People from larger countries may find it odd that there are in fact no distant places in Estonia – one can travel from one end of the country to another in just four or five hours without having to rush. And yet Estonia is larger on the inside than on the outside, the “secret” well known and shared by the locals. It is quite unusual to find such a variety in landscapes, flora, seasons, weather and moods within only a couple of dozens of kilometres. At the same time the traveller in Estonia has plenty of space: on the territory with a size comparable to that of Denmark or Holland there are four and twelve times less inhabitants here, respectively.
Estonia Travel Guide
Full Name
Republic of Estonia
Former Name
Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic
Capital City
Tallinn
Government Type
parliamentary republic
Area Size
45,226 sq km
Time Zone
UTC/GMT +2 hours
Climate
The climate in Estonia is temperate, characterised by warm summers and fairly severe winters. The weather is often breezy and humid due to the proximity of the Baltic Sea. Average temperatures range from 20.9° C in summer (usually July is the hottest month) to - 8°C in winter. Although occasionally the temperature may rise to 30°C and above in summer or sink below - 23°C in winter, it is very usual at our latitude. Bring your umbrella and a light raincoat in case of occasional showers.
Geography
Estonia lies on the eastern shores of the Baltic Sea immediately across the Gulf of Finland from Finland on the level northwestern part of the rising east European platform. Average elevation reaches only 50 metres and the country's highest point is the Suur Munamägi in the southeast at 318 metres. Oil shale and limestone deposits, along with forests which cover 47% of the land, play key economic roles in this generally resource-poor country. Estonia boasts over 1,400 lakes. Most are very small, with the largest, Lake Peipus, being 3555 km².
Languages
Estonian (official) 67.3%, Russian 29.7%, other 2.3%, unknown 0.7% (2000 census)
History
After centuries of Danish, Swedish, German, and Russian rule, Estonia attained independence in 1918. Forcibly incorporated into the USSR in 1940, it regained its freedom in 1991, with the collapse of the Soviet Union. Since the last Russian troops left in 1994, Estonia has been free to promote economic and political ties with Western Europe. It joined both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.
Travel Information
The national airline is Estonian Air (OV). Tallinn (TLL) is located 5km northwest of the city. Buses run between the city and the airport. A shuttle bus to the main hotels and the city centre meets all flights. Taxis are also available. Facilities: Banks/bureaux de change, duty-free shops, shops, post office, restaurants, business lounges, tourist information and car hire. Kärdla (KDL) is located 5km east of the city. Taxis run from central Kärdla to the airport. Facilities: Banks/bureaux de change, post office, tourist information, car hire, travel agent, parking, a hotel and restaurants/bars. Main ports: Tallinn, from where ferries operate to Helsinki (Finland), Rostok (Germany) and Stockholm (Sweden). There are also services between Paldiski and Kapellskär (Sweden). Eesti Raudtee (Estonian Railways) is underdeveloped, although there is a daily overnight EVR Ekspress train from Tallinn to Moscow. There are direct routes along the Baltic coast into Latvia, Lithuania and Kaliningrad, and also east into the Russian Federation. Routes into the Baltic states are via Poland and Belarus or Poland and Lithuania; border points: Terespol (Poland) – Brest (Belarus) and Ogrodniki (Poland) – Lazdijai (Lithuania). Long-distance bus services run regularly to Riga, Vilnius, Kaliningrad and St Petersburg. There are numerous excellent road links with all neighbouring countries. Eurolines runs regular coach services from the UK and other EU countries to Estonia. Passes: There are passes available that combine stops in other European cities.
Accommodation
Since independence there has been a scramble from Western and Estonian firms to turn the old state-run hotels into modern Western-standard enterprises. Many more joint ventures with firms from all over western Europe and the USA will ensure that the standard of accommodation in Estonia rapidly reaches western European levels. Outside Tallinn, which for the time being is the main location of the current expansion, Estonia enjoys an adequate range of acceptable accommodation, left over from the pre-independence days or built by Estonian entrepreneurs, including large hotels and smaller pension-type establishments.
Visa Requirements
Visas are not required by all nationals of the EU, Australia, Canada and USA for the following durations: nationals of EU countries for an unlimited period;nationals of Australia, Canada and the USA for stays of no more than three months within a six-month period. Passport valid for at least three months beyond length of stay required by all nationals referred to above except: EU nationals holding a valid national ID card. EU nationals are only required to produce evidence of their EU nationality and identity in order to be admitted to any EU Member State. This evidence can take the form of a valid national passport or national identity card. Either is acceptable. Possession of a return ticket, any length of validity on their document, sufficient funds for the length of their proposed visit should not be imposed.
Getting Around
Airest runs domestic charter flights. Avies operates flights between Tallinn and Kuressaare. Frequent ferry services connect the mainland with the larger islands, and boats operate on Lake Peipsi and the Emajõgi River. Local trains run by Edelarautee link Tallinn with many Estonian towns, including Pärnu, Viljandi, Valga, Tapa and Tartu. There are suburban electric trains to the Tallinn suburbs. Traffic drives on the right. Estonia has a high density of roads although there are few major highways. Signs are not illuminated and fairly small, so driving at night is best avoided. There is a wide bus network covering most of the country, including express services. GoBus provides affordable and reliable public transportation service in cities, counties, as well as charter transportation. The buses to and from Tallinn are generally quite fast and there are more of them compared to the other cities. Private taxis must display the name of the company and their number on the roof. Fares should be agreed upon beforehand. Taxis are best ordered from hotels, rather than in the street. Marshrut-taxis are minibuses which operate on fixed routes stopping on request. Car rental can be arranged at the airport or in Tallinn. Available from international and local companies. Taxis in Tallinn are inexpensive. All parts of the city are served by bus, trolleybus and tram. Tickets can be bought at stalls in the main shopping areas.
Health & Safety
No vaccinations are required for entry to Estonia, but it is highly recommended that adults be immunised against Hepatitis A as well as for tetanus and diphtheria if they have not been vaccinated for these diseases during the preceding 10 years. Medical insurance is vital. Estonia's medical professionals are highly trained but resources and equipment are sadly lacking. Immediate cash payment is expected from visitors requiring health care. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Medical insurance is advised for other nationalities. Visits to Estonia are usually trouble free, but with an increase in tourism there has also been an increase in tourist-related crime. There is a risk of pick-pocketing and mugging around Tallinn's Old Town, at ferry ports and major hotels. Be vigilant and take precautions like avoiding unlit side streets and parks after dark.
National Holidays
1 Jan - New Year’s Day. 24 Feb - Independence Day. 6 Apr - Good Friday. 1 May - May Day. 27 May - Whit Sunday (Pentecost) 23 Jun - Võidupüha (Victory Day – anniversary of the Battle of Võnnu). 24 Jun - Midsummer’s Day/Jaanipäev (St John's Day). 20 Aug - Restoration of Independence Day. 25-26 Dec - Jõulud (Christmas) and Boxing Day.
Currency
Estonian Kroon (EEK)
Electricity
230v AC, 50Hz
Working Hours
Office hours: Mon-Fri 8.00am -6.00pm.
Emergency Numbers
112(Ambulance/Fire) 110(Police)
