Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, you can't go wrong with Estonia. It is home to some of the most picturesque cities in the world. Whether you want to visit Tallinn, Viljandi or Saaremaa, there are plenty of options for you.
Tallinn
Known for its medieval and picturesque architecture, Tallinn is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its Old Town is one of the most photogenic cities in Europe. It's also a safe and clean city, making it a perfect destination for tourists.
The Old Town of Tallinn is an ideal place to visit if you are looking for a medieval town with Gothic arches and cobblestone streets. It also boasts a number of churches, medieval merchants' houses and elegant palaces. There are also many parks and shopping opportunities.
One of the most iconic landmarks of Tallinn is the Alexander Nevsky church, a Russian Orthodox church that dates back to the old Russian Empire. It's decorated with onion-shaped domes, and is crowned by huge crosses. It's also home to a large bell.
In Tallinn, there are many churches to visit. St Mary's Cathedral is the oldest church in Estonia. It was originally a catholic church in the 13th century, but was converted to a Lutheran church in 1779. The cathedral is home to beautiful artwork, including a spire dating back to the 18th century. It also features a 69-meter-tall bell tower.
Tallinn also has a number of fantastic museums to visit. The Estonian Art Museum has a number of beautiful artifacts, including works from artists such as Johannes Koller and Konrad Magi. The museum also features a large contemporary art collection. There's also a permanent exhibit on the third floor, which features works from renowned international artists and Estonian artists from the 18th to 20th centuries.
Tartu
Located in Estonia, Tartu is a vibrant, young and culturally rich city. It has many beautiful sights and attractions. It is a very easy city to explore on foot.
The city is also home to the Tartu University, which is one of the oldest universities in Europe. It is a beautiful building built in a classicist style and is a great place to visit.
The University of Tartu is also known for its botanical garden. The garden is home to more than six thousand species of plants. There are also many interactive exhibitions in the museum.
The Tartu Museum is located in the Leaning House of Tartu. This building has nearly 6,000 square feet of exhibition space. The museum features temporary and permanent exhibitions. There are also benches and beautiful views of the city.
There are also a number of parks in Tartu. One of these is Toomemagii cathedral hill, which features the ruins of a thirteenth century cathedral. This park has a small sandy beach. It also hosts regular events and markets.
The city is also known for its street art. It is created by local artists in collaboration with the city government. It adds a unique touch to the murals found in the heart of Tartu.
The Stencibility festival is held every year in Tartu. The festival is hosted by the city government and features an art competition, lectures, and workshops. It is an interesting event because it allows for maximum artistic freedom and does not require pre-approval of sketches.
Saaremaa
Located on the western coast of Estonia, Saaremaa is one of the largest islands in the country. It is also a popular tourist destination. This island is home to many beautiful beaches and towns, making it a perfect getaway.
The main city of Saaremaa is Kuressaare. It is a mellow, charming town with a castle that dates back to the 14th century. The castle is set in a beautiful park, making it a great place to explore. The castle also has no entrance fee and visitors are welcome to explore.
Saaremaa has a few historical sites, including Kaali Meteorite Crater. This geological site is unique to Estonia. It is 110 meters across, with murky water in the crater. The crater was once surrounded by a wall during the early Iron Age. The crater is now surrounded by trees and it's free to visit.
The island is also home to an impressive number of spas. Saaremaa is also known for its fresh seafood and locally brewed beer. These are a few of the reasons why Saaremaa is one of the best places to visit.
Saaremaa Island is also home to a theme park. The park offers educational activities, including a rye bread kitchen, fresh vegetables and meat, and a home brewed beer. It is also known for its local fresh seafood and traditional potatoes and gravy.
The island is also home to several microbreweries, including Poide. The microbrewery serves Saaremaa craft beer. It is also home to a traditional cafe.
Viljandi
Located in southern Estonia, Viljandi is a small town on the shore of a lake. It's home to the famous Viljandi Folk Music Festival, which is held each year in July. The festival is a celebration of Estonian music and traditions.
The ruins of the medieval fortress are one of the most important attractions. The Livonian Order of knights fortified the town in the 13th century. The fortress was built as a stronghold and became the economic centre of the ancient Sakala county. In the 14th century, Viljandi became a member of the Hanseatic League.
In the Soviet era, Viljandi's central street was named after Lenin. Despite this, the city remained idiosyncratic. A local icon is the Viljandi Suspension Bridge. The bridge is 50 metres long and crosses over to the Philosopher's Alley, which is also home to the Song Festival Arena.
Viljandi is also home to the Viljandi Museum, one of the first dedicated town museums in Estonia. The museum is split into two floors, each focusing on a specific period in the city's history. The museum traces the development of the town from its medieval fortress to the 20th century.
Another highlight is the Paul Kondas Museum, which is home to many works by this famous Estonian artist. Kondas is regarded as a "naive artist" who created a childlike world based on dour winter colours and sleep-deprived ecstasy of Estonian summer days.
Rakvere
Located in the north of Estonia, Rakvere is an interesting, rapidly growing city. The city is just over an hour's drive from Tallinn and a half-hour's drive from Narva. It is also close to the Lahemaa National Park and scenic coastal regions. It is also a popular destination for spa and pampering activities.
Rakvere is the fifth-largest city in Estonia and is home to many interesting landmarks. The main tourist attraction is Rakvere Castle. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle was rebuilt several times over the centuries. It is now a theme park. The castle also has a medieval tavern and an alchemist's workshop.
Rakvere is also home to the Tarvas or Bull statue. It was made to celebrate the 700th anniversary of the city. It stands five meters tall and weighs 7000 kg. The statue was sculpted by artist Tauno Kangro.
Rakvere is also home of the world-famous composer Arvo Part, who studied in Rakvere. He has been an honorary citizen of the city since 1995.
Rakvere is home to the first Estonian Punk Song Festival. In addition, the city hosts the international rock music festival Green Christmas. It has a thriving arts and music scene. The city's theatre is also famous. There is a biannual theatre festival in Rakvere called Baltoscandal.
The city also has many parks and green areas. Many trees are decorated with sparkly snowflakes, making it feel like a fairytale.
Kihnu Island
Located in the south-west of Estonia, Kihnu Island is a unique city and one of the most beautiful islands in the world. In fact, it is one of the islands on UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Until recently, Kihnu was relatively isolated from the mainland, with only 22 families residing on the island. The locals spoke the same language until the Second World War. Then, in 1943, they were forced to leave for Sweden. In recent years, more and more people have moved to nearby cities in search of jobs.
Kihnu is a matriarchal society, with women in charge of the household and taking care of the island. In addition, women are the guardians of the island's traditional culture. They protect it by holding ceremonies such as weddings. In fact, marriage is a big deal on Kihnu.
Although men have always been at sea, women have always had to take care of the household. Women also hold the responsibility of organizing funerals.
The island is a popular destination for tourists. Although the island has few jobs, the tourism industry helps provide for the islanders year-round.
The island has many attractions, such as the Kihnu Museum. It teaches visitors about the history of the island and offers folk music concerts. It also offers fishing trips and home visits.
In addition to the museum, the island has many accommodations. The wooden designs on the buildings are classic. The locals are known for their dancing and singing.