The Baltic countries always were for a Soviet citizen enigmatic and inviting abroad . It was practically the only accessible piece of Europe, the point of contact of the Soviet Foreign Ministry with the foreign life and Catholic culture . In the last two decades, when Russia and the Baltic countries proudly labeled themselves and turned away from each other, mutual interest and tourist agitation weakened . And only, thanks to family relations and friendship of people through which it is impossible to draw political boundaries, the involvement of our countries to each other . However, recently, there has been a favorable trend among Russian tourists: more people have become interested in the history, culture, sights and traditions of neighboring countries . Among them, Estonia takes its place of honor .
@ This small and close to us Europe annually hosts several million tourists. Estonia has something to tell and show. In addition to its medieval towns, with tiled roofs, Gothic churches, cathedrals and ancient chateau castles, this country is famous for its sea resorts and health resorts, beautiful beaches and numerous corners of untouched wilderness.
Keila Waterfall - Estonia
Ancient the capital of the country
The most notable pearl of Estonia, by right, is the capital of the country Tallinn. The city consists of the Toompea, Vyshhorod and the Lower town located on the hill. The heart of Tallinn is the Town Hall Square, which for the Christmas holidays becomes the center of attraction for all of Estonia. Here they decorate the tree and dance dances, the cheerful, colorful fair unfolds, the artists perform. The Tallinn Town Hall itself is a perfectly preserved medieval structure that has been in existence for more than 600 years
Among the Estonian temples, the most famous in Tallinn are the Dome Cathedral, founded in 1219, and the Gothic Oleviste Church, 159 meters high, which in the early 16th century was considered the tallest building in the world. At 6 km from the city are located the ruins of the majestic, medieval monastery of St. Birgitta
Haapsalu City Another Tallinn museum with a distinctive nautical theme is located in the huge gun tower Tolstaya Margarita, next to which are located The Great Sea Gate, which served in the ancient times for the protection and defense of the country from the side of the sea.
In addition there is the Museum of Applied Arts and the Estonian Art Museum, the Cellar, the open-air museum and the nature museum in Tallinn. rhitekturnyh "unusual" city still worth noting the House of the Brotherhood of Blackheads, which is located on the oldest Pikk Street, which was paved in the 15th century; "Street-staircase" Lihike Yalg ("Short leg"), a monument to the dead sailors of the battleship "Rusalka", on the shore of the Gulf of Finland; a magnificent park ensemble and a baroque palace - Catherineenthal, now called Cardiorg and the seat of the President of Estonia.
And this is not all that can be seen in the capital. It is not surprising that the center of Tallinn is the Old City, it was included by UNESCO on the World Heritage List of Humanity
Notable cities of Estonia
However Tallinn is not the only city in Estonia worthy of tourist attention . In the north-west of the country there is a famous city Haapsalu Resort, which was chosen by the Estonian art workers . Haapsalu is located 100 km from Tallinn, but it will not be possible to reach the city quickly, because it will be impossible to stop to admire the natural sights of these places, we om Hamlet and waterfall Keila-Joa . This waterfall is one of the largest and most beautiful in Estonia, is also a symbolic place for honeymooners . On the wedding day, the bride and groom hanging there locks on railing suspension bridge .
The city of Haapsalu, located on the peninsula, washed by the Baltic Sea even in the days of Tsarist Russia was the favorite clinic and resting place of the Petersburg nobility. The resort is decorated with a carved wooden structure - Kurzal, created by the German architect Knupffer. This institution, although it is translated from German as "a place, a hall for treatment", according to its functionality, has long become a place for leisure and entertainment, with a restaurant, a library, a concert platform and hotel rooms.
Estonia is a country of legends and fairy tales, where literally every ancient construction has its own mysterious history. The Haapsalu castle, which since the 13th century is the residence of the Western bishop, was no exception. They say that in this castle the ghost of the White Lady dwells, which, according to legend, was walled in here during one of the walls during the Inquisition.
In the east of Estonia is Narva, a city with a rich historical heritage and medieval architecture. The Narva Castle (or the Hermann Castle), founded here by the Danes in the 13th century, is now a historical museum. In Narva, you should see the Baroque Town Hall, medieval fortifications, the Orthodox Resurrection Cathedral and the Krengolmskaya Manufactory. Relax after the excursions can be near Narva, visiting the wonderful resort place Narva-Jõesuu, in the pine forest on the Narva River.
Tartu - the most beautiful city in the south of the country with numerous parks and beautiful views of the river Emyõgi, is one of the most important cultural centers of Estonia. Here is one of the oldest universities in Europe, founded in 1632, an observatory, numerous museums, including the Estonian Museum of Sport, the Museum of Zoology, Ethnographic, Geological Museums and Toy Museum. And there are bridges with unusual names, it's a bridge of Sighs and bridges of Angels and Devils.
Resort towns
The most famous spa towns in Estonia are Värska and Laulasmaa. In Värska there are numerous healing springs, mineral water and freshwater muds with a high content of hydrogen sulphide. And the resort Laulasmaa, will please the guests even with the most demanding tastes. Romantic, picturesque landscapes of this place along with a harbor for expensive yachts and golf courses, together with first-class health resorts will become a worthy alternative to expensive resorts in Europe.
The Estonian island of Saaremaa and the resort of Pärnu in the Baltic Sea are inseparable from the popular notion of "ecotourism" .Fans of wild recreation who wish to dissolve into a living, untouched by nature civilization have long become ardent fans of these places .In general, there are more than 1000 small, uninhabited islands in Estonia for those who want to seclude themselves .But also for those who want to relax and receive medical treatment with comfort, all conditions are created in the country .Since 1838, the resort of Pärnu has taken holidaymakers and provides them with a traditional European service .We offer day and night entertainment, festivals, concerts, windsurfing, tennis, yachting and canoeing .The island of Saaremaa, besides all the above pleasures, offers excursions to the meteoric lake of Kaali, formed in a giant crater, tourist farms where after horse walks and fishing you can soak in the sauna and have a delicious home made beer .
Well and can not interest, especially men, an exclusive alcoholic route, recently organized in Estonia, in the county of Virumaa .In addition to acquaintance with technology and the production of local high-level drinks, a tasting at the Rakvere Knight's Castle and the Palmse wine cellar, where you will be offered malvasia (liqueur wine) and delicious strawberry pouring .Also, the excursion includes visiting the exhibition, which is devoted to the alcohol history of the country .It turns out that Estonia has its achievements in this field .In the pre-war years, the potato alcohol produced here was included in the Guinness Book of World Records as the strongest (98%) .