Estonia Travel Guide


The latest travel Information on Estonia, includes ideas on Things to See and Do, Local Events, Consulate & Embassy Contact Addresses and much more, all from a first-time visitors point of view.

Estonia Information

Overview

Estonia, bordered by the Baltic Sea, the Russian Federation and Latvia, and the most northerly of the three former Soviet Baltic republics, is a country of great scenic beauty with many forests, lakes and islands.

Estonia is an unspoilt, sparsely populated country, nearly half of which is covered with forests. Wetlands, together with primeval forests, represent preserved communities which have for the most part been destroyed in Europe. More than 1,000 lakes (5% of the Estonian territory) dot the countryside, which is relatively flat - almost two thirds of the territory lies less than 50m (164ft) above sea level. While 7,000 rivers and streams carry rainwater to the sea, bogs and wooded swamplands of different types cover over one fifth of the country - a world index topped only by the northern neighbour, Finland.

The history of Estonia (and indeed of the other Baltic States) has been one of constant struggle to maintain independence and national integrity against the predatory instincts of larger neighbours. The Russians who were determined to secure a ‘window onto the Baltic’ for economic as well as strategic reasons acquired Estonia from Sweden, at the Treaty of Nystadt, in 1721.

Following the German invasion of the Soviet Union during WWII, Estonia became one of the 15 Soviet Socialist Republics. Four decades passed before the advent of Mikhail Gorbachev who, as Communist Party General Secretary, offered the prospect of change for the Baltic States.

In 1990, the Estonian Communist Party voted in favour of full independence from the Soviet Union but allowed for a six-month transitional period before making the decision final. Rapid international recognition of Estonia as a sovereign state, followed by admission to the United Nations, completed the transition to full nationhood. Estonia joined the European Union in 2004.


Top Things To See

Explore the historical and architectural monuments of the capital, Tallinn, an ancient Hanseatic city. Particularly interesting is the old town centre, which is dominated by the soaring steeple of Oleviste Church. Climb up to Toompea Castle for views (website: www.tourism.tallinn.ee).

Stroll the 3km- (2-mile-) long sandy beach at Pärnu, a small town situated on the banks of the Pärnu River where it emerges into the Gulf of Riga. Established in the 13th century, the town is known as a seaport and a health resort (website: www.parnu.ee).

Admire some more ancient architecture in Tartu – Estonia’s second-largest city, on the Emajõgi River. Visit the city's old university, the Vyshgorod Cathedral, the Town Hall (18th century) and the university’s Botanical Garden (website: www.tartu.ee).

Head for Narva, one of the oldest towns in Estonia, situated on the western banks of the River Narva. Visit the Herman Castle (the oldest architectural monument) and the city museum (website: www.narva.ee).

See old windmills, stone churches, fishing villages and a restored Episcopal castle dating back to the 13th century on Saaremaa, the largest island in Estonia (website: www.saaremaa.ee). Hop over to Hiiumaa – Estonia’s second-largest island (website: www.hiiumaa.ee).

Find peace in Mustvee, situated on the shores of the beautiful and vast Lake Peipsi, and Kuremäe, the site of the only functioning convent in Estonia.

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Top Things To Do

Relax in Haapsalu, a small town on the western coast which has been a well-known resort since the 19th century. It is the ideal place to get away from it all with its romantic wooden houses and tree-lined avenues (website: www.haapsalu.ee).

Explore the countryside and see unspoilt forest and bogs, picturesque old fishing villages and historic manor houses in one of Estonia’s three national parks –Lahemaa (website: www.lahemaa.ee), Soomaa (website: www.soomaa.com) and Vilsandi.

Catch a glimpse of wildlife such as lynx, bears, wolves and elk. Watch birds including eagles, storks and a variety of wetland birds at Käina Bay Bird Reserve and Matsalu Nature Reserve (website: www.matsalu.ee).

Spot unusual trains on the wide-gauge track, and visit the Railway Museum in Haapsalu; pay respects in the ‘train graveyard’ behind the museum (website: www.jaam.ee).

Swim from white sandy beaches, or in pools and lakes abound in the interior of the country. Dare to bare in the north of the country, where it is possible to find small coves used for nude bathing, though there are no designated areas for this.

Hike or cycle on unspoiled Saaremaa Island (website: www.saaremaa.ee).

Practise outdoor activities in Otepää, with its lakes and forests, such as skiing in the winter or canoeing (website: www.otepaa.ee).

See Contact Addresses for further tourist information.


Going Out

Food and Drink

Hors d’oeuvres are very good in Estonia and often the best part of the meal.

National specialities:
• Sült (jellied veal).
• Täidetud vasikarind (roast stuffed shoulder of veal).
• Rosolje (vinaigrette with herring and beets).
• Braised goose stuffed with apples and plums.
• Estonian wild mushroom soup.

National drinks:
• Saare beer (dark and heavy yet tasty).
• Mulled wine.
• Vana Tallinn (a local liqueur that’s probably best left to the locals to sip).

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: Restaurant bills include a tip.

Nightlife

Tallinn is used to entertaining daytrippers from Finland and, increasingly, stag-parties from the UK. There is a wide range of restaurants, cafes and cosy bars, as well as livelier nightclubs that sometimes feature live bands. Socialising is at its most active Thursday-Saturday nights, between 2300-0300. For culture vultures in Tallinn, there is the Estonia National Opera, the Estonia Concert Hall (tel: (6) 147 771; website: www.concert.ee), the Vanemuine Theatre (tel: (7) 440 100; website: www.vanemuine.ee), and for children, the Estonian Puppet Theatre. For further details on cultural events, contact the Estonian Institute (website: www.culture.ee).

Shopping

Amber, ceramics, glassware, leather-bound books and local folk art are good buys, as are traditional hand-knitted thick wool jumpers. There is a good knit market by the Old Town walls on Müürivahe in Tallinn.

Shopping hours: Mon-Fri 1000-1800; some on Sat 1000-1700; department stores: daily 1000-2000.


Climate

Generally temperate, but slightly cool and damp. Summer is warm, while spring and autumn can be mild. Winter, which lasts from November to mid March, can be very cold. Rainfall is distributed throughout the year with the heaviest rainfall in August. Heavy snowfalls are common in the winter months.

Required Clothing

Cooler clothes are worn during the summer months. Warm clothes are needed during winter. Rainwear is advisable all year.


Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2008-December 2009 period.

2008
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
24 Feb Independence Day.
21 Mar Good Friday.
1 May May Day.
11 May Whit Sunday (Pentecost).
23 Jun Võidupüha (Victory Day – anniversary of the Battle of Võnnu).
24 Jun Midsummer’s Day/Jaanipäev (St John’s Day).
20 Aug Restoration of Independence Day.
25-26 Dec Jõulud (Christmas) and Boxing Day.

2009
1 Jan New Year’s Day.
24 Feb Independence Day. 
10 Apr Good Friday.
1 May May Day.
31 May Whit Sunday (Pentecost).
23 Jun Võidupüha (Victory Day - anniversary of the Battle of Võnnu).
24 Jun Midsummer’s Day/Jaanipäev (St John’s Day).
20 Aug Restoration of Independence Day.
25-26 Dec Jõulud (Christmas) and Boxing Day.


Health

Diphtheria

Special Precaution: Yes

Hepatitis A

Special Precaution: Yes

Malaria

Special Precaution: No

Rabies

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Tetanus

Special Precaution: Yes

Typhoid

Special Precaution: Sometimes

Yellow Fever

Special Precaution: No

Health Care

For European visitors who are taken ill or have an accident, free or reduced-cost treatment is available – in most cases on production of a valid European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). The EHIC gives access to state-provided medical treatment only. Note that the EHIC replaces the Form E111, which is no longer valid.

Note

Further Health Information

We advise you to check health requirements for the country you are traveling to with your GP, practice nurse or travel health clinic as health requirements and vaccinations can change at short notice.

Money

Currency

Estonian Kroon (EEK; symbol Kr) = 100 senti. Notes are in denominations of Kr500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1. Coins are in denominations of Kr5 and 1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 senti.

Estonia is aiming to join the Euro in the near future.

Currency Exchange

All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. The value of the Kroon has been tied to the Euro.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs

Credit cards are widely accepted. Most banks will give cash advances on credit cards with a passport. There are ATMs in most towns.

Traveller's Cheques

Traveller’s cheques can be changed in banks in most larger towns. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travellers are advised to take traveller’s cheques in US Dollars, Pounds Sterling or Euros.

Banking Hours

Mon-Fri 0900-1600; hours may vary. Although banks are usually closed on Saturdays, bureaux de change are open 0900-1500, and some open on Sundays. The main banks in Estonia who serve tourists are Hansapank, Sampo Pank and Ühispank.


Passport/Visa

British

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Australian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Canadian

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

USA

Passport Required: Yes
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Other EU

Passport Required: 1
Visa Required: No
Return Ticket Required: No

Passport Note

Estonia joined the Schengen Agreement on 21 December 2007 for overland entry points and seaports, and will join on 29 March 2008 for airports.

Passports

Valid passport required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. EU nationals holding a valid national ID card.

Visas

Not required by all nationals referred to in the chart above for stays of up to three months within a six-month period; nationals will need to have evidence of sufficient health and travel insurance (to a minimum value of Kr400,000) and sufficient funds (at least Kr432 per day) for the duration of stay.

Visa Note

For longer stays nationals will need to apply for a residence permit from the Estonian citizenship and migration board.


Contact Addresses

Estonian Tourist Board

1315 Liivalaia Street, 10118 Tallinn, Estonia
Tel: (6) 279 770.
Website: www.visitestonia.com

Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in the UK

16 Hyde Park Gate, London SW7 5DG, UK
Tel: (020) 7589 3428.
Website: www.estonia.gov.uk
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1700 (embassy); Mon and Fri 1000-1300, Tues and Thurs 1300-1600 (consular section).

Embassy of the Republic of Estonia in the USA

2131 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 588 0101.
Website: www.estemb.org


Travel Advice

Warning

Most visits to Estonia are trouble-free, but travellers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate international terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.

Petty theft, especially in Tallinn Old Town, is becoming increasingly common.

If driving into Estonia, travellers must have the original V5 C (Vehicle Registration Document).

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, travellers are advised to contact the following organisations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel




Disclaimer
We've tried to make the information on this page as accurate as possible, but it is provided 'as is' and we accept no responsibility for any loss, injury or inconvenience sustained by anyone resulting from this information. You should verify critical information with the relevant authorities before you travel.