Facts about Estonia

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Geographically, Estonia is on the north-eastern edge of the European Union, bordering Russia and Latvia.

  • Finland is a short hop across the sea – just 80km away.
  • There are ferries to Tallinn from Helsinki (Finland) or Stockholm (Sweden).
  • Estonia is in the Schengen Area so we have open borders with the rest of Europe.
  • Brits, Americans, Canadians and Australians can also enter Estonia visa-free.
  • Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, named after our late President, has direct flights all over Europe.
  • Estonia has a population of just 1.3 million but is larger than Denmark or Holland.
  • The Estonian language is a nightmare to learn.
  • Everyone in tourism speaks good English and often German, Finnish, Russian and Swedish too!
  • Estonia was occupied by the Soviets for decades but Estonia sees itself as more influenced by Nordic tastes and traditions – Scandinavia with a twist.
  • Occupation by Germans, Swedes and Russians has influenced the architecture of cathedrals, cobbled streets, manor houses and palaces.
  • Great food is everywhere and you can even eat marinated bear here!
  • In winter it gets very cold and we get plenty of beautiful snow.
  • No, there are no polar bears in Estonia.
  • Roads are traffic jam free.
    NB! Reflectors are mandatory for pedestrians and cyclists at all times!
  • Estonia is almost 50% forest.
  • Tallinn is our medieval capital and by far the biggest city, with a population of around 400,000.
  • In 2011 Tallinn was the European Capital of Culture.
  • Tartu, with 100,000 people, is our young yet timeless university town.
  • Estonia has over 1,500 islands.

Useful phrases in Estonian language.

  • Tere! – Hello!
  • Aitäh! – Thank you!
  • Palun! – Please
  • Ma armastan sind – I love you
  • Sa oled väga ilus – You are very beautiful
  • Kus on… – Where is…
  • Kui palju… – How much…
  • Üks kohv, palun – (I’d like to have) a coffee, please

http://www.visitestonia.com/en