Republic of Estonia - general information. Country Description
You love vacation at sea?
You love trips ?
Would you like to do it more often ?
And you know that whilecan you earn more?
Your extra income 10,000 - 50,000 rubles per month working concurrently as a regional representative In your city You can start working without any experience...
… or just help your friends and acquaintances to choose profitable last minute tours online and save up for your vacation...
________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
| Estonia |
MAT recommendations : MAT does not recommend Russian tourists visiting Estonia. There, with the active support of the authorities, at the end of July 2010, another annual action was held: a meeting of "SS veterans" who exterminatedin concentration camps in Estoniain their young years - during the Second World War, people of different nationalities. Old bastards pass away, but in their place are "new", suffering from an inferiority complex, restless young Nazis.
It's been over 18 years since the release Estonia from the "common family" of the peoples of the USSR, the state entered the European Union, and the inferiority complex of the indigenous people is still not cured. A crisis broke out, the nationalist leadership of Estonia became preoccupied with the problems of obtaining much-needed budget revenues, including by attracting tourists to the country. The Estonian Tourism Development Center in Russia has begun to carry out relevant work .... But the nationalist leadership of Estonia does not realize that it is first necessary to change the flawed Nazi self-consciousness of the country's indigenous people, to achieve tolerance in society, as in most civilized countries, such as the USA, Switzerland, Germany , France, Russia, Turkey and many many others. Only then will tourists come to the country ....
DO YOU WANT TO RELAX IN A CONCENTRATION CAMP? WELCOME TO FREE ESTONIA!
Country Description
If you want something unusual, mysterious and exciting, it is not necessary to go to distant countries. The amazing is often very close: a small country where there is everything - ancient cities and untouched nature, comfortable hotels and popular resorts, small shops and large shopping centers, noisy nightclubs, cozy cafes and restaurants. And most importantly - the smiles of people who are always glad to see you.
You may have been to Estonia many years ago. Arriving now, you will be amazed at how everything has changed. In recent years, the country has come a long way: a harmonious combination of antiquity and modern technology gives a lot of opportunities to discover something new. Estonia is a small country. And the population of this country is small. And the capital - Tallinn - is small and cozy, with a charming old part, small cafes and shops. In Estonia, those who do not like haste, but on the contrary, love solidity, who like to wander through the narrow streets of medieval cities and breathe the sea air, have a good rest.
Geography
Estonia is located in the north-east of Europe on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. The area of the country is 45,227 sq. km. In the south it borders with Latvia, in the east - with Russia. The nature of the relief in most of Estonia is flat. In the southern part of Estonia, there are the most elevated parts of the territory - the Otepää Upland (up to 217 m high), the Haanja Upland (318 m high) and the Sakala Upland (up to 145 m high). The highest point in the country is Suur Munamägi Hill - 318 meters above sea level. The longest river in Estonia is Pärnu. It has a length of 144 km and flows into the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea, and the most abundant river is the Narva. There are more than 1000 moraine lakes here.
The country's largest lake is Lake Peipus, which forms a natural and historical border with Russia. Its area is 3555 sq. km. The largest inland body of water in Estonia is Lake Võrtsjärv, with an area of 266 sq. km. The country also owns more than 1,500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu, Vormen, Naisaar, Aegna, Prangli, Kihnu, Ruhnu, Abruka and Vilsandi.
Time
In Estonia, as in Russia, summer and winter time is in effect. Local time differs from Moscow - minus 1 hour.
Climate
The climate of Estonia is transitional from maritime to continental. On the west coast Estonia's climate is milder, as the influence of the Baltic is stronger. Most cold month year - January, the air temperature at this time during the daytime does not exceed -2 degrees, and at night it drops to -8. In July, during the day, the air warms up to +22 degrees, at night it is about 14 degrees of heat.
In the south-east of the country, the climate is more continental, but the air temperatures do not differ much from the temperatures of the western coast, in winter they are 2-3 degrees lower, and in summer - 2-3 degrees higher. The greatest amount of precipitation falls at the end of summer (July-August). In total, up to 600 mm of precipitation falls annually, and in the southeast - up to 700 mm due to the fact that moist air masses linger over the local hills.
Language
Official language- Estonian, belonging to the Baltic-Finnish branch of the Finno-Ugric family of languages. The language of communication for most non-Estonians is Russian.
Religion
The majority of believers are Lutherans (70%) and Orthodox (20%). Freedom of religion is guaranteed by the Constitution.
Population
In 1945, the share of Estonians in the population of the republic reached 93%, by 1989 it had dropped to 62%. In the last decade, the share of Estonians has been growing (65.3% in 2000), while the share of Russians has been declining (28.1%). Among the national minorities are Ukrainians (2.5%), Belarusians (1.5%), Finns (1%), others (1.6%). Estonians are evenly distributed throughout the country. Russians and other non-Estonians are concentrated mainly in such industrial cities as Tallinn, Narva, Kohtla-Jarve, Sillamäe.
Electricity
The voltage in the electrical network in the territory of Estonia is 220 V, the current frequency is 50 Hz. Sockets - European standard.
Emergency Phones
Police - 110
Ambulance - 112
Problems on the road - 118
Russian Embassy in Tallinn, Pikk 19- 6464175
Visitor center, Raekoja plats 10 - 6457777
Information bus station in Tallinn, Lastekodu 46 - 6800900
Information desk of the railway station in Tallinn - 6156851
Information about flights in Tallinn - 6058888
Estonian Information Service - 1182
Information service of the port of Virtsu about ferries to the island. Saaremaa - 4524444
Connection
Estonia (Tallinn) code - +372, Saaremaa code - +372 45, Tartu +372 7, Pärnu +372 44, Haapsalu +37247, Otepaa +372 76
If you need to call Moscow, you need to dial 00 (international access code) + 7 (Russian code) + 095 (Moscow code) + subscriber's phone number. There are many pay phones in the city that operate from telephone cards. Cards are sold at tobacco and newsstands. For negotiations with Moscow, we recommend buying a card of the highest denomination. A phone call from any hotel will cost you much more.
When calling to Russia on a mobile phone whose number starts with 8 (for example, 8-902…), you need to dial 00 (international access code) + 7 (Russia code) + 902 (instead of the code of Moscow or another city). When calling an Estonian mobile phone, you do not need to dial any codes. When choosing a cellular network, we recommend using the services of the TELE2 operator, which offers more low prices on roaming than other operators. A call to Moscow from a mobile phone will cost much less if you use an EMT or TELE2 phone card. By purchasing it, you get an Estonian phone number and can call both within Estonia and abroad. In order to top up the credit it is enough to buy a call card 100, 200, 5000 kroons All incoming calls to a mobile phone in Estonia are free. Rooms mobile phones start at 5
Currency exchange
The national currency - the Estonian kroon is divided into 100 cents. In circulation there are banknotes of 1, 2, 5, 25, 50, 100, 500 crowns. As of September 1, 2004 The kroon exchange rate was 12.00 kroons for 1 US dollar and 15.64 kroons for 1 euro. Banks are usually open Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm. Exchange offices on weekdays are open until 19:00, on Saturdays from 10:00 to 17:00 some work on Sunday (in the old town, opposite the flower market, in the Stockmann store and on Pronksi 7 street). There is no commission fee for currency exchange. Never change money on the streets, whatever favorable exchange rate You weren't offered.
Visa
Citizens of Russia and CIS countries require a visa to enter Estonia. Estonia is a member of the Schengen Agreement countries. Since December 21, 2007, persons with valid Schengen visas in their passports can freely enter the country by any means of transport.
Visa category A - transit through the controlled area of the airport, is issued to persons whose purpose of visit is to transfer in the next 24 hours at Estonian airports to flights to third countries that are not members of the EU. This visa does not give the right to leave the controlled transit area of the airport and move around the territory of Estonia. This visa is not required by citizens of Russia.
Category D visa - a long-term visa for single or multiple entries to Estonia. Issued to journalists accredited by the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, representing foreign media, honorary consuls of Estonia, as well as persons who have registered their short-term work in Estonia before applying for a visa, and their family members.
Customs regulations
A passenger who, when crossing the customs border, has a currency in the amount of more than 80,000 Estonian kroons must declare it in full on the customs declaration. If the amount of imported currency exceeds 200,000 Estonian kroons, you must also present a document confirming the origin of this currency. A check issued by a currency exchange office is not such a document.
A passenger who has arrived in Estonia is allowed to import duty-free within one calendar day at the first crossing of the border, in addition to personal belongings, the following goods within the limits listed below:
Industrial goods - with a total value of up to 5000 (excluding motor vehicles);
Other than the fuel contained in the standard tank vehicle, and oil in the engine, a passenger can bring 10 liters of fuel and 5 liters of oil per motor vehicle;
Food products - with a total weight of up to 10 kg, and the total weight of coffee, tea, flavorings, seeds, etc. must not exceed 3 kg.
Transportation of alcoholic beverages and beer is allowed for persons under 18 years of age: 1 liter of drinks with a strength of more than 22% (up to 58%), 2 liters of drinks with a strength of up to 22% and 2 liters of beer.
Persons at least 18 years of age are allowed to import 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos or 50 cigars or 250 grams of tobacco products.
When importing more alcoholic beverages and tobacco products, a fine and confiscation of goods follow. If a passenger imports, within one calendar day for his personal needs, goods in quantities exceeding the free import norms, he must fill out a passenger declaration and pay the established import duties.
Holidays and non-working days
June 23 - Victory Day (victory in the battle of Vynnu) - On June 23, 1919, Estonian troops repelled the German attack and occupied the city of Vynnu (Cesis)
August 20 - Day of the Restoration of the Independence of the Republic of Estonia - On August 19, 1919, an attempted coup d'etat took place in the Soviet Union. On August 20, 1991, the Supreme Council of the Estonian SSR decided on the independence of Estonia and the creation of a Constitutional Assembly to develop the Basic Law of Estonia
Significant dates:
2nd Sunday of May - Mother's Day
Transport
Ground transport. Trams and buses operate from 05:30 to midnight. You can pay for the fare by punching a ticket or buying an hourly ticket from the driver. An hourly ticket entitles you to use all modes of transport for one hour from the date of purchase. If you decide to continue with the express bus, you will have to pay extra. Coupons can be bought from the driver, at newsstands near the bus stop, and in shops. Attention! Hourly tickets are sold only on buses, trams and trolleybuses, which are equipped with a white T sign on a blue background. When buying from the driver, tickets will cost you 5 crowns more. At the kiosk, one ticket costs 10 kroons, if you take a book (10 tickets), 1 ticket will cost 7 kroons.
Taxi. Payment for travel is made only by the meter. Most companies have a minimum fare (in Tallinn - 35 kroons). It is advisable to order a taxi by phone, there is no separate fee for ordering. Prices for landing, kilometer, parking minute and the minimum fee are posted on the side window. We advise you to always use the services of well-known companies - Esra (6614000), E-Takso (6312700).
Car rental. AVIS - Livalaia 33, tel.6315930. EUROPCAR - Parnu mnt 232, tel. 6502171. HERTZ - at the airport, tel. 6058923. Speed in cities and towns - 50 km / h, on country roads - 90 km / h. Fines for speeding are very high. The driver and passengers must wear seat belts. Parking in the center of Tallinn, Tartu, Pärnu is paid. Parking cards can be purchased at kiosks, as well as from employees of parking services. To enter the country you need car insurance, sign RUS. Headlights must be on 24 hours a day.
Tips
In Estonia, it is customary to leave a tip for good service - 5-10% of the bill.
The shops
Shops are open from 9.00 to 19.00, on Saturday - from 9.00 to 16.00, except for large department stores, open 7 days a week until 20:00. Of interest to tourists are primarily numerous shops with folk art, needlework, jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs, and antiques. Recently, chain stores have appeared that operate around the clock. We recommend visiting the largest department stores Kaubamaja (Gonsiori 2) and Stockmann (Liivalaia 53). Boutiques: Max Mara (Harju 6), Eskada Sport (Ravala pst.6), Joop (Parnu mnt.30), Paul Shark (Viru 1), Don Donna (Suur-Karja18) and the boutique of the famous Estonian couturier Ivo Niccolo (Suur- Karja14).
National cuisine
Estonian cuisine is somewhat similar to other cuisines of the countries of the Baltic region (Estonia spent centuries under the Swedes, Germans, Russians), but still has its own zest.
The basis for the preparation of main dishes is milk, fish, sour cream, pork, legumes, vegetables, etc. At the same time, at first glance, incompatible products are used (milk and fish, fish with lard, apples with ox's blood, milk and peas, potatoes for dessert, etc.). The technology of cooking some dishes is sometimes simply amazing in its simplicity. In the kitchen, mainly boiled dishes are presented, while cooking takes place only in a liquid medium (steam baths are not practiced). Water, kvass, milk, milk-flour, milk-egg, milk-sour cream mixtures are used as a liquid medium. The brewing temperature varies widely. Fried dishes in Estonian cuisine are mostly borrowed. The frying technique does not take place in oil, as in other countries, but in a milk-sour cream, milk-flour environment. Sour cream, milk, cream, milk-sour cream sauces (castmed) are widely used as seasonings. Grated herring fillet is used to prepare gravy for fish dishes. Spices are used reluctantly (onions, dill (added to herring), marjoram (blood sausages), cumin (cottage cheese), parsley and celery (soups)).
The Estonian table includes a cold table, milk and meat soups, cereals, fish of various preparations, and desserts. The Estonian "kulm laud" usually includes dense black Estonian bread, or seppik (gray bread), pickled sprat or herring, herring with sour cream and potatoes or smoked Baltic herring, milk, yogurt, k a m a, in a more complex and rich version - syult (jelly), bacon or boiled ham, sweet and sour rye bread, leivavatsk (rye-potato roll) and again the same milk or yogurt, as well as butter and hard-boiled eggs. A special place should be given to soups, which, as mentioned above, widely use dairy products in their preparation, below we list the types of soups with a milk base (dough, cereal, vegetable, fish, mushroom, egg, beer and milk soups). Vegetable soups are also common (pea, potato, cabbage, etc.), meat soups (quite specific due to the lack of seasonings and spices, cooking meat in a whole piece (more precisely, a whole piece from offal, as meat is expensive and used in Estonia for cooking second courses), adding smoked meats).
National pastries are represented by bread made from rye and barley flour with the addition of malted sourdough, potatoes, honey, etc., pies (pirucades). Below we list a number of masterpieces of Estonian pastries: Estonian pie with apples and rhubarb, festive apple cake, soft crescents with berry-marmalade filling, berry rolls, berry pie, fluffy apple cake, barley cakes, spicy cakes.
Fish dishes are prepared both from sea fish (flounder, herring, herring, syrt), and from river fish(vendace, ruff, pike, tench, perch, etc.). Soups are made from fish with white, boneless fillet - mainly from flounder, cod, whitefish. Pike, tench, perch, herring, herring go to the second courses. A casserole (kalavorm) is prepared from herring. Baltic herring, bream, cheese, eel are also smoked.
Estonian cuisine has almost no original meat dishes, unlike its neighbors. The meat is usually served boiled. Pork, lamb, less often beef and game are used for cooking. Meat dishes also include sylts and paltens, which are typical for all Baltic cuisines in general. Sylts are Estonian jellies, which, unlike Russian jellies, are made not from legs, but only from the heads and tails of animals (pork, veal, mutton), and always separately from each type of meat (only from pig tails, only from pig heads, only from veal heads, etc.). They have a denser texture and a different taste.
Sweet dishes in Estonia are mainly bread soups, jelly with cream or milk, fruit thickenings mainly from rhubarb and apples, as well as from cranberry and lingonberry gruel (the juice of these berries together with thick, with the addition of a small amount of sugar or honey and slightly sour) , floury sweet dishes - snowballs, sweet cereals with whipped cream.
Attractions
Estonia- a beautiful country that will amaze you with its historical past. For example, a magnificent baroque palace and Kadriorg Park, located 2 km to the east, are considered an unsurpassed architectural structure. from the center of Tallinn. This local attraction is one of the best creations of the masters of the 18th century in the then Estland province, erected by order of Peter I during the Great Northern War.
The main sights of Saaremaa are related to its history (Kuressaare hillfort), culture (open-air museum and archaeological site) and natural environment.
The Dome Cathedral considered one of the oldest churches in Tallinn. The current appearance of the Dome Cathedral is the result of numerous reconstructions. Once upon a time there was a wooden church on this site - historians believe that it was built in 1219. The tower of the cathedral belongs to the Baroque era, and its many chapels are of later architectural styles. If you decide to take bus number 10 in the center of Nõmme and drive in the direction of Pääskyla to the Vääna stop, and then, walking through the forest after about 300 meters, you will reach the street, turn left and walk another 200 meters, you will find yourself at the park and the castle of Baron von Glen.
This park is located in Tallinn, on the Mustamäe slope in the Nõmme district. It was founded by the landowner Nikolai von Glen. The most striking object in this park is the von Glen castle itself, built in 1886. This medieval gothic building, imbued with a romantic spirit, stands proudly on the slope of the Mustamäe cliff. Nearby, on a hillock, there is a four-sided obelisk dedicated to von Glen's beloved horse, and here, not far away, between tall fir trees, there is a giant sculpture of the so-called "Glen Devil" looking into the distance.
One of the tallest and most beautiful buildings not only in Estonia, but throughout Europe, is considered to be a unique Church of Oleviste. The first mention of this church, built in the Gothic style, dates back to 1267. Oleviste Church owes its name to the Norwegian king Olaf II Haraldsson. In addition, St. Olav was revered as the patron saint of sailors.
Another attraction of Estonia: the mysterious craters, which have been a local landmark for several decades, are located on the island of Saaremaa in the town of Kaali. There are nine of them in total, in the main crater an amazing lake Kaali was formed.
interesting House Museum of Kristjan Raud. The museum exposition introduces the life and work of the famous Estonian artist Kristjan Raud (1865 - 1943).
His drawings in the national-romantic and mystical-symbolic style, made mainly in pencil and charcoal, depict mysterious creatures, spirits, brownies and personified forces of nature.
Resorts
Parnu
Medieval Pärnu is surrounded by a green belt, created on earthen fortifications from the time of the rule of the Swedes. Pärnu is a seaside resort with a good climate and therapeutic sea mud. In the resort area there is a vast seaside park, founded in 1882. Of the sights, the Red Tower of the 15th century, fragments of the bastions and the moat, the Baroque Tallinn Gate (17th century) should be noted.
Tallinn
The capital of Estonia - Tallinn has been known since 1154 (under the name of Kolyvan, later - Revel). The port city is spread on the shores of two bays. The ancient part of the city - Vyshgorod - occupies a large hill, from where a beautiful panorama of the whole of Tallinn opens. Here is the old castle of Toompea (XIII-XVI centuries) with the tower "Long German". Raenoja Square - the center of the Lower City - a real corner of the Middle Ages. The abundance of architectural monuments gives the city a unique identity. In the vicinity of Tallinn, in the park-museum Rocca al Mare, monuments of Estonian folk architecture are exhibited.
Tartu
Tartu is the second largest and oldest city in the country. A university was founded here in 1632. The building of the old city belongs mainly to the XVIII-XIX centuries. Among the sights, it is worth highlighting the Peter and Paul Cathedral (XIII-XV centuries), the Jaani Church (XIV century), the town hall and the complex of university buildings.
Haapsalu
Haapsalu is a resort in Estonia, located 100 km from Tallinn, on the west coast. Haapsalu is known as a beautiful holiday town where you can improve your health, enjoy peace and quiet. The history of the city dates back to the 13th century, as a resort place began to develop from the beginning of the 19th century. The old town of Haapsalu is protected as a monument. Several festivals are held during the summer.
Historically, long, dark winters are thought to have helped Estonians form as a nation by sparing words. But at the same time, it was precisely this inner concentration of the Estonians that contributed to their long, calm reflections and flights of fantasy.
Taciturn Estonians love to sing in the choir, and it is choir music that has become a kind of hallmark of Estonia.
The Republic of Estonia borders on Russia and Latvia, and its maritime border with Finland passes through the Gulf of Finland. It is also washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga.
State symbols of Estonia
Flag- the official state symbol of the Republic of Estonia in 1918-1940. and again since 1990. It is a rectangular panel, consisting of three horizontal equal stripes: the top one is blue, the middle one is black and the bottom one is white. The standard flag size is 105 x 165 cm.
Coat of arms- exists in two forms: large and small state emblem. On the big the state emblem in the golden field of the shield are three azure leopards (a marching lion looking right). The shield is bordered by a wreath of two crossed golden oak branches crossing at the bottom of the shield. Small the coat of arms is represented only by a shield.
The motif of the Estonian state emblem dates back to the 13th century, when the Danish king Valdemar II granted the city of Tallinn a coat of arms with three lions, similar to the coat of arms of the Danish kingdom. The same motif was later transferred to the emblem of the Estland province, approved by Empress Catherine II on October 4, 1788.
Brief description of modern Estonia
Political system- an independent democratic parliamentary republic.
head of state- President elected for 5 years.
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Capital- Tallinn.
Largest cities- Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, Kohtla-Jarve.
Administrative division- 15 counties (maakonds), headed by county elders. 33 settlements have the status of cities.
Economy- The share of the service sector in Estonian GDP is 69%, industry - 29%, agriculture - 3%. The main industries are the fuel and energy complex, the chemical industry, mechanical engineering, the textile industry, the pulp and paper and woodworking industries. Main industry Agriculture is animal husbandry of the meat and dairy direction and pig breeding (especially bacon). Crop production is mainly engaged in the production of feed for livestock, as well as the cultivation of industrial crops. Developed fishing.
Territory- 45,226 km².
Population– 1,286,540 people Estonians make up 68.7% of the population, Russians - 24.8%, Ukrainians - 1.7%, Belarusians - 1%, Finns - 0.6%.
Official language- Estonian. The Russian language is also widely spoken.
Currency- Euro.
traditional religion- Lutheranism.
Education- divided into basic, vocational and additional education. The educational system is based on a four-level system, which includes pre-school, primary, secondary and higher education. There is a wide network of schools and educational institutes. The Estonian educational system consists of state, municipal, public and private educational institutions.
Higher academic education in Estonia is divided into three levels: undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies.
Estonian culture
Presumably, the culture of modern Estonians was somewhat influenced by ancient Russian culture. This is evidenced by ancient borrowings in the Estonian language from Russian, such as raamat book ⁄from “gramota”⁄ and leib ⁄bread⁄. One of the first mentions in the Tale of Bygone Years about the activities of Russian princes on the territory of modern Estonia is the campaign of Grand Duke Yaroslav Vladimirovich in 1030 against the Chud (as Estonia was called in ancient times) and the foundation of a city called Yuriev (now Tartu).
Estonians were also influenced to a considerable extent by German culture, since Livonia in 13th century. was captured by the Crusaders.
AT 1523. the Reformation movement reached Estonia (a mass religious and socio-political movement in Western and Central Europe XVI- start XVII centuries., aimed at reforming Catholic Christianity in accordance with the Bible). Lutheranism, which attached great importance to public education, laid the foundation for Estonian literacy and the peasant school. AT 1739. first complete translation released bible into Estonian, translator Anton Tor Helle. Great importance for the cultural development of Estonia was the restoration in 1802 of the Imperial Yuriev University in Derpt(now Tartu). The university became a conductor of Western European ideas. Such well-known scientists as astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve, biologist Carl Ernst von Baer, surgeon Nikolai Pirogov studied and worked in Dorpat. The university became the cradle of the Estonian national awakening, especially after the abolition of serfdom.
One of the most famous cultural figures of this time was Johann Voldemar Jannsen. He began publishing a newspaper in Estonian, advocated the bourgeois development of Estonia, and promoted the purchase of farmsteads for ownership or their lease. He wrote the lyrics to the Estonian anthem Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm (Fatherland, my happiness and my joy).
Estonian Song Festival
A nationwide and national song festival in which various choirs and brass bands take part. The festival is held every five years on the territory of the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. The organization of the holiday is carried out by a unit specially established for this purpose under the Ministry of Culture of Estonia. It is a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The first song festival took place in 1869. in Tartu. In memory of this, a monument was erected in Tartu.
The first seven holidays were held during the time when Estonia was part of Russian Empire and before the VI song festival they were held on various significant dates for the empire. The festival was organized by various Estonian dance and choir societies. The first five holidays were held in Tartu, then all holidays began to be held in Tallinn.
Johann Voldemar Jannsen was the initiator of Estonian song festivals.
Estonian culture of the 20th century
Literature
Artworks Eduard Vilde laid the foundations of the genre of the novel and critical realism.
Post-war transformations in society are depicted in the stories Hans Leberecht, Rudolf Sirge, Ernie Krusten, essay-journalistic prose Juhana Smuula, Egon Ranneth and etc.
A certain trace in modern Estonian literature was left by Jene Mihkelson, Nikolai Baturin, Madis Kyiv, Maimu Berg, Hulo Matthäus. From the youngest generation stands out Tõnu Õnnepalu, Erwin Õunapuu, Peeter Sauter, Tarmo Teder, Andrus Kivirähk, Kaur Kender, Sass Henno.
Architecture and painting
At the beginning of the XX century. Art Nouveau became popular in Estonian architecture. An example of this style is the building of the Estonia Theater in Tallinn (1865), the building of the Institute of Zoology and Geology of the University of Tartu, etc.
Famous painters were Ants Laikmaa, Nikolai Triik, Konrad Mägi, Kristjan Raud.
Music
In the music of the XX century. There were two main creative schools: Artur Kappa in Tallinn and Heino Ellera in Tartu. During the period of 1940-50s. there was an intensive development of choral music. Gustav Ernesaks and Eugen Kapp created choral songs and operas on national-historical themes. In the 1950s, the singer gained popularity.
G. Ots performed parts of operettas and operas, worked in different genres with great success. Particularly popular was his role Mister X in the film "Mr. X" (dir. Yuli Khmelnitsky) - a film adaptation of Kalman's operetta "Princess of the Circus". Ots showed his hero Etienne Verdier as a person of impeccable honor, dignity, courage, an aristocrat of the spirit, a man of fine and romantic spiritual organization. Ots's personal modesty, nobility, elegance and grace were so sincere that not a single negative review of him appeared either during his life or after his death.
The most famous contemporary Estonian composer is Arvo Pärt, who emigrated to Germany in 1980, the discoverer of the "handbell style".
Recognized as a world class conductor Eri Klas. World renowned conductor Neeme Jarvi, actively promoting Estonian music abroad, emigrated to the USA in 1980.
pop culture
In Estonia, jazz began to revive and rock music developed. The orchestra was successful Modern Fox who performed dance hits from the 1930s-1950s; in the field of Estonian pop music of the 1980s, the most popular performers themselves were Anne Veski, Mariu Länik, Ivo Linna, Gunnar Graps; rock groups "Ruya", "Rock Hotel", "Orange", "Vitamin", "Radar".
Modern popular artists: Maarja-Liis Ilus (Maarja), Tanel Padar, Ines, Chalice; groups A-rühm, Genialistid, Dagö, J.M.K.E., Kosmikud, Metsatöll, Sun, Smilers, Terminaator, Ultima Thule, Urban Symphony, Vanilla Ninja, Vennaskond.
"Orange"
AT 1955 Estonian television was created.
Contemporary Estonian cinema
In the 90s, the main themes of films were the understanding of history, the categories of freedom, the connection between power and the individual. Along with the aggravated social themes, there were tendencies to complicate the language and conventions: “On Rahu Street” (Roman Baskin, 1991), “In Awakening” (Yuri Sillart, 1989), “Only Crazy” (Arvo Iho, 1990). In the entertainment genre, the film "Fire Water" (Hardy Volmer, 1994) was created. Revealing the pain point of the era, the film "Georgica" (Sulev Keedus) was a success at many festivals. Spectator records were broken by the historical epic "Names on a marble board" directed by Elmo Nykanena based on the novel of the same name Albert Kivikas. The first Estonian film screened at the Cannes Film Festival was the 2007 drama Magnus; in the same year, the film "Class" received a number of international prizes.
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Estonia
Tallinn Historic Center (Old Town)
The Old Town of Tallinn is conditionally divided into Lower and upper town (Vyshgoro e). The upper city, located on the Toompea hill, was originally inhabited by the nobility, while merchants, artisans and other, less prosperous segments of the population settled in the Lower city. Vyshgorod was separated from the Lower City by a fortress wall, most of which has also been excellently preserved to this day. The fortress walls of the city are known from 1248., but the oldest surviving walls and towers belong to 14th century. There are 39 towers in total (preserved and not preserved), each of them has its own name and its own history. Let's talk about just a few of them.
Kuldjala Tower (XIV century)
The tower is five-storeyed, has a horseshoe shape, the inner part facing the city. The upper floors had defensive functions, while the lower ones were used as storage facilities.
The tower is well preserved and is currently used by the youth organization Kodulinn for exhibitions and lectures.
Köismäe Tower ("Rope Mountain Tower") (XIV century)
The horseshoe-shaped tower is located in the western part of the fortress wall. Was built in 1360 g. and has been well preserved to this day. Since November 2003, performances and exhibitions have been held in the tower.
The tower got its name from a nearby rope weaving workshop.
Fat Margarita (XVI century)
The gun turret with 155 loopholes was built at the beginning XVI century. in front of the Great Sea Gate. It got its name for its impressive size: 25 m in diameter and 20 m in height. The tower received its current name in 1842, and before that it was simply called the New Tower.
From 1830 the tower was used as a prison. The extension was made in 1884-1885. In March 1917 the tower was burned down. In 1930, the Museum of History was set up in the empty tower. Currently, the tower has been restored, restored, it houses the Estonian Maritime Museum.
Burden Tower
Four-story horseshoe-shaped tower. The thickness of the outer wall is more than 2 m, the inner wall is 1 m thick. On the third floor there was a fireplace for guards of the city guard; at the very top there is an open area for patrol or shelling with narrow loopholes in the walls and loopholes.
The second floor can be reached from the city wall by stairs. Before 17th century there was a prison: an unlit room with small windows for air, in the walls of which iron rings were embedded. At the beginning of the twentieth century. the tower was used by the city as a powder store, so double locks were installed on the doors.
upper town
The first wooden fortification on the Toompea hill was presumably built in 11th century AT 1219 the settlement of Lindanise was captured by the Danish crusaders under the leadership of Valdemar II, after which the city received the name Revel, and Vyshgorod became the residence of foreign rulers. Toompea is divided into Big Settlement, Small Settlement and adjacent territories. AT 1229. The construction of the first stone castle Toompea in the western part of the Small Settlement was completed. 4 towers were built at its corners, including "Long German".
After the capture of Reval by the Russians during the Northern War, the castle was rebuilt. Instead of the eastern wall, by order of Catherine the Great, a baroque palace was built, a moat was filled in, one of the towers was destroyed. Currently, the Estonian Parliament - the Riigikogu - has settled in Toompea Castle.
Vyshgorod is home to one of the oldest churches in Estonia - the Dome Cathedral, built in the 13th century. The cathedral acquired its current appearance after numerous reconstructions. Many famous people were buried in the cathedral itself, such as Pontus Delagardie and Ivan Kruzershtern.
The Dome Cathedral
Lutheran Cathedral, located in the Old Town of Tallinn. Dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary. It is one of the oldest temples in Tallinn, but has undergone many reconstructions. Previously, there was a wooden church on this site. 1219
The tower of the cathedral belongs to the Baroque era, and its annexed chapels belong to later architectural styles. Inside the temple there are burials of the 13th-18th centuries, as well as various noble coats of arms and epitaphs dedicated to famous people of that time and related to the 12th-20th centuries.
lower town
The center of the Lower City is Town Hall Square, which is surrounded by built in 13th century. city hall in the Gothic style and other buildings. One of the symbols of Tallinn, weather vane "Old Thomas", decorates the spire of the town hall with 1530
According to legend, every spring in medieval Tallinn in front of the Great Sea Gate in the "Parrot Garden" a celebration was held. The best shooters of the city competed on it in shooting from crossbows and bows. Whoever knocked down a colored wooden figurine of a parrot sitting on the top of a high pole became the king of shooters. Once at a tournament, when they had just lined up and pulled the bowstring, the parrot suddenly suddenly fell down, pierced by someone's arrow. The unknown shooter turned out to be an ordinary young man from Tallinn, a poor man named Toomas. The prankster was scolded and forced to put the target back in its original place. The news spread all over Tallinn, and Toomas' mother prepared for the worst... But the young man was not punished, but was offered to become a city guard, which at that time was a great honor for the poor.
Subsequently, Toomas repeatedly showed heroism in battles. Livonian War and fully justified the trust placed in him. And in old age he let go of his luxurious mustache and became surprisingly similar to the brave warrior who towered on the tower of the Town Hall. Since then, the weather vane on the Town Hall has been called "Old Toomas".
Opposite the town hall is Town Hall Pharmacy. The first mention of it dates from 1422, it is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, operating in the same building since the beginning of the 15th century. It is also the oldest commercial institution and the oldest medical institution in Tallinn.
Arc Struve
The Struve geodetic arc was measured by Struve and the staff of Derpt (Tartu) and Pulkovo observatory(whose director was Struve) for 40 years, from 1816 to 1855, over 2820 km from Fuglenes, near the North Cape in Norway to the village of Staraya Nekrasovka, Odessa region, near the Danube, which formed a meridian arc with an amplitude of 25 ° 20 '08″.
Currently, arc points can be found in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia (on the island of Gogland), Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.
Other sights of Estonia
Lahemaa National Park
Founded in 1971. (this is the first national park in the USSR) to protect the unique landscapes of the coast, about 50 km from Tallinn. The area of the park is 72.5 thousand hectares (47.4 thousand hectares of land and 25.1 thousand hectares of the sea). Many picturesque bays, karst landscapes, areas of old agricultural development. Here is the Nõmmeveske waterfall and other interesting objects. Lahemaa is a center of mass tourism and recreation.
Kumu Museum
Art Museum in Tallinn. It is the largest in the Baltic region and one of the largest museums in Northern Europe. This is one of the four branches of the Estonian Art Museum.
Kumu has permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. The main collection covers Estonian art from the 18th century, includes works from the Soviet period (1941-1991), shows both socialist realism and official art. Temporary exhibitions present foreign and Estonian contemporary art.
Tallinn Zoo
Opened in 1939. The zoo's collection includes about 7753 individuals of 595 species/subspecies.
Pukhtitsky monastery
Orthodox convent of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Founded in 1891. The monastery has never been closed. Since the 1990s, it has had stauropegial status (a status that makes a monastery, a monastery, etc. independent of the local diocesan authorities and directly subordinate to the patriarch or synod). Located in the village of Kuremäe (Ida-Viru County, Estonia). Pühtitsa means "holy place" in Estonian.
Soomaa
National park in Estonia, located in the border western part of Viljandi County. It was established in 1993 to protect wetlands, grasslands and forests. The name of the park in translation from Estonian means "country of swamps".
Estonian Open Air Museum
This is a life-size reconstruction of a rural/fishing village. 18th century., which has a church, an inn, a school, several mills, a fire station, twelve yards and sheds for nets. The museum covers an area of 72 hectares and includes 72 independent buildings. Located 8 km west of the center of Tallinn. Founded in 1957, represents 68 farmhouses united in twelve yards from the north, south and west of Estonia. As well as farms Old public buildings are arranged individually and in groups to provide an overview of the Estonian national architecture of the last two centuries.
Church of St. Nicholas (Tallinn)
The former Lutheran church, which now houses a museum-concert hall. The building of the church is located in the Old Town of Tallinn. This temple, named after the patron saint of all sailors - St. Nicholas, was founded by German merchants in 13th century The Niguliste Museum is one of the four branches of the Estonian Art Museum.
Estonian History Museum
Founded by an apothecary Johann Burchardt VIII(1776-1838), who maintained a pharmacy known as the Town Hall Pharmacy (existing to this day). In 2011, a major reconstruction was completed in the museum. Maarjamägi Castle belongs to the historical museum. It was transferred to the museum in 1975 as a branch. The exposition of the branch covers the period from early XIX in.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Tallinn)
Stauropegial Orthodox cathedral church run by the Estonian Orthodox Church Moscow Patriarchy (since May 1945). It is located in Tallinn, on the rise of Toompea (Vyshgorod).
Its construction was completed in 1900, the author of the project is the architect M. T. Preobrazhensky. Erected in memory of the miraculous salvation of the emperor Alexander III in a railroad accident on October 17, 1888.
Kadriorg
Baroque palace and park ensemble in Tallinn. Ekaterinental (Katerintal in German "Katerina's Valley") got its name in honor of wife of Peter I - Catherine I. Estonians call this place Kadriorg.
During the Northern War (1700-1721) Estonia was annexed to Russia. Revel capitulated in the autumn of 1710, and already in December 1711, Peter I, together with Catherine, visited the city for the first time. The king liked the surroundings of Lasnamägi. From here, from the cliff, there was a view of the city and the harbor under construction. In 1714, Peter bought a part of their summer estate from the widow of Drenteln into state ownership. The surviving house of this estate was put in order and adapted for the residence of the king. This house is now known as Peter's house. The modest house was convenient for spending the night and viewing the picturesque surroundings, but the modesty of its size and design did not at all correspond to its purpose. The laying of a new palace and park ensemble was started on July 25, 1718 by order of Peter I. A park was laid out at the palace, ponds were dug out.
Lake Ülemiste
Lake near Tallinn. It has been the city's source of drinking water since the 14th century. The lake is home to various types of fish, including eels, which were brought here in 1986.
According to Estonian legends, Lake Ülemiste arose from the tears of the girl Linda, who, sitting on a boulder, mourned her dead husband Kalev.
The legend of the elder from Yulemist is also widespread. He asks those whom he meets on his way: “Have Tallinn been completed yet?” If someone answers that they have completed the construction, then, according to legend, the Ülemiste lake will flood the city. For this reason, construction in Tallinn should not stop.
Naissaar Island
An island in the Gulf of Finland northwest of Tallinn. Due to the strategic position of the island on the approach to Tallinn, fortifications were built on it with 18th century., and in 1911 the island was turned into a “land dreadnought”, covering the Tallinn raid with its guns.
Until the Second World War, a commune of Estonian Swedes lived on the island, and during the Soviet period there was a military base, civilians were not allowed on it. At present, the base on the island has been disbanded, and it can be visited to inspect the remains of military installations and a large number of shells of sea mines.
Tallinn Botanical Garden
It was founded on December 1, 1961 in Kloostrimetsa as an institute of the Academy of Sciences. In 1992 the Tallinn Botanical Garden joined the Association of Botanical Gardens of the Baltic States and in 1994 the International Botanical Gardens Conservation Organization. The following expositions are presented in the garden: "Tropical House", "Tropics", "Subtropics", "Desert", "Roses", "Tulips", "Rhododendrons", "Rock Garden", "Mixed Forest", "Coniferous Forest".
Monastery of Saint Birgitta
Former Catholic monastery in Tallinn. The church was built in 1436 The structure was a sacral late Gothic building typical of the Middle Ages. The complex was destroyed 1575 during the Livonian War. Only the western pediment of the monastery church, 35 m high, has survived, as well as fragments of the side walls.
The peculiarity of this convent consisted in the fact that male priests were allowed to live and conduct divine services in it. The monastic community did not exceed 85 people - 60 sisters and 25 brothers.
Nowadays, the ancient ruins of the monastery have become a unique attraction and a great place to relax. The object is a historical monument of architecture. Surrounded by majestic ruins and picturesque nature, open-air concerts are held and the Day of the Monastery is celebrated annually, accompanied by a fair. Excursions are held on the territory of the ruins of the complex.
Narva Castle
Medieval castle in the Estonian city of Narva on the banks of the Narva River, founded by the Danes in 13th century. During its history, the castle belonged to Denmark, the Livonian Order, Russia, Sweden and Estonia. During World War II it was badly damaged. Today the castle has been restored and houses the Narva Museum.
Opposite Herman's castle, on the other side of the Narova River, is the Russian Ivangorod fortress.
Jagala waterfall
This is a waterfall on the river of the same name. The height of the waterfall is about 8 m, and the width is about 50 m.
Karula National Park
Created to protect and represent the hilly landscapes rich in forests and lakes typical of Southern Estonia, as well as to protect and represent the local culture. It was established in 1979, first as a reserve, and in 1993 it was transformed into a national park. In ancient times, during the retreat of the continental glacier, numerous lakes formed at the foot of the Karula hills - 38 of them are located in the park. The largest of the local lakes - Jahyarv(176 ha), and the deepest - Savijärv(18 m).
Waterfall Valaste
The highest waterfall in Estonia (height 30.5 m) and the Baltic countries. In 1996, the commission of the Academy of Sciences declared it a natural heritage and a national symbol of Estonia. The waterfall was created by an artificial channel, organized to drain excess water from the fields. Water falls from a clint composed of sandstone and ancient Silurian limestones. In cold winters, the waterfall freezes.
Valaste is one of the most popular and most visited waterfalls in Estonia. An observation platform has been built for them.
Vilsandi National Park
It includes a part of the island of Vilsandi, a number of small islands to the west of the island of Saaremaa, as well as the Harilaid peninsula of the island of Saaremaa.
Was founded in 1910. Its area is 237.6 km². Maritime climate. Vilsandi is inhabited by 247 species of birds, about 80 species of fish.
Matsalu National Park
whooper swan
Founded in 1957. on the basis of an ornithological reserve and a hunting educational and experimental farm (originally as a reserve) for the protection of natural complexes and a diverse bird fauna (about 280 species, including more than 160 nesting ones). Ornithological research has been carried out on the modern territory of the park since 1870. The fauna of the park includes 280 species of birds, 49 species of fish, 47 species of mammals and 772 species of vascular plants. One of the most important migratory routes of migratory birds passes here. Waterfowl and marsh birds are especially numerous in the reserve. Whooper swan, northern ducks and sandpipers on migration. The mute swan nests in the reeds, grey goose, drakes of mallards and red-headed pochards molt. On grassy meadows, river ducks arrange their nests, there are many waders. Eiders, tufted ducks, sheldons, mergansers, scoter, gulls and terns nest on the islands.
Kassari
An island in western Estonia. An Estonian cultural heritage site is located on the island, chapel of Kassari created in 18th century. It is the only functioning stone chapel with a thatched roof. The building was built in the form of a tower, in the Gothic style.
Haapsalu Castle
Bishop's castle with a cathedral, located in the center of the city of Haapsalu in western Estonia. Was founded in 13th century as the center of the Ezel-Vik bishopric. According to the existing legend, during the August full moon, the image of the White Lady appears on the inner wall of the chapel.
Lake Pühajärv (Holy Lake)
Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Estonia.
Tourism in Estonia
In addition to visiting the sights of the country, in Estonia you can do outdoor activities: on foot and cycling, skydiving, windsurfing, rafting, sailing, geocaching, karting, golf, bowling, paintball, visit attractions, and in winter ride skiing and snowboarding, on the sleigh and ice skating.
History of Estonia
Ancient Estonia
The life of people on the territory of modern Estonia became possible after the retreat of the glacier about 12 thousand years back. In the first millennium BC. e. the population of the territory of present-day Estonia passes to settled image life and builds the first fortified settlements. This period (I - the beginning of the II millennium BC) is known in archeology as the culture of stone burials.
In the picture: Bronze Age stone cemeteries in northern Estonia
Middle Ages
The first mentions of the cities of Tartu (Yuriev, Derpt) and Tallinn (Kolyvan, Lidna, Lindanis, Reval) appeared in XI and 12th century AT 1116 g. Novgorodians took the city of the Bear's Head (modern Otepya). At the beginning 12th century. the Livonian Crusade began, which spread to the lands of Chud (Estonia): in 1202. began its conquest by the crusaders. Only in 1211. Chud defeated the crusaders on the river Yumera. AT 1212, according to the Novgorod Chronicle, Prince Mstislav made two successful campaigns against the Chud, capturing in the first a large number of cattle, and in the second, without an assault, having conquered the city of the Bear's Head.
Danish Estonia. Warband
AT 1219-1220 As a result of the Danish crusade, modern northern Estonia was captured by the Danes, but as a result of the uprising in 1223, it was liberated from the crusaders and Danes. An alliance was concluded with the Novgorodians and Pskovians. By 1227, the German chivalry managed to take over the entire territory of modern Estonia. In the XIV century. Estonia belonged Teutonic Order. At the beginning of the XVI century. in Estonia finally approved serfdom. It was divided between Denmark, the Commonwealth, Russia, Sweden as a result of the Livonian War (1558-1583 ).
Swedish Estonia
AT 1570 on the lands of the Livonian Confederation the king Ivan IV the Terrible created Livonian kingdom led by the Danish prince, Duke Magnus, a vassal of the Russian kingdom. During the Livonian War, Russian troops approached the walls of Reval twice: in 1570 and 1577, but both times the siege ended in nothing. At the beginning 17th century the struggle for the Baltic States between Sweden and the Commonwealth continued, and under the terms of the Altmark truce that completed it 1629 the entire Duchy of Livonia (which included modern southern Estonia and northern Latvia) went to Sweden. After the defeat in the war of 1643-1645. Denmark ceded control of Ösel and Sweden took possession of all of present-day Estonia. To end 17th century Sweden retained its position in Estonia.
Estonia within the Russian Empire (1721-1918)
At the beginning 18th century the interests of the Russian Empire in the Baltic region collided with the interests of Sweden. The Northern War (1700-1721) ended with the capitulation of Sweden and the annexation of Estonia and Livonia (Latvia) to the Russian Empire in 1710, which was officially confirmed Treaty of Nystadt 1721 On the territory of modern northern Estonia, the Revel province was formed (since 1783, the Estland province), and modern southern Estonia, together with modern northern Latvia, formed Livland province. After the annexation of the Estonian lands to the Russian Empire, Peter I restored the rights of the German aristocracy, which they had lost under Swedish rule. By the end 18th century more than half of the Estonian population of the province can read. In 1802, the Derpt University founded in 1632, which was closed during the Great Northern War, reopened. In the same year, a reform was carried out that softened serfdom, ensured the property rights of peasants to movable property and created courts to decide peasant questions. The abolition of serfdom in 1816 was an important step towards the liberation of Estonian peasants from German dependence, but several more decades passed before they received the right to acquire land as property.
AT 1914 140 served in the ranks of the Russian army career officers Estonian nationality, about one hundred thousand Estonians participated in the battles of the First World War, and 2 thousand of them received officer ranks.
Estonia under German occupation
25 February 1918 German troops entered Reval, and by March 4, all Estonian lands were completely occupied by the Germans and included in the High Command Region of all German armed forces in the East.
By Peace to Brest the RSFSR renounced its rights to the Baltic regions occupied by Germany. The German occupation authorities did not recognize the independence of Estonia and established a military-occupation regime in the province, under which officers of the German army or Baltic Germans were appointed to key administrative positions. A military governorship was formed in the occupied territory.
War for independence
Estonian War of Independence during 1918-1920. Estonian and Western historians also call it the "War of Liberation". The defeat of Germany in the First World War put on the agenda the question of the evacuation of German troops from the occupied eastern lands. In 1918, units of the Soviet 7th Army, including the red Estonian regiments, occupied Narva, where the Estland Labor Commune was proclaimed on the same day. The Soviet offensive also developed from the southeast, from Pskov. Decrees began to operate on the territory occupied by the Red Army Soviet power. But January 7th 1919. Estonian troops, reinforced by the Russian White Guards and Finnish volunteers, and with the active support of the English squadron, went on the offensive in the Narva direction, and a little later on the Pskov one. Units of the Red Army and detachments of the Estland Labor Commune were driven out of Estonia.
February 2 1920 between the RSFSR and Republic of Estonia was imprisoned Yuryevsky peace treaty which both parties officially recognized each other. The border between the two countries was delimited. As a result, Estonia ended up with a rather vast territory with a predominance of the Russian population. These were mainly the areas of the Pechora Territory, the Peipsi and the territory east of the Narva River. According to the current, official position of Estonia, the Tartu Peace Treaty did not lose its legal force in 1940 with the cessation of the existence of the Republic of Estonia as an independent state, since the entry of Estonia into the USSR in modern Estonia is officially interpreted as an occupation. But the RSFSR became the first state to legally recognize the Republic of Estonia. And here is what the former minister of the Provisional Government of Russia wrote Guchkov Churchill: “Massive evictions of Russian citizens are being carried out from Estonia without explanation of reasons and even without warning ... Russian people in these provinces are powerless, defenseless and helpless. The peoples and governments of the young Baltic states are completely intoxicated with the wine of national independence and political freedom.”
Political life from 1920 to 1934 In Estonia, it was characterized by a multi-party system, an extravaganza of struggle between parties in parliament and rapidly changing governments (23 governments were replaced in 14 years).
1934 coup d'état
March 12 1934.K. Päts together with J. Laidoner, who again led the Estonian army, carried out a coup d'état. The military coup resulted in authoritarian rule and declared a state of emergency. The period called "Age of Silence". In accordance with the new constitution, the president, elected for 6 years (K. Päts), became the head of state. In 1938, "laggard camps" were created - camps for the forced labor of the unemployed. There was a prison regime, a 12-hour working day and punishment with rods. In "camps for idlers" they imprisoned for a period of 6 months to 3 years all "staggering without work and livelihood."
Accession of Estonia to the USSR
In March 1939. The USSR negotiated with England and France, realizing the real danger of the impending war. The USSR proposed measures for the joint prevention of Italian-German aggression against European countries and put forward on April 17, 1939 the following provisions obliging (USSR, England and France): to provide all kinds of assistance, including military, to Eastern European countries located between the Baltic and Black seas and bordering the Soviet Union; conclude for a period of 5-10 years an agreement on mutual assistance, including military, in the event of aggression in Europe against any of the contracting states (USSR, England and France. After the Soviet leadership recognized the failure of negotiations with England and France, the USSR began negotiations with Germany.
August 23 1939 signed a non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union Molotov-Ribbentrop pact). According to the secret additional protocol on the delimitation of spheres of mutual interests in Eastern Europe in the event of a "territorial and political reorganization", it was envisaged that Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Eastern Poland and Bessarabia would be included in the sphere of interests of the USSR.
The Second World War
A significant part of the Estonians perceived the arrival of the German army as a liberation from the Soviet yoke and enthusiastically supported the occupation authorities. Collaboration organization formed "Omakaitse"("Self-Defence"), which collaborated with the German occupation regime. Members of Omakaitse, the 3rd Estonian SS Volunteer Brigade, as well as police battalions participated in battles with partisans, executions of civilians, robberies, the destruction of entire villages in Belarus and the mass transfer of civilians to Germany. Soviet troops liberated Estonia in 1944., and power in Tallinn passed into the hands of the government of the Estonian SSR, which returned from evacuation.
Estonia within the USSR
September 29 1960 The Council of Europe adopted a resolution condemning the military occupation of the Baltic countries by the USSR. Since that time, anti-Soviet demonstrations began, including youth ones. During Gorbachev's perestroika, protests against the system became open and frequent. November 16 1988. The Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR declared the sovereignty of Estonia.
Estonian independence
January 12 1991 Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR Boris Yeltsin made a visit to Tallinn, during which he signed with the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia Arnold Ruutel Treaty on the foundations of interstate relations between the RSFSR and the Republic of Estonia. In Article I of the Treaty, the parties recognized each other as independent states. 6 September 1991. The State Council of the USSR officially recognized the independence of Estonia.
Republic of Estonia
The name of the country comes from the ethnonym of the people - Estonians.
Capital
Square
Population
1423 thousand people
Republic Estonia- country in the northwest of Eastern Europe. In the north it is washed by the Gulf of Finland, in the west by the Baltic Sea. In the east, the country borders on Russia, including on Lake Peipsi, in the south - on Latvia. Estonia owns more than 1500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
Administrative division
Estonia is divided into 15 maakunds (counties) and 6 cities of central subordination.
Form of government
Parliamentary republic.
head of state
The President is elected by Parliament for a term of 5 years.
supreme legislative body
Seimas, whose term of office is 5 years.
Supreme executive body
Government.
Big cities
Tartu, Narva.
Official language
Estonian.
Religion
70% - Lutherans, 20% - Orthodox.
Ethnic composition
61.5% - Estonians, 30.3% - Russians, 3.2% - Ukrainians, 1.8% - Belarusians, 1.1% - Finns.
Currency
Climate
The climate is transitional from continental to maritime. The average temperature in summer is + 15 ° C, in winter - 4 ° C. August and autumn are rainy. Precipitation is 600-700 mm per year.
Flora
Estonia is located in the zone mixed forests. The territory of the country covered with forests is 38%, two thirds - conifers(fur tree, pine tree). Grasslands are located in the northwest of the country and on the islands. Wetlands occupy about 20% of the territory.
Fauna
Of the mammals in Estonia, there are elk, roe deer, wild boar, hare, white hare, wolf, fox, birds - capercaillie, hazel grouse, black grouse, partridge, oriole, many migratory birds. Commercial fish - herring, sprat, pike perch, cod, eel.
Rivers and lakes
Estonia has 420 small rivers, the largest of them are Pärnu, Emajõgi, Narva, Kazari. In terms of the area of lakes and reservoirs, the republic ranks first in the Baltics.
Attractions
In Tallinn - the Old Town, the town hall, the Oleviste Guild of the 15th century, the Dominican monastery, St. Michael's Cathedral, St. Brigid's Cathedral, the Kadriorg Palace of the 18th century, 19 museums, including the house-museum of Peter I. In Tartu - the town hall, Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul, in Narva - a fortress of the XV century. More than 50 stone medieval castles are scattered throughout the country. The song festivals held in Tallinn are very popular and contribute to the development of choral singing.
Useful information for tourists
Of interest to tourists are primarily numerous shops with folk art, needlework, jewelry, leather goods, souvenirs, and antiques. These shops are located mainly in the old parts of the cities and are usually open from 9.00 to 18.00. In large cities, department stores and supermarkets are open until 20.00. Many shops are also open on Sundays. Recently, chain stores have appeared with a round-the-clock work schedule. In restaurants, hotels and taxis, tips are included in the cost of services. But you have the right to reward the attendants for good service additionally.
It is the northernmost and smallest of the Baltic countries, located between the Gulf of Finland and the Gulf of Riga. The area is about 45 thousand square meters. km, population - about 1.4 million people (2003). Estonia borders on Latvia in the west and Russia in the north.
There are many bays and bays on the coast, about one tenth of the area of Estonia is islands. The weather is changeable. The average temperature in February is from -3.4 °С to -6 °С, in July from +16.3 °С to +17.3 °С, precipitation is from 500 to 700 mm per year, but approximately every fourth year it turns out to be very rainy. Estonia has many small rivers and lakes, as well as mineral waters and therapeutic mud. The forests in Estonia are mostly coniferous (pine, spruce), roe deer, hares, wild boars, elks, otters, badgers, wolves, bears and lynxes, hundreds of bird species can be found in them. Among marine and freshwater fish - trout, pike perch, burbot, herring, cod, flounder, salmon, eel.
Estonia is a maritime country. Fishing is very developed here. Transport ships transport goods by sea, passenger ships deliver travelers to other European ports. Natural conditions do not allow extensive farming, but cows are eaten off in lush meadows, fields are sown with fodder crops for pigs. Estonia has long been famous for the production of meat and milk. For these products, the small Baltic republic within the Soviet Union was the "champion".
The capital of Estonia is Tallinn (population 445,000). This is very beautiful city. The oldest part of it is the Old Town. It’s easy to get lost in its narrow medieval streets, but it’s also very interesting to wander along them, especially if you stumble upon the Long Herman or Fat Margaret tower.
Estonians are a musical people, all of them, young and old, are fond of choral singing. In the past, a horn, a flute, a national instrument kannel (similar to a harp) sounded at national holidays, the bagpipe was a favorite instrument. Almost a century and a half ago, amateur choirs, brass bands, music circles began to appear in Estonian villages, song festivals began to be held, which have become a good tradition. In 1960, a special platform for a 30,000-strong choir was built on the Singing Field in Tallinn.
About two thousand years ago, Estonian tribes already grew barley and vegetables, raised cattle, there were many merchants and artisans (blacksmiths, jewelers). Sometimes Estonians, together with their Russian neighbors, took part in military campaigns and defended themselves from foreign invaders. There was no own state for a long time. For several centuries, Estonian lands have been the subject of wars and strife among neighbors - the Livonian Order, Sweden, Poland, and Denmark. Since the beginning of the 18th century, Estonia has been part of Russia. In 1920, Estonia became an independent state, in June 1940, as a result of an agreement between the USSR and Germany, it became part of the Soviet Union. After the collapse of the USSR in 1991, Estonia regained its independence. In 2004, it became part of the European Union.
The President of the Republic is Toomas Hendrik Ilves, elected in 2006.
The official language is Estonian. Monetary unit - euro.
Estonia- a state in the north-eastern part of Europe. In the east it borders on Russia (the length of the border is 294 km), in the south - on Latvia (339 km). In the north it is separated from Finland by the Gulf of Finland, in the west from Sweden by the Baltic Sea. The length of the coastline is 3,794 km.
Estonia includes 1,521 islands in the Baltic Sea with a total area of 4.2 thousand km². The largest of them are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, as well as Muhu, Vormsi, Kihnu and others. Despite the large area, less than 5% of the country's population lives on the islands.
Most of the country is a plain covered with forests (almost 50% of the territory), swamps and peatlands (almost 25% of the territory). Only in the north and in the central part of the country stretches the Pandivere hill (up to 166 m), and in the southeastern part of the country - a narrow strip of hilly hills (up to 318 m).
Estonia has a dense river network. The rivers of northern and western Estonia (Narva, Pirita, Kazari, Pärnu, etc.) flow directly into the bays of the Baltic Sea, while the rivers of eastern Estonia flow into inland water bodies: Lake Võrtsjärv in the south (R. Põltsamaa) and Lake Peipus (R. Emaiygi) and Lake Pskov in the east. The longest river - Pärnu has a length of 144 km and flows into the Gulf of Riga of the Baltic Sea.
There are more than 1150 lakes and over 250 artificial ponds in Estonia. The lakes are mainly of glacial origin and occupy about 4.8% of the territory. The country's largest Lake Peipsi (or Peipsi) is located in the east and forms a natural and historical border with Russia.
Climate
The climate is temperate, transitional from maritime to continental. The average air temperature in July is +18..+20°C, in January -4..-7°C. Due to the influence of the sea, the weather is quite unstable and can often change several times a day, especially in spring and autumn.
Due to the shallow depth of the bottom, the water in the sea and lakes warms up quickly, in July its temperature is already +20..+24°C.
The beach season lasts from early June to late August, and the best time to visit the country is from early May to mid-September.
Last changes: 05/16/2010Population
Population - 1,340,274 (2010), including Estonians - 68.6%, Russians - 25.6%, Ukrainians - 2.1, Belarusians - 1.2, Finns - 0.8%, others - 1, 7%.
National minorities ( for the most part Russians) live mainly in Tallinn (about 40% of the population) and in the industrial area in the northeast, in the county of Ida-Virumaa (in the city of Narva about 80.9% of the population).
Estonia ranks first in Europe in terms of the infection rate of the adult population with the human immunodeficiency virus - 1.3% (2007).
The majority of believers are Lutherans (70%) and Orthodox (20%).
The official language is Estonian. The Russian language is also widely spoken.
Despite the fact that Russian is not recognized as an official language, it is used by various government agencies in Estonia.
Currency
Banks are open from 9:00 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday. Some of them are open on Saturday mornings.
In currency exchange offices and banks, you can change rubles along with other currencies.
Almost all major hotels, shops and restaurants accept Visa, MasterCard, Eurocard, as well as Visa Electron and Cirus/Maestro cards. Diner's Club and American Express are less common. There are ATMs in major cities at almost every step.
Last changes: 05/16/2010Communication and communications
Telephone code: 372
Internet domain: .ee
Required telephone numbers: police - 110, fire and rescue service and ambulance - 112.
How to call
To call from Russia to Estonia, you need to dial: 8 - dial tone - 10 - 372 - area code - subscriber number.
In order to call from Estonia to Russia, you need to dial: 00 - 7 - area code - subscriber number.
Since Estonia is a small country, there is no need to dial additional codes to connect to different cities within Estonia, and the cost of calls is the same everywhere. Some hotels provide free calls to desk phone numbers throughout Estonia.
Fixed line
From any pay phone you can call to any country in the world using a calling card. Such cards with a value of 50 and 100 EEK are sold at all newsstands, hotels and gas stations.
mobile connection
GSM 900/1800 standards.
Mobile communication is available everywhere, even on small islands and on the way to them, in the sea.
If you are planning to stay in Estonia for a longer period and would like to make a number of calls to local numbers, you may benefit more by purchasing a SIM card from one of the local mobile operators providing pay per minute services. To do this, in the R-kiosks (R-kiosk) and information points of large shopping centers ask "kõnekaart" ("kõnekaart" - telephone card). The most popular mobile communication brands are Simpel, Smart, Diil and Zen. Starter packs are sold at a price of 150 crowns (about 10 euros).
Internet
Wireless access free internet in Tallinn, it is established almost everywhere. No hotel will dare to provide Internet access for money. Other cities in Estonia are quickly catching up with Tallinn in this sense. Often on the highway you can find a gas station offering wireless access in Internet.
If you don't have a laptop, public libraries offer free use of computers.
Many of us, wherever we are, often need to use electronic services. Although the number of Internet cafes is decreasing, in cities like Tallinn and Tartu you can always find a few open almost 24/7. Be prepared to pay for services around 2-3 euros per hour.
Most hotels also have computers connected to the Internet. The departure area at Tallinn Airport is equipped with several free Internet access points for passengers.
Mail
Post offices still exist in major cities and are worth finding because you can buy inexpensive postcards, stamp sets and envelopes there, all of which would make a great souvenir from Estonia. There are 4 price levels for postage: within Estonia, to the Baltic and Nordic countries, to the rest of Europe and to the rest of the world.
Most post offices are open on Saturday, but with a reduced opening hours compared to working days of the week, and are closed on Sunday. It is best to purchase postcards and stamps at the beginning of your journey; then you can send them at any convenient time.
Postcards and letters sent from Estonia are sent by airmail. Delivery to Europe is carried out within a few days; to America and Australia - usually within a week. If you want to send a parcel, it will be cheaper to do it by surface mail, but delivery will take much longer.
shopping
Shops are open from 9:00 to 18:00 (some until 20:00) on weekdays and from 9:00 to 15:00 (some until 18:00) on Saturdays. Supermarkets and shops in resort areas are usually open from 10:00 to 20:00.
The price level in Estonia is generally much lower than in the rest of the EU, making it an attractive shopping destination. Certainly, this opinion is shared by a large number of Finns who sail daily to Tallinn on ferries from Helsinki.
Many tourists enjoy finding and buying antique furniture, icons, books, jewelry, alcohol, textiles and handmade woolen goods.
If you want to visit fashion boutiques, take a look at Tallinn's Old Town, especially on Viru and Müürivahe streets. In Estonia, models are sold not only by world-famous designers (Armani, Hugo Boss, Fashion Palace, Guess, etc.), but also by local ones. To check out their collections, check out Baltman, Bastion and Ivo Nikkolo.
On the same Muyrivahe street in Tallinn, right under the medieval city wall, you will find a market of Estonian artisans selling knitwear.
Next to the market is the Katarina käik street, where in medieval workshops, glass, ceramics, leather and textile works created directly in the presence of the public are presented to the attention of visitors.
What you can bring with you from Estonia:
Handicrafts such as wooden spoons, knives, dishes, toys;
Intricately patterned woolen sweaters, gloves, hats, socks;
Linen and cotton products;
Unique Estonian chocolate;
Antiques;
Modern works masters of art from ceramics and glass;
Lithuanian amber, which has gained great popularity among tourists, as well as the Russian matryoshka sold in Estonia.
Tax Free
Where to stay
Hotels in Estonia correspond to the international classification. Neat and clean hotels in the country are unlikely to be the reason for the claims of tourists - especially if you first clarify all the nuances with the tour operator.
Estonia has an official classification of accommodations. The level of hotels is indicated from 1 to 5 stars, the level of motels - from 1 to 3 stars. Hotels undergo official certification voluntarily. The ranking is carried out by the Estonian Hotel and Restaurant Association.
Hotel 1*. The reception should work from 7.00 to 23.00, access to the hotel for guests is possible around the clock. Single rooms have an area of 9 square meters, double rooms - from 12 square meters. Shower or bath and toilet must be in every room. Each guest is provided with two towels. Breakfast is served.
Hotel 2*. If the hotel has 4 floors or more, there must be an elevator. A minimum of 10% of rooms must be non-smoking. A telephone is available to guests.
Hotel 3*. A single room must have an area of 10 square meters, a double room - from 14 square meters. The reception works around the clock. Guests have access to a computer with Internet access. The rooms should have a TV. Breakfast can be served in your room. The restaurant is open during the day and in the evening.
Hotel 4*. The area of a single room - from 12 square meters, double - from 17 square meters. If the hotel has 3 floors or more, the elevator must work. The rooms - comfortable furniture, TV with international channels and a selection of films, mini-bar, Internet access. Three towels are provided. Hot meals can be served in rooms for a minimum of 16 hours per day.
Hotel 5*. The area of a single room is from 14 square meters, a double room is from 23 square meters. Each room has at least two armchairs and a sofa. Bed linen is changed daily. Hot meals can be served in your room around the clock. If the hotel has more than 50 rooms, a swimming pool and a fitness center are required. The restaurant is open from 7.00 to 23.00.
Sea and beaches
AT summer period many tourists prefer to spend most of their free time on the beaches of the country. From June to August, it is so warm here that the water temperature in numerous lakes and the Baltic Sea warms up to a temperature at which you can swim.
The longest beach in Estonia is the beach on Lake Peipus(more than 30 km). The longest beach on the sea coast is Narva-Joesuu (7.5 km).
Last changes: 01.09.2010Story
The ancestors of modern Estonians settled here thousands of years ago (Finno-Ugric peoples, Estonians).
13th century - Teutonic knights, crusaders from Germany, conquered these lands and converted the locals to Christianity.
11th century tribes had connections with Old Russian state and from the 12th century. were dependent on Kievan Rus. Until the 16th century territory belonged to Germany. Then for 200 years it was under the rule of Sweden.
1721 - Estonia became part of Russia.
April 1917 - Estonian lands were separated into a separate province, which was granted autonomy.
end of September 1917 - Soviet power was established.
11/23/1918 - 06/05/1919 - the Estonian Soviet Republic (Estland Labor Commune) existed.
May 19, 1919 - The Constituent Assembly proclaimed the creation of an independent Republic of Estonia.
February 2, 1920 - a peace treaty was signed with the RSFSR, according to which the Soviet government "voluntarily and forever" abandoned Estonia.
1934 - a coup d'état was carried out, a dictatorship was established, parliament was dissolved.
September 28, 1939 - between the USSR and Estonia, the Mutual Assistance Treaty was signed, according to which Estonia agreed to the deployment of the Soviet Air Force and Navy on its territory.
July 21, 1940 - The State Duma proclaimed the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic.
December 1941-1944 - the territory of Estonia was occupied by Nazi troops.
September 29, 1960 - The Council of Europe adopted a resolution condemning the military occupation of the Baltic countries by the USSR.
From July 19 to August 3, 1980 during XXII Olympic Games in Moscow, Tallinn was one of the centers of the Olympics; sailing regattas. For their holding, the Olympic Yacht Center, the Olympia and Pirita hotels, a new airport terminal were built, and a new canvas was laid on the highways leading to the city.
On September 22 of the same year, one of the performances of the Propeller ensemble unexpectedly turned into mass riots of youth, anti-Soviet slogans were heard at it. On October 1, an anti-Soviet youth demonstration took place in the center of Tallinn with the participation of up to 2,000 schoolchildren and students. Police detained 148 people, active demonstrators were charged with hooliganism.
January 13, 1983 European Parliament adopted a resolution on the issue of the Baltic states, in which he condemned the fact of annexation as inappropriate " international law”and the obligations of the USSR under bilateral agreements with the Baltic countries, emphasizing the international non-recognition of the annexation.
In 1987, a national awakening began, caused by the restructuring of Soviet society, announced by the new leader of the USSR, Mikhail Gorbachev. Protests against the system became open and frequent.
On August 23, 1987, about two thousand people gathered in Tallinn's Hirve Park to protest and commemorate the next anniversary of the signing of the Molotov-Ribbentropp pact.
On September 26, 1987, a proposal for the economic autonomy of Estonia within the USSR was published in the newspaper of the Tartu City Committee of the ECP “Edasi” (“Forward”), which received significant support in society. A corresponding program was developed, called Economically Independent Estonia.
In 1988, an extraordinary increase in the self-consciousness of the population took place: on June 10-14, several tens of thousands of people visited the field of the Tallinn Song Festival (Singing Field). The events of the summer of 1988 are now known as the "Singing Revolution".
June 17 delegation Communist Party The Estonian SSR at the XIX Party Conference of the CPSU in Moscow made a proposal for an unprecedented division of powers in all spheres of public, political and economic life in the USSR and their transfer to the republican authorities.
On September 11, those gathered at the Singing Field heard the first public call for the restoration of independence.
On August 23, 1989, the “Baltic Chain” action was held, during which, in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact in Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, between Tallinn and Vilnius, a chain of over six hundred kilometers of people holding hands was formed.
On November 12, the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR annulled its declaration of July 22, 1940 on the entry of the Estonian SSR into the USSR.
On November 16, the Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR adopted a declaration of sovereignty by a majority vote.
On February 24, 1990, simultaneously with the elections to the Supreme Council of the Estonian SSR, elections were held to the Estonian Congress, representing persons who were citizens of the Republic of Estonia until August 6, 1940 (the date the ESSR joined the USSR) and their descendants.
On March 30, the decision of the Supreme Council “On the state status of Estonia” was adopted, according to which the state power of the USSR in Estonia was recognized as illegal from the moment it was established and the beginning of the restoration of the Republic of Estonia was proclaimed. The Estonian Congress was recognized as a parallel parliament.
On April 3, 1990, the Supreme Soviet of the USSR adopted a law declaring legally null and void the declarations of the Supreme Soviets of the Baltic republics on the annulment of entry into the USSR and the legal consequences and decisions arising from this.
On January 12, 1991, Chairman of the Supreme Council of the RSFSR Boris Yeltsin made a visit to Tallinn, during which he signed with the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia Arnold Ruutel the Treaty on the Fundamentals of Interstate Relations between the RSFSR and the Republic of Estonia. In Article I of the Treaty, the parties recognized each other as independent states.
On January 28, 1991, Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev confirmed the constitutional right of the Estonian SSR (and other union republics) to secede from the USSR.
On March 3, a referendum on the independence of the Republic of Estonia was held, in which only legal successor citizens of the Republic of Estonia (mainly Estonians by nationality) took part, as well as persons who received the so-called "green cards" of the Congress of Estonia (the condition for receiving the card was an oral declaration of support for independence Republic of Estonia). Approximately 25,000 cards were issued, their holders were subsequently granted citizenship of the Republic of Estonia). 78% of those who voted supported the idea of national independence from the USSR.
Estonia boycotted the March 17 All-Union referendum on the preservation of the USSR, but in the northeastern regions populated predominantly by Russians, local authorities organized a vote. In these areas, 74.2% of voters took part in the referendum, 95.0% of whom voted for the preservation of the USSR.
At the beginning of the coup on August 19, the GKChP hastily sent additional troops from Pskov to the territory of Estonia, but their column, having reached Tallinn, did not take any action. The next day, thousands of people gathered in Tallinn on Toompea, erecting barricades in defense of the local authorities.
On August 20, 1991, the Estonian Supreme Council adopted a resolution "On the State Independence of Estonia". On August 23, in Tallinn, a statue of Lenin was thrown off the pedestal, which stood in front of the building of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Estonia.
On September 6, the State Council of the USSR officially recognized the independence of Estonia. According to the official position of Estonia, on August 20, 1991, the independence of the Republic of Estonia, proclaimed on February 24, 1918, was restored.
By the end of 1991, many countries had established diplomatic relations with the Republic of Estonia, including the USA, Great Britain and Canada.
On June 26, 1999, the ashes of Alfons Rebane, SS Obersturmbannführer, who for some time acted as commander of the 20th SS Grenadier Division in March 1945, were solemnly reburied at the Metsakalmistu VIP cemetery in Tallinn. The reburial was organized by the Estonian government.
In March 2004 Estonia joined NATO.
On May 1, 2004, Estonia, along with seven other states of Central and Eastern Europe, Cyprus and Malta, joined the European Union.
In May 2005, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the victory over fascism, in which it condemned the "Stalinist occupation" of part of Europe.
In June 2005, the US Senate and Congress adopted resolutions in which they demanded that Russia recognize the fact of the occupation of the Baltic countries.
On June 22, 2005, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution on the issue of Russia's fulfillment of the conditions for membership in this organization. In paragraph 14-IV of the resolution, PACE demands the prompt payment of compensation to the victims of the occupation of the Baltic states.
On April 26-28, 2007, mass actions of civil disobedience took place in Tallinn and the cities of Ida-Viru County, provoked by the actions of the Estonian government to transfer the monument to the “Liberator Soldier” (“Bronze Soldier”) and “archaeological excavations” with the transfer to the cemetery of a military burial. Actions of disobedience were accompanied by pogroms and robberies.
Do not leave your belongings and valuables unattended. Do not carry large sums of money with you, hold photo and video equipment firmly in your hands.
Last changes: 20.01.2013How to get to Estonia
From Moscow to Tallinn can be reached by plane, train or bus. From St. Petersburg to Tallinn can be reached by bus and plane (trains do not run at the moment).
By plane
Aeroflot and Estonian Air operate flights to Tallinn from Moscow (flight duration from Moscow is about 1 hour 45 minutes).
The airlines "Russia - Russian Airlines" and "Estonian Air" operate flights to Tallinn: from St. Petersburg (flight duration - about 1 hour 05 minutes).
By train
The Moscow-Tallinn train number 34 departs daily from the Leningradsky railway station in Moscow, the route is operated by the Estonian company Go Rail. Travel time - 14 hours. The train includes SV carriages (2-seater compartments), compartment carriages (4-seater compartments) and a seated carriage. Tickets can be booked no earlier than 45 days before the departure of the train. Children under 5 years old - free of charge. You can buy tickets in Estonia: GoRail.ee, in Russia: Rzd.ru
In the area of the city of Ivangorod (on the Russian side) and Narva (on the Estonian side), passport and customs inspection takes place, approximately 45-60 minutes on each side. When driving from Moscow, the control takes place late in the evening, when driving from Tallinn, the inspection takes place at night (for more details, see the schedule).
By bus
Bus Moscow - Tallinn departs from Moscow on Friday, from Tallinn on Saturday. Up to 8 buses depart daily for Tallinn from St. Petersburg.
By car
You can also get to Estonia by car (a little less than 8 hours drive from St. Petersburg) through the checkpoints of Narva, Pechora and Luhamaa. However, it should be borne in mind that there may be a large queue at the border.
From CIS countries
You can also get from Kyiv to Tallinn by plane, train or bus. From Minsk, you can comfortably get to Tallinn by train.
Last changes: 04/26/2013