Estonia Travel Guide – On Holiday at the Baltic Sea
“My native land, my joy – delight, how fair thou art – how bright!”
These first words of the Estonian national anthem reflect what influenced the small state on the Baltic Sea through the centuries and gave strength to it.
- Stone age playground - huge boulder in Viinistu.
It is the great relationship between the Estonian people and their country; it is the consciousness of traditions and the knowledge of the beauty of their own country. Or, in other words: the almost unlimited love for their fatherland – even though this love was always not returned by the high and the mighty of the country.
Estonia – on one hand the history of a nation which has, like almost no other nation in Europe, been influenced by wars, foreign rule and great sacrifices. Be it because of the German, Russian or Swedish rulers in the Middle Ages or because of the domination of the Soviet empire that lasted for decades – in retrospect one can certainly claim that the Estonians had to overcome many obstacles to gain independence.
- Beautiful Haapsalu Castle at the west coast of Estonia.
Today, almost 15 years after the regaining of independence the liberty and stability are there. A different, modern Estonia is arising. After initial difficulties the country is now on its way to becoming a prosperous member of the European Community of States. Moreover, the Estonian capital Tallinn is an internationally known economic centre and has become one of the most popular travel destinations in north east Europe.
- Cosy backyard in the Old Town of Tallinn. One of numerous nice places to stay for a while.
But, on the other hand, Estonia is a region of natural beauty that offers a landscape with endless woods, lakes and moors far away from the growing economy and the hectic life.
Many parts of Estonia are almost deserted. Furthermore, the country’s many nature reserves show that this northern Baltic state has started to pay attention to the preservation of their unique nature. These reserves attract everybody who love nature, calmness and solitude.
- Tolkuse Raba: the hill moor 30 km south of Pärnu is a beautiful hiking area.
If you want to discover Estonia in its diversity you’ll have to do it yourself. The facts and personal descriptions you’ll find here will lead you to a fascinating journey full of contradictory impressions, beautiful landscape and a whiff of adventure. There is a reason to say that Estonia has many interesting facets.
- Next topic: Tourism Estonia
