dedicated to the soldiers who died during the Second World War (approx. - more than 280,000 Soviet soldiers gave their lives for the liberation of this country), stood in the center of the city, but after serious discussions it was moved to the outskirts.
Tallinn. The city itself is a historical monument with a history of more than 800 years. Here tourists' photographic lenses will find ancient towers and churches, the city fortress wall, numerous cathedrals and temples.

What excursion is worth going on in Estonia?

As for excursions, here you can seek help from professionals, or go explore the sights on your own.

And travelers with a personal car will be able to visit even the most hidden corners of this country and get aesthetic pleasure.

Among the most interesting excursions are the following:

Northern Estonia. It is better to start this car-pedestrian route from the capital and further to Lake Peipsi and the surprisingly cozy city of Haapsalu. You can rent a car directly in Tallinn, but after you have explored the capital itself on foot (seeing it by car is blasphemy). In the Lower/Upper Town you should definitely see the Dome Cathedral and Toompea Castle, the romantic garden of the Danish King and Town Hall Square, as well as the Rotermann Quarter and, of course, Kadriorg Park. 1 day is enough for such a walk. If you wish, you can take a guide with you and listen to ominous stories about city ghosts. Next you will go to the Jägala waterfall, 30 minutes from Tallinn (the widest waterfall in the country) and Valaste, to the Viru swamps and the famous Lake Peipus, to the most powerful Estonian waterfall Keila Joa, etc. The final destination Haapsalu will surprise you with its atmosphere and cozy streets . Here you will see the Bishop's Castle and the Witch's Tower, the Padise Monastery (next to the city) and the Wooden Station, famous for its steam locomotive museum. On the territory of the monastery you can take part in folk festivities and listen to stories about the romantic ghost of the White Lady.
With a guide - to the waterfalls. If you are not interested in sights and you are a fan of natural beauty, then you can go with a guide exclusively to waterfalls. This excursion is especially relevant in winter, when traveling without a guide can be dangerous. In winter, the waterfalls turn into real ice caves, but do not lose their beauty.
Southern sights. On this excursion, tourists are introduced to the sights of Tartu. This city is simply bustling with holidays and festivals, tourists and ghost stories. Be sure to take a photo at the Crooked House and near the Kisses Monument. Children will surely enjoy the Toy Museum, and men will enjoy the Beer Museum and the Sauna on a raft that floats along the Emajõgi River. Nature lovers will also enjoy the excursion, because the southern part of the country is also home to meteorite craters and a cave with a giant colony of bats.
Tartu- the cradle of the Song Festival, as well as the national theater and, oddly enough, parliamentarism. On this excursion you will see the Adavere mill 120 km from the city and the beauty of the South Estonian granary, the Old Town with the Town Hall Square and the local Leaning Tower of Pisa. Get acquainted with one of the oldest and most prestigious European Universities, in the key building of which you will find a punishment cell for unruly students. On Vyshgorod you will find the Angels' Bridge and astronomy, as well as the city's monuments. But in an old coffee shop near the University you can refresh yourself with wonderful local Britto cakes and delicious aromatic tea. Well, after that – the Botanical Garden and (don’t miss) the Singing Field.

If the excursion is on your own, you don’t need a guide, and you have children with you, then don’t forget to take a ride with the children on the Thomas the Tank Engine, check out the zoo and Kalev Spa (approx. - water park, about 47 euros), the Marzipan Museum and, of course, Pokumaarke Trails park (about 9 euros), where you can feed the animals, have fun on the obstacle course or in the Viking village, climb the observation tower, and ride a horse.

And if you wish, try Viking food and learn more about their weapons.

Where to go in Estonia – Tallinn and more

Of course, Estonia simply cannot compete with Turkey or Egypt. And yet, this is an extremely interesting and very beautiful country for a holiday with children or a vacation that you need to heal and strengthen the body (note: Estonia is a famous balneological health resort).

The main thing is to know when to go.

Summer, it is worth noting, is very cool here - and winter, on the contrary, is warm. Therefore, the ideal time for a vacation is still considered to be when you can go to Christmas markets, drink mulled wine and buy Christmas designer souvenirs.

But if the cold Baltic doesn’t scare you, then you can go in the summer.

Where to go?

It all depends on what exactly you are looking for from your holiday...

To Parnu– to a seaside resort, which is chosen for its first-class hotels with excellent service, beaches and the opportunity for a relaxing holiday with children.
To the western outskirts of Tallinn , where you will find Rocca al Mare (note - ethnographic museum under the open sky).
Kuressaare. Lovers of holidays on the islands can come here. Here you will find everything you need for a holiday with children, including warm water in a shallow, quickly warming bay.
Narva-Joyesuu. This modern resort once grew out of an ordinary fishermen's village. Here you can relax on the beach or take care of your health. True, 2 km from the city you can stumble upon a nudist beach, so it’s better not to wander around the outskirts with kids.
Laulasmaa. On this “singing land” you will find long-awaited silence, the absence of crowds of tourists and a private, fully equipped beach.
For SPA you should go to Haapsalu, Pärnu or Pyhajärve (note – healing mud and air thoroughly saturated with the aroma of pine needles and iodine). But in search of mineral springs you should go to Saarema, Värska or Narva-Joesuu.
Do you like alpine skiing? There are such resorts in Estonia! For example, Kutiorg or the area around Otepää, as well as (for beginners) Ansomagi and Kuutsemäe.
If the children want to go to the zoo , it is better to go to Tallinn (it is the only one in the country located there). Birds and ungulates can also be seen at Ranna Ranch, and ostriches can be seen in Laasu.
If you need a water park for complete happiness , remember - they are all located on hotel grounds. The most notable are: Tervis Paradise (this one in Pärnu), Auru in Tartu, as well as Aqua in Rakvere, the above-mentioned Kalev spa and, of course, Spa Hotell Rüütli, located in Kuressaare.

Where to live in Estonia?

When choosing your vacation rental, you have several options.

You can stay…

At the Grange(note - estates, castles, farmsteads). That is, in one of the historical monuments actively used in the hotel and tourism industry. For example, on the island of Muhu, at Villa Ammende in Pärnu or in Sagadi. Prices are quite modest by European standards.
In a hotel or guest house. For example, in Malvasta for 26 euros/day (most likely for students) or at the Three Sisters hotel for 993 euros (suite 5*).
At the motel. Why not? If you are by car, it is much easier to find a place to stay overnight right along the highway. For example, in Aksi near Tartu for 19 euros/day or in Konsa near Pärnu for 40-60 euros.
In a private hotel. That is, on a farm or in a private home. For example, in the Vetevana farm for 8 euros/day or in the Jaanimäe farm for 18 euros (but with breakfast and amenities).
In a holiday home outside the city. For example, in Silla for 10 euros “from the nose” (4 places) or in Kaldu for 390 euros for 12 people (that is, for the whole house).
At the hostel. Quite an adequate option for a student (about 10 euros/night).
At the campsite. The most budget option. For example, on the territory of the Conse motel for 11-13 euros, on the territory of Axi for 7 euros or elsewhere for 3-20 euros. There you can cook food, do laundry, and check your mail.

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I can rightfully call Estonia an island of real Europe, bordering on Russia. This small Baltic state has the same charm that I have seen in the historical regions of the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany. Estonia has picturesque nature, excellent service, slightly reserved but generally decent and law-abiding people. And in terms of concentration of attractions, Estonia will give a head start to many European countries.

With all this, as I could see, even if you don’t speak any other language besides Russian, you are unlikely to have problems in this regard - the Soviet past takes its toll. Well, to get to Estonia, you don’t have to buy expensive plane tickets - you can easily get there by your own car or by bus, which is what many of our compatriots do. In this sense, for many Russians, a holiday in Estonia can be an excellent alternative to trips to Western Europe.

Well, now a few words about the history of the Estonian region.

History of Estonia

Numerous Estonian museums helped me recognize her.

If we leave out the time when this region was inhabited by cavemen, until the 13th century the Estonian tribes reigned supreme here. They were pagans, which gave the Europeans a reason to gain control over modern Estonia under the guise of introducing Christianity.

In the 13th century, the territory was occupied by the Danes, and after another century and a half it became part of the lands of the Livonian Order of Knights. It was at this time that many castles in Estonia were built. At the same time, German merchants took a fancy to it.

In the 16th century, the Livonian War led to the disbandment of the order, and the territory of present-day Estonia went to the Swedes. Today, many civil buildings commemorate this period.

Estonia became part of the Russian Empire at the beginning of the 18th century as a result of the Northern War. The main monuments of this period are the Orthodox churches and parks of Estonia.

After 1918, there was a short period in the country when Estonia was independent, but already in 1940 it became part of the USSR. Estonia's current independence dates back to 1991.

As a result, this small Baltic country contains traces of so many cultures and eras on its territory that it sometimes seems as if time in Estonia flows in parallel in several directions.

Visa and border crossing

Since 2007, Estonia has been part of the Schengen area. This means that to cross the Estonian border you only need to have a valid visa issued by any of the states that have joined the Schengen Agreement.

At the same time, there are a number of arguments in favor of obtaining a visa at the Estonian embassy:

The full package of documents is available on the official website of the embassy. You can also fill out a form there.

By the way, if you want to get an Estonian visa, you need to take into account that for the next 2-3 weeks all reception hours at the embassy may be busy, but the period between submitting documents and receiving a passport with a visa is usually only 6-7 days. The consular fee is 35 € per person. If you need an urgent visa, the processing time of which is 3 working days, the fee doubles.

Crossing the border involves passport and customs control. In the first case, border guards check that you have a valid Schengen visa and may ask where exactly and how long you plan to stay. In addition, I was quite surprised when they separately checked whether I had medical insurance, since before that I had never had to demonstrate it when crossing the border.

As for the list of goods prohibited for transportation, it is better to familiarize yourself with it in advance.

Here I would like to draw your attention to two points:

Firstly, if you are traveling by car and plan to replenish your stocks of elite alcohol at Duty-Free, it is better to do this at the entrance, since there may simply not be a duty-free store at the exit, as, for example, at the Narva-Ivangorod checkpoint.
Secondly, 10 liters of fuel in excess of what is in the gas tank does not rely on the person, but on the vehicle. But if you fill up your tank full before crossing the border, it’s quite possible that you won’t have to refuel in Estonia. For example, on my route Koidula - Tallinn - checkpoint, only 37-38 liters burned.

In addition, if you are driving your own car to return from Estonia to Russia, you will definitely need to join the electronic queue. This service is paid - the cost is 1.5 € for the reservation and 3 € for the right to use the waiting area, which cannot be passed when approaching the border due to the corresponding markings.

Moreover, if at the checkpoints “Kunichina Gora - Koidula” and “Lukhamaa - Shumilkino” the reservation can be made immediately at the entrance to the checkpoint, since the workload there is usually light, then in the case of “Narva - Ivangorod” it is best to do this, at least , one day before crossing the border. For example, when I ignored this recommendation, I had to wait about 12 hours, and I was lucky that I had an annual multiple visa, and not one that is given strictly for the duration of the trip, since in fact there was every chance of crossing the border the very next day. Electronic recording is carried out using the GoSwift service.

In addition, in the area of the Narva-Ivangorod checkpoint, you can cross the Russian-Estonian border simply on foot. It was thanks to this opportunity that I visited the Ivangorod Fortress while I was waiting for the electronic queue for my car. At the same time, at the pedestrian checkpoint, customs officers will not meticulously inspect your backpack, but will simply force you to go through a metal detector.

How to get there

You can get to Estonia in almost all possible ways: those traveling from afar, of course, prefer a plane, and those who live in the west of Russia often choose a bus, car, train and even ferry. In addition, all of the listed types of transport can be easily combined as you please.

By plane

There is an international airport in the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. It is small: there is only one runway.

Direct flights from Russia are operated only by Aeroflot. Departures from Sheremetyevo Airport, and the cost of a one-way ticket starts from 7,000 rubles. Flight time is 1 hour 40 minutes.

It is best to find out the schedule and prices in the travelask section or on the company’s official website.

By train

By bus

Buses to Estonia depart from Moscow, St. Petersburg and Pskov. In addition to Tallinn, they also stop in Narva.

Ticket prices can vary significantly, starting from 550-700 rubles per person one way. Travel time when departing from Moscow is about 14–15 hours, from St. Petersburg - 6–8 hours.

By car

If we talk about large cities, direct routes connect Estonia with Pskov - A-212 and St. Petersburg - A-180.

At the same time, in the St. Petersburg region there is only one checkpoint “Narva-Ivangorod”, and in the Pskov region there are two: “Kunichina Gora-Koidula” and “Shumilkino-Lukhamaa”. I have already written about the features of passing the checkpoint in the paragraph about crossing the border. The cost of 95 gasoline in Estonia is around 1.1 € per liter, but, as I indicated above, it is quite possible to drive through the entire country without refueling.

By ferry

You can get to Estonia by water as part of cruises from St. Petersburg operated by the company St. Peter Line.

Ticket prices start from 50 € per person one way, and find out the exact schedule and prices on the company’s official website. Travel time is about 15–17 hours.

Tourist regions

Estonia is precisely the case when it would not be very correct to single out any areas. On the one hand, the territory of Estonia is quite small, but on the other hand, in almost every major city you can find something interesting for yourself. In addition, if we talk about a vacation that does not involve walking and sightseeing, you should not hang out on sea beaches, since modern spa hotels in Estonia are sometimes located far from the shore. However, I will still highlight a few areas:

. In addition to the abundance of attractions, the port and the international airport, the Estonian capital also has a beach area. It is located in the eastern region of Pirita. At the same time, there are practically no hotels on the shore, as well as any beach infrastructure. Still, they don’t go to the sea, although a walk along the sandy shore made me remember the southern resorts. There are many offers for accommodation in private apartments in Tallinn -.

. The main beach resort in Estonia. Located near a quiet bay. The water in the bay is calm, and due to the prevailing shallow water, it warms up better than if the depth was several meters. The city itself has a number of noteworthy ancient buildings.

Narva-Joesuu. This resort is located closest to the Russian border, 10 kilometers north of Narva. This is where its advantages end, since the sea of the Gulf of Finland is much colder than the bay, and there are practically no attractions in the city itself.

Top cities

Of course, I recommend starting your acquaintance with Estonia from the capital, but this does not mean at all that there is nothing to see in other cities of this small country. But let's take things in order. So, the most interesting cities in Estonia from the point of view of attractions are:

Tallinn. The capital of Estonia and the largest city of this Baltic state. In addition to the old part, the parks Glekhni and Kadriorg, the Pirita area, the port, the zoo and the TV tower are of interest. As for museums, there are about fifty of them in Tallinn.

. Without a doubt, the most Russian of the cities in Estonia, located on the very border. Among the attractions, I would like to note the magnificently restored Herman knight's castle, the picturesque embankment and a number of buildings of the 17th-19th centuries, including the town hall and the storehouse (barn), which today houses an art gallery.

. “The Brain of Estonia”, this city is famous for its university. In addition, the Estonian Ministry of Education and Research is located here. Among the attractions, in addition to ancient buildings, it is worth highlighting the modern scientific and educational center AHHAA.

Pärnu The main beach resort in Estonia. In addition to the famous embankment, the city has preserved the remains of fortifications from the 17th-18th centuries and a number of historical buildings, many of which have been converted into museums.

Rakvere. This small town, located halfway between Tallinn and Narva, is famous for the ruins of the medieval Wesenberg Castle. Today, within the walls of the fortress there is an entertainment program that will appeal to both children and adults.

Islands

Moonsund Archipelago:

Island . The largest of the Estonian islands. It has a developed road network and infrastructure. There is also a ferry service to the mainland resort, and it is connected to the neighboring Muhu Island by a causeway. The capital, Kuressaare, is popular with tourists thanks to the medieval Bishop's Castle.

Island . In addition to its fertile land and picturesque beaches, this island is famous for its Suuremõisa Park. The only settlement is called Kardla.

Muhu Island. It is also famous for its picturesque nature, and its attractions include the Museum of Peasant Life and the 13th-century church.

Vormsi Island. This small island is not very popular among tourists. Most of it is devoted to fields and pastures.

Other islands:

Kihnu Island. Its residents jealously preserve folk traditions. An example of this is the Kihnumua folk song ensemble, which participates in folk festivals around the world. Among the attractions worth visiting are the local history museum, the Orthodox Church of St. Nicholas, and the lighthouse.

Ruhnu Island. It is of interest primarily due to the wooden church of St. Magdalene, built back in 1643.

Kayssar Island. It houses the currently operating Gothic Chapel of Kassari, an architectural monument of the 17th-18th centuries. The roof of the chapel is thatched.

Top attractions

Although before the trip I knew that Estonia is famous for its picturesque nature, all the attractions that I highlighted in the Top are man-made:

. The central district of the capital, the oldest buildings of which were built in the 13th-14th centuries. Almost every house has its own history, and the number of museums numbers several dozen.

Kadriorg Park. Also located in Tallinn. This is already a monument to the Russian period of Estonian history. At the beginning of the 18th century it was the residence of I, as evidenced by the first house where the Tsar lived and the Baroque palace.

Narva promenade. The picturesque embankment of Narva is notable for the views that open from there. Walking under the walls of the knightly castle of Herman, on the other side you can see the Ivangorod fortress - this is already Russia.

Wesenberg Castle. This is a beautifully organized tourist attraction in the ruins of a medieval castle in the town of Rakvere. Visitors have the opportunity to see how a real cannon fires, take part in an archery master class, visit the archaeological museum, a horror room and much more.

Tallinn Zoo. About 350 species of animals live on 87 hectares, including inhabitants of the tropical jungle. Perhaps this is the most famous of the zoos in the countries of the former USSR.

Weather

Compared to the central part of Russia, including the capital region, the climate in Estonia is characterized by milder winters, when temperatures rarely drop below -10°C. At the same time, summer very often resembles Moscow spring or autumn, and heat above +25°C is as rare as winter frosts.

In light of all of the above, it is best to go on a beach holiday in July, since it is in this month that there is the highest probability that the air will warm up to +25 °C and above. However, even at this time the average sea water temperature is +16.5 °C.

But if you are interested in cultural leisure, going to Estonia makes sense, regardless of the time of year.

Money

On January 1, 2011, Estonia joined the eurozone. Currently, the main currency is the euro.

Considering the status of the European currency, it is, of course, better to purchase it in Russia, since if you exchange the ruble in the eurozone for the euro, it will be at a far from the most favorable rate, and you will have to look for a bank.

Plastic cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and large stores. In museums and in transport this may not be possible, so it is better to always have a hundred or two euros in cash with you. At the same time, since Estonia is part of the Eurozone, when choosing a payment system, I give preference to MasterCard. The fact is that when paying with a ruble Visa card, it is first converted into dollars, and only then into euros, as a result of which the commission is charged 2 times, while MasterCard converts rubles into euros directly.

Connection

Wi-Fi in Estonia is available in almost all hotels and restaurants. At the same time, as for speed, in a number of cases I involuntarily remembered the joke about hot Estonian guys, because in terms of speed the Internet there, at least in hotels, is often just “hot and Estonian”, that is, it is slow and does not connect the first time .

As for mobile communications, I categorically do not recommend using roaming from domestic operators, since even without making calls to your home country you may miss several hundred on your balance: for the very fact of connecting through Estonian networks, money is also charged.

Alternatively, at a train station, airport or gas station, you can purchase a tourist conversational SIM card from one of the local operators. Currently, there are at least three options, the conditions of which can be found in detail on the websites, EMT and respectively.

Language and communication

Since the generation of the 70s managed to graduate or at least go through more than half of the school period according to the Soviet curriculum, the Russian language was a mandatory subject for them. As a result, the older generation speaks Russian without exception. Given that the population of Estonia is slightly more than 1,300,000 people, the share of Russians in it is about 30%.

As for young people, I personally had two cases when they didn’t understand Russian (or didn’t want to): in a hotel and in the Museum of Drinking Culture in Tallinn. In this case, primitive English came to the rescue. In general, you need to understand that Russia is Estonia’s closest neighbor, from where thousands of tourists constantly come, whose money largely feeds this small state.

So there is no need to worry about the language barrier. Even if an individual does not understand you, there will always be someone who will act as a translator.

At the same time, I recommend starting the conversation with the phrase “Hello! Do you speak Russian?”, because I personally have been convinced more than once that many representatives of the older generation do not know English at all. Well, then, if the answer is yes, communicate in Russian, but if not, either switch to English, or simply contact someone else.

Features of mentality

Compared, for example, with Latvians, Estonians are more reserved and careful. The fact is that initially the tribes that inhabited the territory of modern Latvia and Lithuania belonged to the Balto-Slavic ethnic group, and modern Estonians are descendants of the Finno-Ugric peoples.

Also, Estonians seemed more practical to me. This is manifested, in particular, in how effectively the tourism infrastructure is organized there. In general, people do not miss out on their income, and guests of the country are only better off for this.

Food and drink

Regarding food outlets, I have two news for you. The good thing is that they are available almost everywhere, and I’m not talking about kiosks with baked goods, but about full-fledged restaurants or cafes where you can order a conventional piece of meat (or fish). That is, in order to be able to eat normally, you do not have to stay in the center of Tallinn, and if there are at least some attractions nearby, rest assured that practical Estonians will do everything to ensure that tourists do not go hungry.

At the same time, I note that English pubs are especially popular in Estonia, which traditionally close only after midnight. A beef steak in such an establishment will cost you 10-15 €, a pint of Guinness - 3-4 €.

The bad news is that there is minimal national flavor in most Estonian restaurants. This is not where knuckle, goulash with dumplings and pork ribs are in the first positions on any menu, not with its famous Bavarian sausages and not, in whose restaurants traditional Greek dishes rule the roost.

However, dishes that are characteristic not so much of Estonian, but of Baltic cuisine as a whole, can be found here and there. For example, barley as a side dish, a salad or a popular dessert - bread soup with whipped cream.

But, one way or another, in my opinion, Estonia is not a country where you should go for national cuisine.

But as for alcoholic beverages, in addition to the products of the Lehe brewery, which, although cannot compete with Czech and British brands, looks quite decent compared to Russian beer, I recommend trying the local pride - Vana Tallinn liqueur.

At the same time, I didn’t really like it in its pure form, because it seemed too sweet, but when I ordered coffee with liqueur, the sweetness came in handy.

At the same time, there are three main varieties of the famous liqueur: in addition to the classic, there are also coffee and chocolate versions.

Shopping

The most important thing I learned while traveling in Estonia is that shopping is possible there. Shopping centers can be found in almost every major city, but most of them, of course, are in the capital.

In the center of Tallinn, near the southern borders, there are a great many not only shopping centers, but also individual boutiques, where European and world-class brands are represented - Lacoste, Gant, Tommy Hilfiger and others.

In terms of assortment, however, Estonian stores are quite comparable to Russian ones.

If we consider that prices in Estonia are in euros, then taking into account the current fluctuations in the ruble exchange rate it is difficult to advise anything, but if it makes sense to go to Estonia for shopping, then in the period from December to February or from June to August, when there are seasonal sales, and discounts range from 30-70%. The most impatient can try their luck in May, when many stores hold pre-sales with 10-20% discounts.

What you need to know about shopping in this country

As I already said, Estonians are a reserved people and not too emotional. In trade, this manifests itself in the fact that no matter what store you go to, no one will persistently sell you this or that thing, as they do in Egypt or Turkey.

At the same time, I believe that you can and should bargain everywhere, so if you ask with a smile for a little discount for good people, you can easily count on savings of 5–15%.

What to bring from this country

In addition to the usual magnets and mugs, you can bring more interesting and tasty souvenirs from Estonia:

Vacation with children

In my opinion, Estonia will be interesting and comfortable not only for adults, but also for children. I made this conclusion based on a number of points:

Safety

Since Estonia is a European country, I did not note any specific prohibitions. In order not to spoil your vacation, it is enough to observe generally accepted standards of decency and, of course, not try to break the law. Well, as for precautions, as in any country where there are many tourists, beware of pickpockets.

At the same time, we should not forget that Estonia was in the past part of the USSR, towards which the locals have an ambiguous attitude. If you do not want conflict, when talking with Estonians, I advise you to tactfully avoid this topic, as well as the period of German occupation during the Second World War, to which locals also have different attitudes.

Also, if you are driving a car and have broken the rules, do not even think about offering a bribe to the traffic cops. But this recommendation applies not only to Estonia, but throughout Europe in general. You can and should pay the fine at any bank branch.

5 things you must do in this country

Go up to the shows the site of St. Olav's Church in Tallinn. It is located in, and it offers stunning views not only of the historical part of the capital, but also of its outskirts. At the same time, visually the site seems so flimsy that visiting it is also an opportunity to tickle your nerves.

Take a selfie on the Narva embankment between two fortresses. On your left hand will be Herman's Castle, founded by the Danes and completed by Livonian knights, and on your right is Russian territory - there is the Ivangorod Fortress, founded by Prince Ivan III. In Ivangorod, unfortunately, there is no such embankment, and there is nowhere to take such a selfie.

Try coffee with Vana Tallinn liqueur. I assure you that this hot cocktail is not like Irish coffee, or Riga, or even coffee with Belarusian balsam. Moreover, if the listed drinks are good as an accompaniment to dessert, then coffee with Vana Tallinn, due to the inherent sweetness of the liqueur, goes well on its own.

Pay a visit to Baskerville Hall. And this is not a joke, because Igor Maslennikov’s famous film “The Hound of the Baskervilles” was filmed mostly in Estonia. The castles that served as decorations when it was necessary to depict the Baskerville family estate from the outside are located in Tallinn. These are Glen Castle in the Nõmme area and Maarjamägi Palace in the eastern part of the capital.

Visit the Tallinn Legends theater. This is a 40-minute performance, where, in addition to living people, moving scenery, various kinds of visual illusions and, of course, music are involved. The show is based on popular urban legends, many of which are quite dark. The show itself is also not for the faint of heart: singing severed heads and ferocious puppet dogs speak for themselves. The theater is located in the heart of the old part of Tallinn. Detailed schedule, prices and the opportunity to get a discount can be found at tallinnlegends.com.

Nearby countries

In addition to Russia, Estonia has borders with three more countries: