Welcome to Estonia
Welcome to Estonia, explorers of diplomacy and peace! đ âš As you step foot in this beautiful country known for its digital wonders and commitment to harmony, let the adventure begin! From the enchanting medieval streets of Tallinn to the serene landscapes of the countryside, Estonia offers a tapestry of experiences waiting to be discovered.
Over the coming days, we'll delve into the heart of Estonia's innovative spirit, exploring its groundbreaking digital infrastructure, unraveling the secrets of effective diplomacy, and unraveling the threads of peacekeeping strategies. But amidst our academic pursuits, let's not forget to embrace the joys of cultural immersion! Whether it's savoring the flavors of traditional Estonian cuisine, dancing to folk tunes, or simply wandering through the charming streets lined with history, let's soak in every moment with curiosity and open mind.
So here's to new friendships, unforgettable experiences, and the journey of a lifetime! Get ready to embark on a voyage of discovery, where every step brings us closer to understanding the intricate tapestry of diplomacy and peace. Estonia awaits, let's make every moment count! đȘđȘđ
Fun Facts About Estonia
Estonia attracts with its clean environment, diverse culture and fine food. Estonia has a low population density and plenty of untouched nature. Three quarters of the territory is covered by forests and bogs. The landscape is covered with mires and bogs, fields and forests, limestone barrens and coastlines. And itâll take only 15 km to the nearest wetland from any given point in Estonia. Estonia has some of the cleanest air in the world. We are ranked 4th in the world based on urban air quality. There are four distinct seasons, from warm summers to frosty winters. We know how to adapt to changes and we are always prepared. Forests are part of the Estonian mentality. Wood is an important export article and bestselling books are written about forests. Skills in preserving vegetables, mushrooms and berries, and the genuine use of natural, seasonal ingredients â are key parts of Estonian food culture.
Estonia is a digital society: less hassle means time better spent. They are the only country in the world to offer e-residency and adopt online voting. Estonia is also known for its entrepreneurial spirit, often called the "Silicon Valley" of northern Europe. Some world-changing start-ups originate from Estonia: Wise, GrabCAD, Fortumo, Pipedrive, Bolt, Starship Technologies, and Skype. For additional practical information, please follow this link. To get more insight on Estonia, the capital - Tallinn, the country's history, food, culture, etc. please follow this link.
Photo Scavenger Hunt
To make your experience more fun, we have created this fun photo scavenger hunt of the surrounding sights in Tallinn, and around Estonia. The goal is pretty simple - attempt to locate as many spots as possible, complete the short and easy tasks, and snap some photos along the way. Feel free to share your photos with us via our What'sApp group chat or upload your best photos (for maximum resolution) in the google drive folder listed below. So have some fun, be creative and enjoy the scavenger hunt!
Remember, you can follow & tag us @cieetallinn on Instagram (or use the #CIEETallinn) to be featured in our future posts. Check out also - @cieeglobalnavigatorsto see what other CIEE centers around the world are doing this season.
Favorite Old Town Moment
Visitors from all over the world drop around to admire the beauty of Tallinn, the best preserved medieval city in Northern Europe boasting Gothic spires, winding cobblestone streets and enchanting architecture. Once a home to wealthy merchants settling from Germany, Denmark and beyond, Tallinn Old Town today is enjoyed by locals and visitors alike, with restaurants, bars, museums and galleries bringing much life to this historical city centre. Being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List confirms that the Tallinn Old Town is a valuable treasure, but it is also lively and constantly evolving.
There's so much to see and experience in Old Town - consider checking out the following sites - Great Coast Gate, St Olaf's Church, Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats), St Catherine's Passage (Katariina Kaik), Long Leg Gate, etc. Start the hunt with your absolute favorite area of Old Town (any angle, any corner) and share that photo moment with us!
Old Town - Toompea
Located on Toompea Hill in Tallinn, Toompea Castle is one of the most iconic structures in Estonia, offering visitors a journey through centuries of history. Toompea is a limestone hill in the central part of the city of Tallinn. The hill is an oblong tableland, which measures about 400 by 250 metres, has an area of 7 hectares and is about 20â30 metres higher than the surrounding areas. Toompea was built on the foundations of the crumbling eastern wing of the fortress built on this site in the 13th and 14th centuries. The castle with its late Baroque façade was built between 1767 and 1773.
The history of Toompea is closely linked to the history of rulers and power in Estonia. Today Toompea is the center of the Government of Estonia and the Riigikogu (parliament), both of which are often simply referred to as Toompea. The blue, black and white of the national flag can be seen flying on top of the 45.6-metre Tall Hermann tower as the symbol of Estonia's independence. Find it and snap your best Toompea moment!
Old Town - Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform is without a doubt one of the best views of Old Town Tallinn, located on the Northern side of Toompea hill. The easiest way to locate the wall is to head up towards the Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and then ïŹnd Kohtu Street f rom there. It provides excellent views over the red roofs and towering spires of the Old Town as well as of the gleaming high-rise buildings in the new part of the city. In the background is the Gulf of Finland, the port and the Pirita district.
Extra bonus point for those who find the legendary "the times we had" or "breathe baby" sign, also located in one of the main viewing platforms in Old Town!
Old Town - st. olaf church
St Olaf's Church is the largest medieval building in Tallinn, offering stunning views of the historic Old Town from its 60-metre-high viewing platform. First mentioned in 1267, the church was named after the sainted Norwegian king Olav II Haraldsson. The church's prominent spire now stands at 123 metres, but in the 15th century, it reached an astonishing height of 159 metres, making St Olaf's Church one of the tallest structures in medieval Europe.
Fun fact: Lightning is known to have struck the tower of the church at least a dozen times, three of which led to extensive fires â in 1625, 1820, and 1931. Although Estonians are one of the most atheistic country in the world, they certainly appreciate the history and have great deal of respect for the existing churches/cathedrals and traditions of the past. Find this infamous spot and snap your best shot!
Old Town - Medieval Moment
Unlike many other capital cities in Europe, Tallinn has managed to wholly preserve its structure of medieval and Hanseatic origin. Due to its exceptionally intact 13th century city plan, the Old Town was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, joining the ranks of the worldâs most recognised landmarks. Here you'll find original cobblestone streets dotted with medieval churches and grandiose merchant houses, barns and warehouses many of which date back to the Middle Ages. On Niguliste Hill, there is a medieval village where visitors can try out various medieval workshops.
In summer, the Old Town Days and Medieval Days attract Estonians and foreigners alike to the Town Hall Square. Every mid-November, we watch in awe as the Christmas tree is erected on the Town Hall Square, and we prepare to enjoy one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in the world. And in the summer - (every July), Tallinn's Town Hall Square and the surrounding area of Niguliste Church transform into a thriving medieval city for four days.
A Cute Cafe Moment
Estonia is best known for its cute and cozy cafes located in stunning historical locations, with the selection of mouth watering pastries bound to make anyone feel like a kid in a sweet shop. Tallinnâs long-standing cafĂ© culture has always revolved around the Old Town, be it Maiasmokk, the oldest cafĂ© in Tallinn dating back to 1864, Pierre Chocolaterie in the hidden Mastersâ Courtyard.
Many Estonian cafes are also open late and quite a few offer gourmet style dining. Modern rooftops, medieval courtyards and cute wooden houses on the high streets of larger Estonian towns host a range of Estonian-style cafes, elegant in appearance and romantic by nature. Tallinnâs cafĂ©s are located in various areas and locations: in a ceramics workshop or a museum, in a basement or on a rooftop, in a yard or by the sea. There are also cosy cafĂ©s in book stores where you can have a cup of coffee while reading a good book. Every cafe in Estonia has its own unique story to tell, so feel free to ask locals about your favorite cafe spot and its history!
Your Best Kadriorg Moment
At the heart of Kadriorg, one of Tallinnâs most upscale districts, is Estoniaâs only Baroque palace and park ensemble, established 300 years ago by Russian Tsar Peter the Great. Presidential yet cosy, this romantic inner-city area nearby the coast can very well be the place where youâll find the heart of Tallinn.
Kadriorg palace and art museum surrounded by manicured Kadriorg Park was once established by Tsar Peter the Great as a manifestation of love. The 18th-century park featuring fountains and streams, is surrounded by equally historical wooden houses, with tree branches in bloom leaning over detailed door frames of these stunning masterpieces. There's so much to see and do in Kadriorg - from visiting the Kadriorg Art Museum, to the aurrounding parks & gardens, Kumu Art Museum, the House of Peter the Great, Mikkel Museum, Castellan House Gallery, The Russalka Memorial - choose your favorite spot in Kadriorg and snap the moment!
Japanese Botanical Garden Moment
The Japanese botanical garden was overseen by Masao Sone, a garden designer renowned both in Japan and in Europe. The underlying principle was the philosophy of the Japanese garden with its focus on the circle of life and the expressiveness of nature. The garden is designed as a slow journey over stone bridges and around water bodies. In the Japanese garden, stones and water are as important as the plants.
Each season has its jewels: cherry blossoms in the spring, rhododendrons on the cusp of summer, irises and other Iridaceae in deep summer, and colorful maple leaves in the autumn. The positioning of the stones, angling them towards the viewer or offering a flat step, is fundamental to the garden. There are so many wonderful areas to choose from, so find your favorite spot and snap that moment!
Your Favorite Kalamaja Moment
Kalamaja, located just outside the Old Town and one of the oldest districts in Tallinn, is now a herald of the freshest trends. Quaint, easy-going, and with a healthy dose of greenery, it feels like a hip village inside the city. Kalamaja is often considered a hipster area of Tallinn, conveniently located between the scenic Tallinn coast and Old Town and features some real architectural gems.
Kalamaja is known for its well-preserved wooden houses, including a style called the âTallinn houseâ. These are colourful wooden houses, with bohemian charms and industrial heritage. Kalamaja has served as the cityâs main fishing port from the middle ages onward. Its name even means âfish houseâ in Estonian. Fishermen, fishmongers and boatmen have lived here since the 14th century. Today, it's a vibrant residential and small business community. Weather it's the unique and colorful architecture, or the port, find your favorite Kalamaja moment and share it with us!
YOUR FAVORITE MUSEUM MOMENT
Estonia has 170 museums. They connect the past with the future and educate visitors about Estonia's place in the world. The modern museum appeals to and offers activities for visitors of all ages. Estonian museums offer many ways to get involved in their mission: educational programs, classes, virtual tours, film screenings, summer camps, and more.
Cities big and small have museums showcasing local heritage or collections, and many offer interactive exhibitions to keep children engaged and entertained. Some of the most popular museums are the Kumu Art Museum, the Seaplane Harbour Museum, Tallinn TV Tower, Estonian National Museum, Tallinn's Open Air Museum, Kiek in de Kök Fortification Museum or the Arvo PÀrt Centre in Laulasmaa. Which museum was your favorite and why?! Let us know.
Telliskivi Creative Center
Telliskivi Creative City is located in the former industrial complex of Tallinn, which houses galleries, small shops, various creative companies, start-ups, and restaurants. Telliskivi Creative City is a home for the ïŹnest of Estonian design, the FotograïŹska photography center, and bohemian restaurants, pubs, & bars.
In the heart of this creative sub-city is the internationally renowned Fotografiska Tallinn Photography Museum, Juhan Kuus Documentary Photo Centre, SÔltumatu Tantsu Lava theatre and a contemporary dance platform, LaMuu Ice Cream Factory, the Erinevate Tubade Klubi venue, and several other creative companies. More than 800 different cultural events take place in the Creative City throughout the year. There's so much creativity in this one area, it will be hard to choose, but you can try and pick your favorite "Telliskivi Moment", and share it!
Seaplane Harbor Museum Moment
The most exciting maritime museum in Europe is located in the Seaplane Harbour! About 200 authentic items are on display at the historical seaplane hangar: a submarine called Lembit, a century-old icebreaker Suur TĂ”ll, a seaplane called Short 184, remains of the oldest ship found in Estonia, and much more. The museum offers an immersive experience that showcases Estonia's rich naval history, maritime exploration, and defense. You can explore fascinating exhibits, including a real 1930s submarine (Lembit), historic seaplanes, naval mines, and ice yachts, all while learning about Estoniaâs strategic position along the Baltic Sea.
There is also several cozy cafes and a fun museum gift shop. This museum offers globe-trotting in a submarine, opportunity to have your picture taken in a navy uniform, an aquarium shot, simulators, throwing paper airplanes, among other fun elements like this one here! If you are interested in exploring other museums in Estonia, check out www.visitestonia.com.
Noblessner Moment
This former submarine factory and ex-soviet era neiborhood is now a vibrant community of apartments, high-level restaurants, shops and cultural venues. The presence of the sea is always felt in Noblessner as itâs situated on a beautiful, cosy harbour.
The history of the Noblessner seafront quarter dates back to 1912, when two St. Petersburg businessmen built the most important submarine factory in then Tsarist Russia. These were Arthur Lessner, a machine manufacturer, and Emanuel Nobel, Europe's largest fuel tycoon. The name of the factory â Noblessner â was created by combining their two surnames. Here you will also find Kai Art Center, PROTO Invention Factory VR centre. Culinary highlights include restaurant 180°, Lore Bistroo and many more. The industrial inspired architecture along the promenade is one of our favorite moments, what's yours?
The Government of Republic of Estonia
The Government of the Republic is the cabinet of Estonia. Under the Constitution, it exercises executive power pursuant to the Constitution and laws of Estonia. The Government sessions are held in the Session Hall of Stenbock House, where longstanding traditions meet innovative technical solutions.
The cabinet carries out the country's domestic and foreign policy, shaped by parliament (Riigikogu); it directs and co-ordinates the work of government institutions and bears full responsibility for everything occurring within the authority of executive power. The government, headed by the Prime Minister, thus represents the political leadership of the country and makes decisions in the name of the whole executive power. Unlike other cabinets in most other parliamentary regimes, the Government is both the de jure and de facto executive authority in Estonia. With its long-standing role in shaping Estoniaâs domestic and foreign policies, the Riigikogu exemplifies the power of democratic governance and citizen representation.
Estonia Open Air Museum
To take in the more rustic side of Estonian history and culture, stop by the Estonian Open Air Museum. The Estonian Open Air Museum (Eesti VabaĂ”humuuseum), has a fascinating glimpse into Estoniaâs rural past. Spread across 72 hectares of forest and coastal land, the museum features over 80 historic buildings from different regions of Estonia, including traditional farmhouses, windmills, a village school, a chapel, and a fire station. It provides an immersive experience of Estonian heritage, culture, and everyday life from the 18th to the 20th century. We will see actors in period costumes, enjoy traditional crafts, and explore how Estonians lived before modern urbanization. A ture authentic experience.
At the museum, you can buy handicrafts, ride horses, and try traditional Estonian dishes at the inn. Thereâs also a shop to buy handicrafts and an inn where you can taste traditional Estonian dishes. Find your favorite moment from the museum, and be sure to snap a photo of it!
NÔmme Seikluspark Adrenaline Moment
Estonia is a nature lover's paradise: With over 50% of its land covered in forests and numerous national parks, Estonia offers abundant opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and wildlife spotting. If you are unable to visit one of Estonia's National Parks or Bogs, perhaps you can stp by NÔmme Seikluspark. This adventure park is an excellent opposrunity to get your adrenalin going! You will have an opportunity to discover the adventurer within you by hiking around the park, taking zip-lines. For maximum experience ... consider talking to the trees and rub against them for good energy.
The facility offers six different 'trails' of varying levels of difficulty, all built high above the ground, where visitors have to overcome a variety of obstacles before riding a zip line back to Earth. Completing all the trails takes 2.5 to 3 hours. Find your favorite adrenaline moment and snap a photo of it!
Estonia Public Transport Moment
Tallinn is very compact and easy to get around. Reaching farther out destinations is simple thanks to the city's network of buses and trams. By now, you should have experienced the wonderful public transport. Tallinn (and Estonia in general) is very compact and easy to get around. Tallinna Linnatranspordi mainly operates the bus, tram and trolleybus routes.
Elron offers electric train services to destintions outside of Tallinn, and the ferry service to Aegna Island is operated by Kihnu Veeteed. Of course Tallink offers additional ferry service to more international destinations. Weather it was a bus, tram, ferry, scooter - find your favorite moment and snap a photo of it! Location and type can be your choice! For more info on Tallinn Public Transport, visit this page: www.transport.tallinn.eeÂ
Pirita Waterfront Moment
With a popular beach, adventure park and marina, Pirita is a place in Tallinn where to enjoy pleasant summer moments. Its refreshing pine scent is only a couple of miles away from the city centre. You can get to it on buses from the city centre. The beach has changing cabins, playgrounds for children and areas for ball games. And 15â20 minutes away, in Viimsi, youâll come to find romantic islets and old fishing villages next to modern homes. Piritaâs seaside area became the destination for Sunday trips and sunbathing already in the beginning of 20th century.
The whole Pirita area is a nice area to walk and do sports in: sunbathing on the beach, promenade, adventure park, and official fitness trail. In the summer time, the boardwalk is also popular for street food (i.e. food trucks), and group fitness activities. What was your favorite Pirita Beach moment?
Estonia Souvenir Moment
No one's judging if you really want another magnet for your fridge. But souvenirs should be one-of-a-kind, something you'd be hard-pressed to find anywhere else in the world. The best gifts are those you can eat and wear or those that simply brighten up your day. They should also definitely be produced in Estonia.
From tasty local treats (biscuits/chocolate from Kalev; Estonain black bread or honey) to sustainable fashion and high-quality handicrafts (Tanel Veenre or Lisa Kroeber jewelry; Suva socks) - you'll find something for everyone on your list when you shop for gifts in Estonia. What was your favorite Estonia souvenir moment?
Estonian Traditional Food Moment
Estonian food stems from ancient traditions and pure nature. What makes a dish a national dish and what makes a dish an Estonian dish? The common feature is the fact that food must be fresh, tasty, made from local ingredients and produced locally.
The most traditional produce in Estonian kitchens are rye bread, meat, milk, vegetables, fish and various forest goods. Although some of the most significant traditional recipes are not consumed on the daily, people are sure to do so on folk holidays, the most significant of which are Christmas and New Year. Meat jelly, roast pork or goose, roasted potatoes, sauerkraut, lingonberry jam and blood sausages are without a doubt the staples of the dinner table on these days. Additional cuisine moments include products such as smoke sauna ham, smoked fish, curd cheese, barley bread and fermented birch juice. What was your favorite traditional Estonian food moment?
LauluvÀljak Moment
The Tallinn Song Festival Grounds (Estonian: LauluvÀljak) are the grounds on which the Estonian Song Festival is held every five years. The first stage on its current location between Narva Road and Pirita Road in Kadriorg, was built in 1928 for the 9th Estonian Song Festival. It was designed by Karl Burman and provided space for 15,000 performers. The new and current arched stage was built in 1959 to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Estonian SSR in the upcoming year. It was designed by architect Henno Sepmann together with Alar Kotli and Endel Paalmann.
In 1988, Estonians gathered at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, to sing patriotic hymns in what became known as the Singing Revolution that led to the overthrow of Soviet rule. Today, an optimal capacity for concerts is 75,000 fans. In June 1988, during the Singing Revolution days, up to 300,000 people attended the Night Song Festival. The unified voice of nearly 20K singers is an indescribable feeling - my top 1 Estonia favorite moment.
Rotermanni Quarter Moment
Rotermanni Quarter is an area in the downtown of Tallinn, Estonia. It is located between Tallinn Old Town, the Port of Tallinn and Viru Square. This area has played an important role in Tallinn's history; in the 19th century it was the crossing of roads from Tartu, Narva and PĂ€rnu.
Today Rotermanni Quarter has a nice advanced architecture mixed with the charming ancient style. Rotermanni Quarter also has cool bars, diverse restaurants, excellent pagari (bakery shops, Röst among the few), and many more shopping areas. Rotermann Quarter puts people first and says: life should be enjoyed. From work life to free time, from social life to time with yourself. Find your favorite Rotermanni Quarter moment [architecture, art, urban life, cafe or restaurant] and be sure to snap a photo to share!
A Nature or Wildlife Moment
Estonia has a low population density and plenty of untouched nature. Three quarters of the territory is covered by forests and bogs. Our air is among the cleanest in the world, and the freedom to roam is codified in law. The natural diversity is emphasized by not four, but five seasons.
To describe Estonian land and nature, words like clean, quiet, calm, untouched, mystical and ancient, among plenty of others, could be used. Share your most favorite Estonia nature moment! Although visiting the Hiiuma or Saarema islands (biggest ones among the 2,000 islands that Estonia has) may be far and difficult as a day trip, perhaps you can find your Nature Moment at the Tallinn Zoo, Kadriorg Park, Japaneese Botanical Garden or at the Open Air Museum?! Choose your favorite moment, and share it with us!
A Raba (Bog) or Hike Moment
Hiking in Estonia comes naturally to the locals who go to forests and bogs all year round to pick berries, mushrooms and go camping with friends and family. Estoniaâs majestic pine forests and ancient bogs are popular nature getaway destinations among the locals and international alike, suitable for beginners and skilled hiking enthusiasts. This is a unique activity, so if you end up going for a short hike at one of the nearby rabas or somewhere else close to Tallinn, share your photo! Although the challenge is a raba hike, day trips are included as optional "hike" moments.
The bog is the oldest organic landscape in Estonia, reaching in some cases up to 10 000 years of age. The ïŹrst bogs started to emerge here right after the last ice age. As the 1 km thick glacier ice sheet was melting towards the North pole, the meltwater as a leftover was collected in depressions previously created by the glacier ice. Over the next thousands of years, plants grew and died within those shallow and oxygen-deprived meltwater lakes. As a result, the dead plant material didn't become decomposed but rather created ever-lasting peat/turf and turned the water acidic. Every year, one layer of partially decomposed organic material is accumulated underneath the mossy surface of the bog. Historians claim that back in the day Estonian strongholds provided shelter to 6-9% of the entire population. As a result, 90+% of the Estonians had to rely on natural refuges. What place could be better to hide than the bog? DifïŹcult terrain, easy to sink in.
A Unique Estonian Moment
Estonia has many outdoor activities to offer. From kayaking, to sailing, manor-museum visits, biking, bog hikes and many more. Add a photo of what you think is a "very Estonian moment" - it can be cultural, historic, artsy, public transport - anything you find unique to Estonia.
For example, traveling by tram, bus or bike in Estonia can be very enjoyable and people really hone in on this activity especially during the summer time. There are also several secret roads in the midst of the forests and villages away from major highways that traverse through picturesque places. Or simply walking down the Pirita promenade and enjoying the beach and sunset views. Choose your most favorite 'Estonian' moment and share it with us - we'd love to see it from your perspective!
an authentic estonian moment
The practice of swinging has been with Estonian culture for a long time. Swinging is one of the oldest forms of entertainment for many nations. Both the young and the old have swung in groups and alone. The tradition has been a part of the Estonian village culture for centuries. Swinging was the entertainment of the young, a traditional pastime, which remained unchanged for a long time in the folk calendar tradition.
This activity is also a sport in Estonia and it is called 'kiiking.' It was invented in Estonia in 1993, where people compete for performing a full 360 rotation with a swing. Kiiking begins when a personâs feet are higher than the headâotherwise it is regular swinging. However, the construction of kiiking swings is radically different from village swings, but shares the cultural underpinnings. Did you get a chance to try swinging (perhaps at the Open Air Museum)?
Tartu moment
A home to one of Northern Europeâs oldest universities, Tartu has a wealth of museums (such as the Tartu Kunstimuuseum or the Museum of Natural History) and an upbeat nightlife. Upon your arrival in Tartu, you are soon welcomed by a statue of kissing students standing in a large Classicist town square nearby museums, cafes and a large park formed around a hill.
Tartu is very compact, with most sights, restaurants and nightlife nestled across a couple of parallel streets. Being the second largest town in Estonia and a hot bed for creative and scientific culture, there is always something on from theatre performances to concerts and festivals. Tartu is also the home of the Estonian National Museum - the largest museum in Estonia that invites you to discover the everyday life of Estonians throughout history at the permanent exhibition âEncountersâ and to learn about the life of the Finno-Ugric peoples in the permanent exhibition âEcho of the Uralsâ. Don't forget to share your favorite Tartu moment with us!
Haapsalu Moment
Haapsalu is a seaside resort town located on the west coast of Estonia. Haapsalu is a wonderful little town with narrow streets, a miniature town hall and romantic wooden dwelling houses. On the romantic seaside promenade stands Kuursaal, one of the finest wooden buildings in Estonia.
Here you will also find a deep rooted spa culture. One of my favorite things to do in Haapsalu (besides walking by the lake) is to browse for a traditional hand-woven woollen Haapsalu shawl with fine and elegant patterns. During our visit to Haapsalu, we will visit the iconic Haapsalu Caste. Dating back to the 13th century, Haapsalu Castle reflects Estoniaâs medieval history of conflict, alliances, and strategic diplomacy. Once a stronghold of the Bishopric of Ăsel-Wiek, the castle is a reminder of how political and religious powers shaped the region. Find your favorite Haapsalu moment and share it with us!
PĂ€rnu Moment
PĂ€rnu is the ultimate summer holiday destination in Estonia. It attracts holiday makers with its large sandy beach, numerous restaurants, cocktail bars, spas and a relaxed, laid back vibe. This medieval city has an easygoing and romantic flair to it. Being largest resort in Estonia, PĂ€rnu is also a home to a variety of spas from large water parks to more intimate and historical bath houses.
In 2020, PĂ€rnu was voted the most sustainable destination of the Baltic Sea countries. The city is special because of its sea, rivers, beaches and promenades and its many parks, avenues and forest groves. If you are feeling adventurous, try water skiing, yachting or paddle a canoe or a kayak down the PĂ€rnu river to the open sea and nearby islets. Keep in mind - leisure and well-being are important elements of cultural diplomacy, helping people connect across backgrounds in informal settings.
Tallinn has amazing food - let me begin with that. Most of you will likely decide to stay in the City Center or in the Old Town area [so many choices]. One of our favorite places to visit for breakfast is Rost Bakery, which is located in the Rotermanni area and Rukis Cafe. All of the pastries are fantastic but the bread is on a next level. If you are feeling up for some fine dining, R14 or Platz [also in Roterrmanni] are great, NOP, Cafe Maiasmokk as well. Also, the atmosphere is just elevating.
Tallinn also has had several restaurants with Michelin mentions and of course some that hold the Michelin star. A close experience might be PĂ€ris Pagar, Tuljak, Tchaikovsky or NOA - pretty much whatever you order from the menu will be amazing and worth a try. Of course, these are also on the higher-end in terms of cost.
Restaurant-brasserie Riviera Palais has an amazing view, as well as Ocean 11 located near the D-terminal [Port of Tallinn]. Telliskivi and Noblessner are up-and-coming areas with excellent choices for entertainment + food, so if you are up for a surprise meal, head in these areas and try something new. We love Restaurant Fotografiska, the dishes on the menu are mainly vegetarian. And last few that I have tired and liked - Kolm Sibulat, Rataskaevu 16, Pho Bar, In The 372, Lee Restaurant.
Although we will have the opportunity to visit Vabamu Museum, KUMU, Toompea Castle and the Open Air Museum during your visit - there are still many more attractions and wonderful museums to visit on your own time. A few that are popular are the KGB Prison Cells, located in Old Town. One of the most notorious and feared pre-trial prisons operated in the basement of the building at 1 Pagari Street during the Soviet occupation. Additionally in Old Town, you can explore the Tallinn Town Hall, the Epping Tower [here you can see the development of Tallinnâs fortifications on display from the 14th century; and...if you want, you can try on a medieval armor]. A personal favorite from Old Town is the Medieval Tallinn Pharmacy - which is the oldest pharmacy in Europe that has continually operated on the same premises. It has also appeared in many movies and TV series. Also House of the Blackheads, Old Smithy, Neitsitorn (Maiden's Tower), or Hellmann Tower or outside of Old Town, you can also consider visiting Estonian Museum of Natural History, Estonian Music Museum and in the Noblessner/Telliskivi area - you can visit urban art at Fotografiska Center.
Thank you for participating!
As our time together in Estonia draws to a close, I want to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we've shared. From delving into the depths of diplomacy to embracing the beauty of peace, each step of our adventure has been filled with moments of discovery, growth, and connection.
As you prepare to bid farewell to this enchanting piece of land land, remember that the lessons you've learned and the experiences you've gained will forever shape your perspective and ignite your passions. Let the spirit of Estonia, with its resilience, innovation, and boundless optimism, guide you as you navigate the pathways of your future endeavors. Know that the seeds of curiosity you've planted here will continue to flourish, leading you to new horizons and endless possibilities. Embrace the challenges with courage, cherish the memories with gratitude, and always carry with you the lessons of diplomacy, peace, and the indomitable human spirit.
As you embark on the next chapter of your journey, may you go forth with hearts full of hope, minds open to new possibilities, and a steadfast commitment to making a positive difference in the world - 'until we meet again.' We wish you success, and hope that you find opportunities to spread kindness, compassion, and understanding wherever you go. Safe travels, and may the spirit of Estonia continue to inspire you wherever life takes you.
Job well done! Hope you have made some long-lasting memories in Estonia! đȘđȘ
Credits:
Adobe; Visitestonia.com; VisitTallinn.ee & Eesti.ee