Estonia Travel Guide for Indians
Estonia is a cold country, so it’s advisable to visit it from mid-June to early September period. Once the winter sets in, the temperature usually stays below freezing, and even though autumn and spring are beautiful, it can be chilly. Sparsely populated Estonia is very different from Western Europe and more like Finland. It’s one of the few countries that get more tourists every year than its total population.
Estonians have embraced the internet and the World Wide Web wholeheartedly; the first election using the internet was held in Estonia and today it provides e-residency. More start-ups happen in Tallinn in proportion to the population than in Europe and it’s often referred to as the Silicon Valley of Europe.
Tallinn, the capital is also the new destination of many cruise ships and European tourists. It’s very photogenic, with medieval architecture, ancient churches, and well-preserved buildings. Christianity came late to Estonia and today it’s the least religious country in the world, with just 16% professing belief in god.
Town Hall Square or the Raekoja Plats is said to have displayed the first Christmas tree in 1441. On one side is the town hall and buildings from the 15th to 17th century surround the other three. This is an 11th-century market square the many cafes here offer great food and people watching opportunity.
Kunstimuuseum or Kumu art museum is constructed of limestone, copper, and glass by a Finnish architect (Think of Finland and Estonia are first cousins) and is the repository of Estonian history and art. Kunstimuuseum is well known for hosting contemporary and temporary exhibits.
Kadriorg Park is the city’s favorite green patch, and much loved by the locals as well as the tourists. There’s a separate section for children that’s much appreciated, judging by the noise and number.
Estonian Open-Air Museum brings the best in the country to you. It’s a simple concept; bring the best of the historic country buildings to an open-air museum. These buildings plucked from the countryside are plonked among the museum’s tall trees and in summer, there is staff in period costume to make it more real.
Tartu, Estonia’s second largest city is situated on the Emajogi River and hasn’t changed much as it was overlooked by Soviet town planners. It’s a university town and the student population makes it livelier. The town is a convenient gateway to southern Estonia.
The University of Tartu Museum began life as a Gothic Cathedral in the 13th century and was rebuilt in 15th, destroyed in 1525 and then used as a barn. Rebuilt partly to house the university’s library, it is now a museum. During summer, the ticket also includes entry to the viewing platform of the Cathedral Tower.
Pärnu, the third largest city is the seaside resort and frequented by Finnish, Swedish, German and locals. Usually, they are joined in prayer for the sky to clear and the sun to shine.
Estonia had been under one foreign yoke or another for a millennium, but is free today and has done wonders for its people. It’s a cold country much like Finland and if you want to visit it, select the season with care. Get EbixCash World Money cash card loaded with Euros and you are set. The card has pin/chip security and 24 x 7 supports.
