Estonia
Estonia Tours
For a country that has seen so much invasion and subjugation so
frequently from a multitude of foreign powers throughout its
history, Estonia is in remarkably good shape. Time and again,
Estonian borders have been traversed and most of its European
neighbours have at one point or another attempted to conquer the
Baltic nation with varying degrees of success. Scandinavian Vikings,
Soviet Russians, Nazi Germans, Danes, Swedes, Poles and the Teutonic
Knights are among the hosts of peoples who have ventured into
Estonian territory over the ages, some holding dominion over the
land and people for several centuries, and yet the independent
Estonia of today displays very little physical scarring, considering
its tumultuous history. In actual fact, parts of Estonia's urban and
rural areas nowadays often gain worldwide recognition for being some
of the best-preserved historic sites in Europe.
The roots of Estonia's capital, Tallinn, stem from the thirteenth
century and the city is without doubt the most popular destination
for travellers when it comes to touring the country. With its
winding, cobbled streets, distinctive red rooftops, turreted walls,
ancient fortress, Gothic church and domed cathedral, the city gives
a decidedly mediaeval atmosphere that many travellers believe
surpasses that of any other location in the world. Whether you're an
history enthusiast or not, Tallinn is sure to prove an utterly
spellbinding experience and to forego a visit to the designated
UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the town centre is to miss out on the
most memorable historic attractions on the continent. About one
third of Estonia's entire population lives in Tallinn and as a stark
contrast to the country's ancient buildings and landmarks, its
people lead the most modern of lifestyles-internet cafés lie
littered about the city and Tallinn boasts one of the highest mobile
phone ownership rates in the world, with its staggering 80 per cent
penetration rate. Travellers need not sacrifice the luxuries of
modernity as they appreciate the finer points of antiquity.
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The extent of the international acknowledgement received by
Estonia's man-made sights of interest is only equalled by the
worldwide recognition of its natural bounties. Reserves and parks
protect over 10 per cent of this heavily forested land and its
shimmering lakes, cascading rivers, vast wetlands and rugged crags
along the coastline provide more than ample opportunity for
energetic travellers to have a more active getaway in unspoiled
surroundings. Also, naturalists will find Estonia a veritable
treasure trove of attractions- the country is home to a wide variety
of animal and plant species, some of which are either rare or
extinct in other parts of Europe.