The few days I spent in Tallinn last week was a perfect introduction to Estonia, and left me wanting to see more of the country. While in Tallinn, I found it interesting to learn about major events in Estonian history- especially as some of the more recent events are shared with Lithuania. Estonia gained its freedom from the Soviet Union in 1991 and in the same year joined the UN. Soon after, Estonia joined the Eu and adopted the Euro. Estonia was the first of the Baltic countries to adopt the Euro (Lithuanian only just switched to the Euro). The official language of Estonia is Estonian, which is closer to Finnish than to Russian, Latvian, or Lithuanian languages.
As the home of up-and-coming technology and Skype, I didn't exactly expect that the Tallinn Old Town would be so well preserved. I know, I know a silly comment. But really, walking into Tallinn Old Town was like walking back in time (minus the occasional car and normal clothes). Tallinn has an incredibly well preserved medieval old town and wow is it stunning - it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, after all. Just take a look for yourself...
Next week I'll be writing a few posts about the what to do and where to eat in and around the Tallinn Old Town.
Have you been to Tallinn before? Are you be interested in visiting Estonia?
It looks lovely! x
ReplyDeleteIt is a beautiful, little Old Town!
DeleteIt looks gorgeous! Reminds me a little of Rothenburg in Germany, which if you could clear out the cars and the modern clothes would also be like going back in time! :)
ReplyDeleteOh, I should go to Rothenburg - I've heard so many great things!
DeleteWow, that looks so beautiful! Totally adding Estonia to my travel list! Can't wait for more posts
ReplyDeleteYou should add it to your list! Tallinn is beautiful and I would absolutely love to visit other parts of Estonia as well!
DeleteWhat a beautiful place. I never would have thought about visiting Estonia, but now I want to go there!
ReplyDeleteRight! The Baltic states are really beautiful and prices are cheaper than western Europe - bonus!
DeleteSoooo pretty! If I can ever get the Russky a Schengen visa, I am planning a big trip through the Baltic states the next time we head to Russia!
ReplyDeleteMaybe with a green card it will be easier to get a Schengen visa? Taking a trip through the Baltics would be so easy when on your way to or from Russia. You could even do a road trip and see a ton of the countryside (I would be so envious of that!). You could also speak Russian here in a pinch if someone doesn't speak English.
DeleteWhat? As if Skype was invented in Estonia...I had no idea!! I loved this post and I've been looking forward to it ever since your teaser post a while ago. You totally have me wanderlusting over Estonia!
ReplyDeleteMORE MORE MORE!!! Love this!
Yes! That was the only thing I knew about Estonia before going- such an important tool in my expat life! I have several more Tallinn posts coming - it really is a wonderful place to visit.
DeleteI love that narrow gray building! I've spent much less time in Estonia than in Lithuania, but would definitely like to go for a longer visit. My one short day in Tallinn years ago was not enough. I've also visited Tartu, which is a nice university town. Everyone who has visited the Estonian islands raves about them - they are on my bucket list!
ReplyDeleteThat narrow gray building was my favorite too! I would like to spend more time visiting both Estonia and Latvia, especially since they are so close to us in Lithuania! I've also heard good things about Tartu and the islands, but haven't had the chance to go yet. Hopefully we will both get there!
DeleteI so waited this post! :D You made so pretty pictures!
ReplyDeleteIt was so great to meet you during my visit! I have a few more posts about Tallinn, and did end up walking around Kalamaja!
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