Estonia

by Neil Taylor

Overview

Estonia is one of the last areas in Europe where wolves still roam the forests, and orchids grow wild by the roadside. Accessible, yet surprisingly uncrowded, Estonia is a prime destination for cultural tourists seeking to enjoy the charm of the Baltic States. The medieval city of Tallinn is ideally viewed by following the city walks detailed in this new edition; with its cobbled streets and beautiful architecture it is sometimes described as 'the new Prague.' The Estonian islands and numerous national parks are an attraction in their own right with the windmills, castles and splendid manor houses adding constant interest. Folklore plays a strong part in Estonian culture, while the legacy of singing is such that it led to the Singing Revolution which helped to bring about independence. This guide contains completely updated information on history, culture and practicalities.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781784779146
Publisher:	Bradt Travel Guides Ltd
Publication date:	09/20/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
File size:	55 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.

About the Author

Neil Taylor was from 1975 to 2005 Director of Regent Holidays, a British tour company that has specialized in travel to the Baltic states since they regained their independence in 1991. Now he writes and broadcasts on travel trade topics and is active in the British Guild of Travel Writers, by whom he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award in 2000. In 2011 he was awarded the President of Estonia's medal for services to tourism. This book will be the 8th edition of the Bradt Guide to Estonia that he has written. In June 2018 his Estonia – A Modern History was published with a 2nd edition in 2020. Juhan-Markus Laats grew up in Soviet Estonia, Cambridge UK, and in newly independent Estonia. Since then, he has studied political science at the University of Tartu, spent four years at Estonian Radio's English-language news desk and founded, and built up one of the Baltic's largest short-term apartment rental businesses. From his deep interest in history Juhan created an innovative history learning tool which has been used in many schools all over Estonia. He lives a stone's throw away from Toompea Castle, the seat of the Estonian Parliament.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Part 1 General Information 1

Chapter 1 Background Information 3

Geography and environment 3

Natural history and conservation 4

History 12

Economy 37

People 40

Language 40

Religion 40

Culture 43

Chapter 2 Practical Information 52

When to visit 52

Highlights and suggested itineraries 52

Tourist information 54

Tour operators 54

Red tape 54

Getting there and away 54

Health 56

Safety 57

Women travellers 57

LGBTQ+ travellers 58

Travelling with children 58

Money 58

Getting around 59

Accommodation 60

Eating and drinking 61

Public holidays and festivals 63

Shopping 63

Arts and entertainment 63

Outdoor activities 64

Museums and attractions 64

Media and communications 64

Travelling positively 64

Part 2 The Guide 67

Chapter 3 Tallinn 68

History 69

Getting there and away 73

Getting around 76

Tourist information 77

Where to stay 77

Where to eat and drink 83

Entertainment and nightlife 86

Shopping 88

What to see and do 89

Excursions from Tallinn 117

Chapter 4 Around Tallinn 126

Harjumaa County 126

Raplamaa and Jarvamaa counties 139

Chapter 5 North and Northeast Estonia 147

Rakvere 147

Kohtla-Järve 152

Johvi 154

Toila 156

Sillamäe 157

Narva 159

Lake Peipsi 168

Chapter 6 Central Estonia 173

Tartu 173

Viljandi 196

Poltsamaa 202

Chapter 7 South and Southeast Estonia 207

Otepää 207

Torva 210

Polva and the Russian Borderlands 212

Voru 216

Beyond Voru 219

Valga 221

Chapter 8 Western Estonia and the Islands 231

Haapsalu 231

Pärnu 238

Around Pärnu 249

Kihnu Island 255

Towards Saaremaa 257

Saaremaa Island 259

Abruka Island 279

Ruhnu Island 279

Hiiumaa Island 282

Vormsi Island 291

Appendix 1 Language 293

Appendix 2 Further Information 296

Index 301

Index of Advertisers 304

List of Maps

Central Estonia 174

Estonia 1st colour section

Haapsalu 232

Hiiumaa Island 283

Kuressaare 263

Lahemaa National Park 132

Narva 160

National parks 10

North & Northeast Estonia 146

Pärnu 240

Pärnu centre 242

Saaremaa Island 260

South & Southeast Estonia 206

Tallinn: around 127

Tallinn Old Town 78

Tallinn: orientation 74

Tartu 176

Tartu centre 182

Valga 223

Viljandi 197

Western Estonia 230

Editorial Reviews

‘Bradt’s Estonia is best – detailed, reliable and pleasantly opinionated’ Conde Nast Traveller USA

‘Excellent on culture and history’ Escape Routes

‘A must-have as it covers not only the country, but also offers fascinating information on short trips to the neighbours’ The Baltic Times

From the Publisher