Travel: Estonia - Places to visit , best seasons, Cuisines

 

Estonia is a beautiful country in Northern Europe, known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and charming cities. Here are some of the top places to visit in Estonia:

1. Tallinn: The capital city of Estonia, Tallinn, is a must-visit destination. Its well-preserved medieval Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is full of cobbled streets, historic buildings, churches, and charming squares. Don't miss attractions like Toompea Castle, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and Town Hall Square.

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3. Tartu: Estonia's second-largest city, Tartu, is a vibrant university town with a youthful atmosphere. It's home to Estonia's oldest and most prestigious university, the University of Tartu. Visit the University of Tartu Botanical Garden, the Estonian National Museum, and stroll along the Emajõgi River.

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5. Lahemaa National Park: Located near Tallinn, Lahemaa is Estonia's largest national park, offering stunning natural beauty with forests, coastal cliffs, and lakes. The park is a great place for hiking, wildlife spotting, and exploring traditional fishing villages.

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7. Saaremaa: This large island off Estonia's west coast is known for its unique culture, windmills, and historic sites. Kuressaare Castle, the largest medieval fortress in the Baltics, is a highlight. Saaremaa is also famous for its spa resorts and beautiful beaches.

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9. Hiiumaa: Another Estonian island, Hiiumaa, is known for its lighthouses, unspoiled nature, and maritime heritage. Kõpu Lighthouse is one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the world, and the island offers a peaceful retreat.

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11. Pärnu: Located on Estonia's southwestern coast, Pärnu is a popular summer resort town. It boasts sandy beaches, historic architecture, and a relaxed atmosphere. The Pärnu Beach Promenade and Pärnu Museum are worth a visit.

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13. Rakvere: This town is famous for its Rakvere Castle, a medieval fortress that hosts various events and reenactments. It's a great place to learn about Estonia's history.

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15. Soomaa National Park: Known as the "land of bogs," Soomaa National Park is a unique and beautiful destination. It offers hiking, canoeing, and a chance to explore Estonia's wetland ecosystems.

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17. Viljandi: A charming town with a picturesque castle hill, Viljandi hosts an annual folk music festival that attracts visitors from around the world. The town is known for its cultural events and historic sites.

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19. Narva: This city on the eastern border of Estonia is famous for its two medieval fortresses, Hermann Castle and Ivangorod Fortress. Narva is an interesting blend of Estonian and Russian cultures.

These are just some of the many beautiful places to visit in Estonia. Whether you're interested in history, nature, or vibrant cities, Estonia has something to offer for every traveller.

Best seasons to visit Estonia

The best time to visit Estonia largely depends on your preferences for weather and the types of activities you want to experience. Estonia experiences four distinct seasons, each offering unique experiences:

1. Summer (June to August): Summer is the peak tourist season in Estonia. The weather is generally mild to warm, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F). This is an excellent time for outdoor activities, such as exploring the charming cities, visiting national parks, and enjoying the beautiful Baltic Sea beaches. The days are long, with the famous "white nights" in June, when the sun sets late and rises early.

2. Spring (April to May): Spring is a lovely time to visit Estonia as the landscape comes alive with blossoming flowers and greenery. The temperatures start to rise, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). It's a great time for nature walks, witnessing the awakening of the country after the winter months, and enjoying the cultural events that often take place in spring.

3. Autumn (September to October): Autumn is another pleasant time to visit Estonia. The temperatures start to cool down, ranging from 5°C to 15°C (41°F to 59°F). The countryside turns vibrant with colorful foliage, making it a beautiful time for outdoor activities, such as hiking and exploring nature. It's also a great time to visit historical sites and enjoy autumn festivals.

4. Winter (December to February): Winter in Estonia is cold, with temperatures often dropping below freezing, ranging from -5°C to 0°C (23°F to 32°F). However, if you enjoy winter activities and a festive atmosphere, visiting Estonia during this time can be magical. You can experience traditional winter events, such as Christmas markets, and enjoy activities like ice-skating, cross-country skiing, and even ice fishing.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Estonia depends on your interests. For warm weather, outdoor activities, and longer days, summer is the ideal season. If you prefer milder weather and fewer crowds, spring and autumn can be delightful. And if you want to experience the unique charm of winter in Estonia, the winter season can be a magical time to visit, especially during the holiday season.

Airlines in Estonia

Estonia does not have a national carrier or major airlines based in the country. However, there are several international airlines that operate flights to and from Estonia, primarily through Tallinn, the capital city. Some of the airlines that serve Estonia include:

1. airBaltic: While airBaltic is the national carrier of Latvia, it is one of the significant airlines that operate flights from Tallinn Airport (TLL) in Estonia. It offers a range of domestic and international flights to various destinations in Europe and beyond.

2. Ryanair: Ryanair, a well-known European low-cost carrier, operates flights to and from Tallinn Airport, connecting the Estonian capital to several cities across Europe.

3. Finnair: Finland's flag carrier, Finnair, provides flights between Helsinki and Tallinn, allowing for convenient connections to its extensive network of international destinations.

4. Lufthansa: Lufthansa, the German flag carrier, offers flights between Tallinn and its main hub in Frankfurt, providing connections to a wide range of global destinations.

5. LOT Polish Airlines: LOT Polish Airlines operates flights between Tallinn and its hub in Warsaw, Poland, enabling connections to various cities in Europe, Asia, and beyond.

6. Scandinavian Airlines (SAS): SAS operates flights between Tallinn and its hubs in Copenhagen and Stockholm, providing travelers with access to Scandinavia and beyond.

Please note that the airline industry is subject to change, and new routes or airlines may have emerged since my last update. For the most up-to-date information on airlines operating in Estonia and flight options, it is best to check with the official website of Tallinn Airport or consult with airlines and travel booking platforms.

Cuisines in Estonia

Estonian cuisine is influenced by its geographical location and historical ties to neighboring countries. Traditional Estonian dishes often feature simple, hearty, and locally sourced ingredients. Here are some popular Estonian foods and dishes you might come across:

1. Black Bread (Leib): Estonian rye bread, also known as black bread, is a staple of the Estonian diet. It's dark, dense, and full of flavor, often served with butter, cheese, or other toppings.

2. Estonian Cheese (Eesti juust): Estonia produces a variety of delicious cheeses made from cow's, sheep's, or goat's milk. Some popular types include Saaremaa cheese and Kihnu cheese.

3. Kama: Kama is a traditional Estonian porridge or flour mixture made from roasted barley, rye, oat, and pea flours. It's often mixed with buttermilk or kefir and served as a dessert.

4. Mulgi Kapsad: A hearty dish made with cabbage, pork, and potatoes. It's a classic Estonian comfort food and a popular option during the colder months.

5. Herring (Suitsusilgud): Estonia's coastal location makes herring a common ingredient in many dishes. Smoked or pickled herring is often served as an appetizer or part of a festive buffet.

6. Verivorst: Also known as black pudding or blood sausage, verivorst is a traditional Estonian sausage made from blood, barley, and pork. It's a popular dish during Christmas.

7. Rosolje: A traditional beetroot salad made with boiled potatoes, herring, beetroots, onions, and sour cream. It's often served as a side dish during holidays and celebrations.

8. Räim (Baltic Sprat): Small fish, such as Baltic sprat, are commonly enjoyed in Estonia. Räim is often smoked or canned and served as a snack or appetizer.

9. Karask: A type of bread or cake made from barley or rye flour, usually sweetened with honey or sugar and sometimes flavored with caraway seeds.

10. Kohuke: A popular Estonian snack made from quark cheese and covered in chocolate or a sweet glaze. It's a favorite treat among locals, especially children.

11. Vastlakukkel: A sweet bun filled with whipped cream or marzipan, traditionally eaten on Shrove Tuesday (Vastlapäev).

Estonian cuisine celebrates the country's natural bounty and traditional methods of cooking. When visiting Estonia, trying these traditional dishes will give you a taste of the country's unique culinary heritage.