Archive for the ‘Estonia’ Category

The Three Remarkable Baltic States - Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania

Posted in Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, baltic region | by Amy
March 24th, 2011

Freaking Awesome will be less than an adjective to describe the gratifying experience offered by discovering the world-famous Baltic cities. With a wide array of sightseeing tours, museums, full-service spas and beauty farms, regions around the Baltic are quite inviting. Dive into the ocean of adventure, visit the National Opera concert, or do anything you want under the roof while traveling to the Baltic States. No matter whether you are coming with your family or with your friends, or planning for a classical sightseeing, visiting the Baltic cities is an excellent holiday idea. Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania are well-known for beautiful castles, manors, and un-spoilt nature and amber. These days, the Baltic States are developing at a rapid pace, offering immense holiday opportunities for long-tour aficionados. The countryside offers to its guests the opportunity to discover untouched wild nature – its hundred miles of sandy shoreline, vast forests, hayfields and beautiful lakes. There is certainly no justification for not visiting those remarkable Baltic States – Latvia, Estonia and Lithuania.

img credit : jennyhsu47

If you explore a little deeper, you’ll find a difference in the way people of the Baltic look and speak. They retain their diverse cultures and customs through years of subjugation in the earlier Soviet Union. Obscure references aside, these three incredible Baltic countries do offer the most extraordinary experiences of the European culture. The food is energetic and sophisticated, with a firm influence by local customs of hunting as well as mushroom gathering. These cities are a mix of old and new-fangled, with the world’s renowned mediaeval town centers and largest collection of the Art Nouveau architecture. Young and vibrant as always, the capitals are becoming innovative cultural meccas where one can see an excellent opera prior to wandering the cobbled streets for a late dinner. Gothic festivals and up-to-the-minute shopping emphasizes the meticulously maintained former towns through the region. Those striking wooden buildings, towering cathedrals and metaphorical town halls out there would beg to be photographed throughout every bend. The well-placed escapades abroad Baltic States excursion offers an exclusive insight to the destinations rarely visited North Americans. Nowhere will you explore such brilliantly preserved gothic cities, castles and traditions. If you believe that you have visited all the places of this awesome continent, Europe, think again. You still have lots more to explore in these beautiful Baltic States. Experience the contemporary culture of a region emerging over the borders of Europe.

Five of the Best Baltic Ports for Cruises

Posted in Cruises, Estonia, Finland, Russia, Scandanavia, sweden | by admin
September 8th, 2010

Cruise ships offer visitors to the Baltic region a chance to see the incredible shorelines, fjords and islands that you can only admire from the sea. Of the 28 ports from which cruise ships regularly depart, here are the five ports of call where you can find fascinating places to explore on shore before and after your journey:

1. Helsinki, Finland

Helsinki is a part of most cruise ship itineraries and offers some interesting areas to explore. You can take a short ferry ride across the bay to stomp around the Soumenlinna Fortress, an 18th century fort that you can explore on your own or sign up for guided tour.

Soumenlinna Fortress, Helsinki(img credit: Bronnski)

The ferry departs from Market Square, an open-air market that supplies local food, crafts and souvenirs — even reindeer sausages and smoked herring. If you are in town for while, consider visiting the many Helsinki museums and climbing to the top of the Olympic tower.

2. Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn(img credit: Jurvetson)

As the capital of Estonia, this is the largest city in this tiny country and dates back over 1000 years. This charming locale is one of the best preserved medieval towns in all of Europe, although it does have a “modern” section. The Old Town Square is lined with outdoor cafes, picturesque homes and gothic civic buildings.

The cathedral boast the tallest tower in Europe, and you can climb to the top for a spectacular view of the city and harbor. Just a 2-hour ride across the bay from Helsinki, the towers and walls of Tallinn’s castles and churches border cobblestone streets that wind through this picturesque city, so bring sturdy walking shoes.

3. Stockholm, Sweden

The Old Town section in this Swedish city is called Gamla Stan and is home to the Royal Palace and City Hall — which also has a tower you can climb for a bird’s eye view of the area.

The christmas market in gamla stan (old town), stockholm. (img credit: Coulson)

Wander down the narrow winding cobblestone streets and explore the galleries, cafes, museums and shops along the way. Check out the Vasa museum which is housed in a warship that is adorned with sculptures elaborately carved in the 1600s when this boat was launched. Fully restored in the 20th century, the custom exhibition building that houses this Nordic treasure is open to visitors.

4. Copenhagen, Denmark

This cosmopolitan Danish town has many fascinating wonders within walking distance of the port — including the Tivoli Gardens, a popular destination for families during the day and romantic couples in the evening.

Tivoli Gardens(img credit: Nygaard)

At night, 100,000 lanterns are lit to create a magical ambiance that concludes with a dazzling fireworks show. Jump aboard a canal taxi to sail along the Nyhavn canal which is lined with colorful old buildings and sidewalk cafes. You can even visit the Little Mermaid statue who sits on the rock gazing out to sea waiting for her Prince Charming to return.

5. Saint Petersburg

Last but certainly not least is the Russian city that has impressed the world for centuries with its magnificent art, incredible architecture and fascinating history. Near the harbor is the Winter Palace, where you will find the Hermitage Museum, an incredible art institution that should not be missed.

Hermitage Museum, Russia(img credit: Marie-ll)

Visit the Palace Square and the Russian Museum of National Art or hire a boat and glide through the canals of Saint Petersburg, especially during the midsummer White Nights celebrations.

20 Facts About Estonia

Posted in Estonia | by admin
May 11th, 2009

1- The Republic of Estonia was a Soviet state until 1991. Its northern border lies on the Gulf of Finland. The Gulf of Riga and the Baltic Sea are on Estonia’s western coast.

2- Estonia has two large lakes and several smaller ones. Lake Vorts-Jarv is between Tarvatsu and Elva in the south central region. In the east, the border between Estonia and Russia divides freshwater Lake Peipsi and Lake Pskov almost in half.

3- Almost half of the land area of Estonia is forested. The forests, with their abundance of wildlife, are one of the main attractions of the country.

4- Warm summers and fairly harsh winters characterize the climate, one which is comparable to that of the New England states.

5- Estonia was an independent country until sometime in the 1200’s A.D. Then a succession of foreign conquerors each left their imprint upon Estonian culture. These included the Danes, the Germans, the Polish, and the Swedes. Russia, which became the Soviet Union, was the last to rule over Estonia.

6- Estonia’s capital city, Tallinn, is on the north central coast. Tallinn is a port city with a carefully preserved medieval quarter and architectural remnants from the Tsarist and Soviet periods. The medieval portion of Tallinn is on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites and is one of the most often photographed scenes in Estonia. The spire of St. Nicholas’s Church is prominent in photos of this part of Tallinn.

7- On the northeast corner of Estonia overlooking the Narva River and Russia is the city of Narva. The city is noted for its fifteenth century Knights’ Fortress which is now a museum.

8- The city of Haapsalu on the northwest coast is the site of a thirteenth century castle. The mud baths were once a favorite of the Russian tsars and their families.

9- The coastal city of Parnu is one of the main tourist areas in Estonia. On the Gulf of Riga in the southwest, Parnu’s beach, the fourteenth century Red Tower, mud baths, and several hotels contribute to its popularity.

10- Tartu is a southeastern city with the second largest population in Estonia. It lies on the Emajogie River. Tartu’s Raekoja Plats, or Town Hall Square, is worth a visit as well as Cathedral Hill and St. John’s Church and the Botanical Gardens on the University grounds.

11- Otepaa near Tartu is the resort area of Estonia visited by people who want to enjoy winter. Small hills offer downhill skiing, bobsledding, ski jumping, and snowboarding. In the southeastern corner of the country, the highest point in Estonia, Munamagi, ascends to 1,042 feet.

12- Several islands belonging to Estonia are located off the coast. The largest islands off the west coast are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.

13- Saaremaa is the site of Vilsandi National Park on its western shore and Kuressaare Castle on the south central shore. In various locations like at Angla on this island are windmills which are over a century old as well as Valjala St. Martin’s Church, the first church built in Estonia.

14- The island of Hiiumaa is home to Tahkuna lighthouse and Kopu lighthouse, believed to be the oldest lighthouse in the world. Tourists should try to visit Ristimagi, the Hill of Crosses, and Saaretirp, a narrow peninsula which juts out into the sea for a few miles.

15- The island of Vormsi is the site of eleven ancient villages and an 1864 lighthouse at Saxby on the west coast. The island is fourth largest in the country.

16- To soak in Estonian tradition, take a trip to Kihnu Island in the Gulf of Riga. The island is only seven kilometers long but has three main villages where the Russian Orthodox religion reflects in the song, dance, and customs.

17- Ruhnu Island in the Gulf of Riga is another small Estonian island. It has one of Estonia’s oldest wooden buildings, a church built in 1644. The beautiful sand Limo beach, forest land, and an unusual metal lighthouse round out the sights on this tiny island.

18- For anyone wishing to see the remains of Soviet occupation, the island of Naissaar north of Tallinn and the city of Paldiski on the northwest coast were the sites of Soviet naval bases and now tourist sites.

19- Some specifically Estonian culinary dishes include blood sausage, eels, and a stew made with sauerkraut, barley, and pork. Other sources of food come from Estonia’s forests, farmlands, and the Baltic Sea.

20- Estonians celebrate many of the same holidays as other countries around the world, including New Year’s Day, Good Friday and Easter, and Christmas Day. They also observe Independence day on February 24, Victory Day on June 23, Re-Independence Day on August 20, and Boxing Day on December 26.