Estonia is a country where you cannot encounter suffocating heat even in summer and you can easily travel all over it. The country, which offers extraordinary entertainment to travelers with its long nights and resembles a fairy tale land under the snow during the winter months, receives much more visitors in the summer months when the White Nights are experienced.

The days, which last up to 19 hours in summer, combine with the colorful festivals in the country and attract holidaymakers who want to enjoy the sun and fun. In Estonia, which is known as the country with the largest collection of folk songs in the world, there are quite a lot of music and music-based festivals. The most important of these is the Viljandi Folk Music Festival, where you can hear Estonia’s own cultural notes. This festival, which is held every year in July, is also known as the biggest folk music festival in Europe. Tudengijazz, held in January and February, simultaneously hosts jazz lovers in Tallinn, Tartu and Viljandi. The Baroque Music Festival, in which classical music is praised, brings together the most important orchestras of the world in the capital Tallinn in the same months. Parnu Opera Days held in mid-July and RainbowJazz hosting young artists in October can be given as examples of festivals that nourish the country with beautiful music.

In short, you can find an event and a festival where you can listen to great music on any date you go to Estonia, regardless of summer or winter. However, the country’s interesting festivals are not just music-based. Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival, which makes the best use of the long winter nights in Estonia, and Midwinter Night’s Dream, which brings the audience together with science fiction and futurist films in December, are among the country’s notable festivals.

You should keep in mind that Estonia is a country that always attracts great attention not only for its natural beauties and history, but also for its entertaining activities that you can encounter throughout the year, and you should make your plans as far in advance as possible.

 

PLACES TO VISIT ESTONIA

Described as the capital and main port of Estonia, Tallinn is a city that amazes its visitors with its 500-year-old history, museums and nature. The starting point of touristic trips in Tallinn, which resembles a fairy tale land with its cobblestone roads, magnificent churches and long walls, is the Old Town, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. This region, which fascinates with its historical atmosphere and cultural texture, welcomes its visitors with the Viru Gate between the two towers at the entrance. When you pass through the gate and continue on Viru Street, you can reach the Town Hall Square and from there to the Lower City, which will give the impression of entering a medieval town. Built here in the 12th century, St. You can see many historical buildings, including the Olaf Church. You can visit Toompea Hill, where you will feel yourself in Medieval Europe with its streets surrounded by castle walls and unspoiled historical houses, by climbing up from the Old Town.

It is possible to encounter a historical building in every corner of Tallinn. Apart from numerous churches and medieval houses, the Old Pharmacy, which has been operating since 1422 and is the oldest pharmacy in Europe, is one of the most interesting points of the capital. The Old Pharmacy, part of which serves as a museum and the other part as a pharmacy, is among the historical symbols of the city. As a country that attaches great importance to information technologies, the modern symbol of Estonia and the capital is the Tallinn TV Tower. You should definitely see this tower, which holds the title of being the tallest structure in the country with its height of 314 meters, during your trip to Estonia.

Although the capital city of Tallinn is small, it is home to more than 60 museums. The Great Guild Hall, which sheds light on Tallinn’s rich history, the Estonian History Museum where you can learn about the country’s maritime history, and the Estonian Art Museum with its unique art collection are just a few of them.

In addition to these museums, the fascinating nature of Estonia, which is an open-air museum with its numerous historical structures, is also worth seeing. Lahemaa National Park, located approximately 70 kilometers from the capital Tallinn, draws attention as one of the largest national parks in the country and Europe. Tamula Lake, located in the city of Voru, is one of the most important touristic places of the country, where activities such as fishing and rowing are carried out intensively. Still, Estonia’s most fascinating natural wonder is the Jagala Waterfall, formed by the Jagala River in the north of the country. The waterfall, which is completely frozen in winter, offers dazzling views with the melting of snow in spring.

Helsinki, Finland

The capital of Finland is modern, welcoming, and elegant. In addition, it is a good starting point to explore other corners of the country or start/finish a route through the Baltic States. 

Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko) is a temple of Evangelical Lutheran worship built between 1830 and 1852. With its imposing white neoclassical façade crowned by a large green dome, Helsinki Cathedral is one of the main symbols of the city. Initially, the Tuomiokirkko was baptized as Church of San Nicolás, in honor of its promoter; Tsar Nicholas I of Russia, but changed his name in 1917 after the independence of Finland. The figures of the apostles stand out on the outside and the sober interior in the shape of a Greek cross. The Lutheran cathedral is located at the top of some wide steps that preside over the Plaza del Senado. The whole of the square and the annex buildings, including the cathedral itself, was designed by the German architect Carl Ludvig Engel and symbolized the union of religious power, political power (represented by the Government Palace, 1822), scientific power (in the figure of the University of Helsinki, completed in 1832) and commercial power (since it was formerly the market place).

Orthodox Cathedral (Uspenski)

In addition to the Lutheran cathedral, Helsinki has an Orthodox cathedral: the Uspenskin katedraali (Cathedral of the Dormition). Built between 1862 and 1868, in the time of Tsar Alexander II, it contrasts clearly with the previous one due to its red brick facade and the ornate interior, full of icons and fantastic gold decorations. At 967 square meters, Uspenski is the largest Orthodox temple in all of Western Europe.

Market Square (Kauppatori)

Located south of Senate Square and bathed by the Baltic Sea, the Market Square (Kauppatori in Finnish) is one of the main places to see in Helsinki. Towards the middle of the 19th century, this area replaced the Plaza del Senado as the main center of commercial activity. In addition to buying food or tasting fresh fish in one of the restaurants in the area, you can take tourist boats (to Suomenlinna, etc.) or see some historical buildings, such as the old market (Vanha kauppahalli), Helsinki City Hall, the Presidential Palace or the Supreme Court.

Temppeliaukion Kirkko ( Rock Church )

Although the Church of Temppeliaukio is of no historical importance (it was built in 1969), each year it attracts thousands of tourists eager to see its curious architecture. And it is that the Temppeliaukion Kirkko was dug directly into the rock and its interior walls were left uncovered to improve acoustics. In addition, a squat glass dome covers the complex, giving it a peculiar bunker shape.

Suomenlinna Fortress

The Suomenlinna Fortress, located on an island in the southern part of the city, is one of the main places to visit in Helsinki. Erected in 1748 to defend the interests of the Kingdom of Sweden, it was taken over by different armies throughout its history and had military functions until 1973. Today this fortress, declared a World Heritage Site, is a place of outdoor recreation where you can visit several museums, a submarine and different historical spaces.

Saint Petersburg, Russia

The second largest city in Russia after Moscow is also the 4th largest city in Europe. Wherever you say Saint Petersburg, the city is located 715 kilometers further from Moscow, where the Neva River meets the Baltic Sea. St Petersburg, a European city with a population of nearly five million, was the capital of Russia until 1917. It was established by the unification of exactly 42 islands. The city, which has changed names 3 times since its establishment, is also known as Petrograd and Leningrad. Each name has a different story. St. Petersburg was renamed from Russia’s most important military leader and tsar Peter I.  Peter I, St. Petersburg is the proper founder.

The city was established as a fortress against possible attacks from Scandinavia. Petersburg is important in this respect. Due to the fact that Russia was at war with Germany during World War I, St. Petersburg, the city was named Petrograd. After the communist revolution, the city was named Leningrad in honor of the Russian socialist revolutionary Vladimir Lenin. With the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, during the reign of Boris Yeltsin, the city regained its first name, Saint Petersburg. The city started to be established in 1703 and was built with the work of thousands of workers and artists. It is said that many people died during the construction phase that lasted for many years. A large number of canals and bridges were built in the city, which was completed with the work of architects and engineers specially brought from Europe. There are still 95 canals and 400 bridges in the city today. 21 of these bridges can be opened and closed.

There are so many places to see in the city that you cannot finish it no matter how long you visit. With its palaces, fountains, statues, and churches, it was built with even the smallest detail in mind, and this city was designed to be imposing with the West. The city, where two months of white nights are experienced every year and longing for the sun to set in this period, is a favorite of tourists with this feature. The sun that rises at 03:00 on white nights sets at 24:00, but full nightfall is never experienced. This event, which is a complete natural beauty, adds different magic to the city. The city, which is the center of attention with its historical and artistic works, is also included in the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list.

Hermitage Museum:

Museum, Çariçe II. It was founded by Katerina in 1764 in the Winter Palace of the Royal Family, with fountains and paintings of German painters brought from Berlin. It has become one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, with the largest painting collection in the world today, home to nearly 3 million works of art. The oldest carpet in the world is also exhibited here.

Russian State Museum:

Opened in 1895 in the Mihail Palace built between 1819-1825, it is a must-visit place to learn about Russian culture, where Russian Artworks are collected. The closing time of the museum is 13:00 and the closing time is 21:00.

Mariinsky Theater:

The world-famous Kirov Ballet performs here. Since the tickets of the opera or ballet performances are sold out immediately, it is important to buy them in advance and pay attention to the necessity of a suit or evening dress.

Dostoyevsky Museum:

It was restored and turned into a museum to commemorate the home life and achievements of the famous writer, the Brothers Karamazov.

Tsarskoye Selo:

It was built as a summer palace by Catherine the Great, and later made more magnificent by her daughter Elizabeth, it was severely damaged during the Second World War and returned to its good old days after repairs. The surrounding cathedrals and the 5660-acre Katerina park are worth seeing.

Petergof Palace:

Founded by Peter the Great, it is the first palace built outside of Petersburg. It took a long time to complete because he wanted a palace that could rival the Palace of Versailles, which he could reach by sea. The Great Waterfall surrounded by fountains, the Fountain of Neptune and the Peter and Paul Cathedral must be seen.

St. Isaac’s Cathedral:

Built in 1818, the cathedral is the largest domed structure in the world. 100 kg in the dome. It has gold plating and it is necessary to climb two hundred and sixty two steps for a magnificent city view. This is one of the most magnificent cathedrals in the Orthodox world. The city awaits you with all its beauty, with the Neva River, the Hermitage Museum and the Peter and Paul Fortress.

Dvortsovaya Ploshchad (Palace Square):

It is one of the first places to stop by. It is considered the heart of the city. In the middle is the Alexander Column placed in 1834.

Menshikov Palace:

It is one of the first stone buildings of the city. It was built as a home for the city’s first governor, Prince Alexander Menshikov, today it is part of the Ermitage museum.

Smolny Cathedral:

It is one of the most magnificent works of Bartolomeo Rastrelli. It hosts periodically concerts with its magnificent acoustics.

Pushkin Museum:

The museum house, where the poet Alexander Pushkin was wounded in a duel with the French nobleman Gerges d’anthes and turned into blood, was restored in its appearance.

There are many ways to feel the Baltic specialities on the tip of your tongue.

Here are a few of them. We are warning you, this may be dangerously tasty!

Local markets – a very popular way to bring the best of the local food to a table. The place where farmers and producers bring together countryside extravaganzas. Visiting the market is favoured among locals. If you love to buzz into the local atmosphere, stop by and taste traditional cheese, smoked fish, and homemade cake.

Beverages  – Taste a glass of chilled cider made from the apples grown nearby, learn roots of beer brewing traditions or wine crafts made of berries and birch sap, served with carefully picked snacks. Enchant a unique day in the countryside, which in addition to fantastic flavours will leave an unforgettable aftertaste.

Tallinn,

the capital of Estonia is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. The historic center, declared a World Heritage Site in 1997, is an absolute delight. Its walls, towers, old houses, and narrow streets look like medieval decoration. Even its restaurants and shops have gone to great lengths to achieve that typical medieval look. In this practical post, we will try to summarize the must-see places in Tallinn.

Riga 

Riga is one of the cities that live 24 hours; In addition to being the largest city of the Baltic countries, it is also the capital of Latvia. Founded in the 1200s at the point where the Daugava River opens to the Baltic Sea, the city is considered to be one of the most beautiful blends of today and history with its mystical atmosphere from the Middle Ages, lush green parks, and colorful nightlife. The fact that Riga is an important cultural, financial and commercial city causes the list of places to visit to be quite diverse and crowded. Known as the Paris of the North, Riga; consists of elegant buildings from the 19th and 20th centuries surrounding the Old Town, where medieval architecture is preserved, and two-story houses integrated with the historical texture and multi-story Soviet buildings from the communist era. The Old Town, adorned with cobblestone streets, is so well preserved that it invites you to disappear into the dusty pages of history. Riga Attractions List If you are a person who likes to walk, Riga is a city for you. If you are not going to get too far from the center of the city, you will not need a taxi or public transportation in general. Riga’s tourist area is generally located around Brivibas Boulevard, the city’s longest main street. The historical texture of the Old City encourages you to walk in order not to miss any moment.

St. Peter’s Church – The Statue of Liberty – Riga Central Market – Riga Cathedral – The Black-Head House and the Town Square – Riga Castle – 3 brothers house – Riga Castle – The Art Nouveau District –  Latvian Open Air  Museum of Ethnography – National Opera and Ballet House.

Castles and Manors

Latvia has a number of unique palaces and manors, built during different centuries, that are an important part of the history and architecture of the country. Hundreds of these historic landmarks have been preserved in Latvia, each with unique architectural, cultural, and historic heritage. Many palaces and manors are available for tours, they also offer various activities.

-Turaida Castle

In the luxurious forests of Turaida Museum-Reserve, another medieval treasure stands out – the Turaida Castle. “God’s Garden” a poetic translation of the word “Turaida”. And justly so. The vast territory is riddled with medieval gems of architecture and inspirational points like the Folk Song Hill. Even just walking through the reserve, one feels like they have truly stepped back into time

-Rundale Castle.

A beautiful baroque castle that is a true rural Latvia’s architectural highlight. Also called the Versailles of Latvia due the stunning gardens surrounding Rundale Castle. Finished in the 18th century, nurtured and restored through the times, this magnificent castle has kept its authenticity. Even despite the ghost stories, that are an integral part of every castle, it warmly welcomes every guest, from tourist, to different leaders of nations.

-Sigulda Castle.

Hugged by the lush forest in Sigulda, on top of a hill proudly stands Sigulda castle – a medieval monument built by the Livonian Brothers of the Sword. Originally built like a castellum in 1207, it was expanded, rebuilt and built upon further over the years. Witness the history with your own eyes as different performances take place as soon as the sun starts caressing the castle walls in spring.

Jurmala.

Just 20 minutes’ drive from Riga, Jurmala is a seaside resort like no other. If you’re looking for fun, there’s vibrant life on the beach and in the unique spas, offering a tempting menu of mud packs and massages. But Jurmala is also a great place to get back to nature, strolling the miles of pine-fringed shore or admiring beautiful timber summer cottages

Sigulda

Sigulda is only 50 km drive from Riga. Almost all of the city is inside of the Gauja National park territory and not only it is covered by nature and history but Sigulda, also is the first name comes to mind when one thinking about adrenalin in Latvia. From classic tours including Sigulda and Turaida castles, Gutmane cave and Turaida museum reserve to the full day action packages where you can experience rafting, bungee jumping, zip line’ing, skydiving and bobsleighing, Sigulda is 100% satisfactory.

Riga – Art Nouveau

Central Riga, the downtown area, is included on the UNESCO World Heritage List thanks to its Medieval dwellings, quaint 19th-century wooden structures, and its prime examples of Art Nouveau architecture that, actually, are like no other. Having the highest concentration of Art Nouveau buildings anywhere in the world, Latvia is like a rough gem, with Riga being its bright, shining heart. Enjoy a stroll through the Old Town, having a cup of tea or coffee whilst letting your eyes wonder over the details and remarkable examples of architecture all around. Or even dare to step inside these buildings, to be able to properly soak in all of Art Nouveau glory, even within interior design and a careful selection of furnishings.