ESTONIA
21 - 29 June 2017
Map of our roadtrip:
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Day 1 - Parnu - Saaremaa
Our entry into Estonia via Lativa today, and our first stop was Pärnu, a historical beautiful resort seaside city with a small harbour in the South-Western part of Estonia. It is famous for its spas, shallow white sandy beach and beautiful parks. It is also a popular place for conferences, theatre performances and concerts. During the sunny summer period, the beautiful, sandy beaches that invite both baskers and bathers become the heart of Pärnu. On our way to Parnu, we stopped by an old town, famous for their wooden houses, and had lunch here. We did not stay too long in Parnu after seeing so many beaches in other Baltic countries. After Parnu, our next stop was Saaremaa Island is the largest island in Estonia, measuring 2,673 km2 (1,032 sq mi). The main island of Saare County, it is located in the Baltic Sea, south of Hiiumaa island, and belongs to the West Estonian Archipelago. The capital of the island is Kuressaare, which has about 15,000 inhabitants; the whole island has over 30,966 inhabitants. |
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Day 2 - Saaremaa
Day for exploring the beautiful island of Estonia. Among the numerous sights of Saaremaa, several are worth calling special attention to, e.g. Angla windmill hill, Mustjala cliff, bell tower built in the 17Ih century at Kihelkonna, manor house at Loona, ruins of Maasi castle of order, and Mihkli Farm Museum at Viki. The medieval churches of Saaremaa have remarkable archaic architecture, e.g. churches of Poide and Karja. The oldest of them - the church of Valjala - was built in the 13th century. The most important tourist sight in the only town of the county, Kuressaare (up to 1917 Arensburg) is the bishopric castle dating from the 13lh century. This castle is unique in the Baltic countries. Kuressaare is also known for its beautiful and well preserved old town. |
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Day 3 - Saaremaa - Tallinn
After breakfast, we spend more time exploring Saaremaa before taking the ferry back to mainland and drove to the capital and largest city of Estonia, Tallinn. Tallinn's Old Town is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Tallinn is the major political, financial, cultural and educational center of Estonia. |
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Day 4 - Tallinn
Today, we spend the whole day exploring Tallinn old town and the surrounding neighborhoods by our car. Some of the point of interests include: Raekoja plats (Town Hall Square) Masters' Courtyard Katariina käik (St. Catherine's Passage) Kohtuotsa viewing platform (for panoramic view of the old town) St. Olav’s Church and Tower Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin (Dome Church's) Tower Town Hall Pharmacy Kiek in de Kök Kadriorg Palace - Kadriorg Art Museum Lennusadam (Seaplane Harbour) St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral Kumu Art Museum Niguliste Museum (St. Nicholas' Church) Patkuli viewing platform Tallinn Town Wall Tallinn TV Tower Vabaduse väljak (Freedom Square) |
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Day 5 - Tallinn - Rakvere - Lahemaa National Park
After checking out from our Air BnB apartment, we stop by at the Telliskivi Loomelinnak (Creative City), which is located in a former industrial complex next to the Balti Railway Station on the borders between the City Centre, Pelgulinna and Kalamaja districts, is the creative centre of Tallinn. This is the largest creative centre in Estonia consisting of ateliers, studios, creative companies and offices of artists and NGOs. Rakvere is Estonia’s fifth largest city, situated in northern Estonia, 20 km south of the Gulf of Finland. The ruins of the stone castle are nowadays Rakvere’s main tourist attraction. Near the castle stands one of the symbols of the town- sculpture the Bull. Rakvere is a great place for a diverse short holiday. You can relax in a spa, have a medieval walk and listen to some good jazz music on the same day. A far more important attraction, Lahemaa National Park, that offers a unique experience for all nature lovers, is around 10 kilometers north of the town. Lahemaa is the oldest and largest national park in Estonia representing the nature and cultural heritage, typical of North Estonia. Established in 1971, covering an area of 72,500 ha. It encompasses 47,410 ha of land and 25,090 ha of sea |
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Day 6 - Lahemaa National Park
Head to Lahemaa National Park (~100 km) - a beautiful place on the northern coast of Estonia. Unspoilt nature and cultural heritage of the Baltic Barons is all yours – visit the manor houses of Sagadi, Palmse, Vihula which are all different and all may offer you a bed or a meal in addition to a cozy stroll around. The Tourist Information Center of the park will offer you hiking plans. But visiting old fishermen villages of Viinistu (with a modern art museum), Kasmu (with a little naval museum) and Altja is your minimum culture-wise for today. |
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Day 7 - Lahemaa National Park - Tartu
We choose a shortcut via Rakvere, and stopped there at the impressive ruins of the castle. But there’s always a more complicated way available - use it if you’ve got time and will to explore the country more thoroughly. Drive along the seashore until you reach Narva, the town bordering with Ivangorod in Russia across the river. The two castles on the opposite banks of the river is an impressive view. Part of the route will later take you along lake Peipsi, you will also have a possibility to stop at an orthodox nunery at Kuremäe and drive through the towns of old believers – Mustvee and Kalastee |
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Day 8 - Tartu
A day to explore Tartu, the university city of Estonia, also the second biggest city of the country. You should walk in the Old Town dedicate some time to the University ensemble here. Tartu is Estonia’s second largest city and also the oldest one in the Baltic States – first mentioned in 1030. Tartu has always been the intellectual capital of Estonia. For the visitor, there are plenty of museums and galleries to visit, but the first destinations should probably be the cobbled streets of Old Town and the paths and bridges of Toome Hill - a good place to see the spectrum of reds and browns once autumn hits. Theatre performances, concerts, festivals, conferences happen all year round. Tartu is also home to more than 20 museums. |
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Day 9 - Tartu - Tallinn
It takes around 2 hours on a direct route from Tartu to Tallinn. So you may choose alternative route. Say drive westbound and stop in Viljandi, a charming small town with impressive ruins of an old castle of the Teutonic Knights. Then head to the road E263 via Paide. |
TRIP PHOTOS - ESTONIA