Composition of the territory of Estonia. Country Estonia. Public transport within cities

Estonia is one of the three countries that in Russia are usually called the Baltic republics. This small state, part of the EU and NATO.

Estonia is located next to Russia on the world map. This is the northernmost Baltic state, bordering the Leningrad region.

Estonia on the world and Europe map in Russian

The official name of the country - Republic of Estonia. This is a small state, occupying 134th place in the world in terms of its territory. The country lives in the same time zone as Eastern European Time - GMT+2, so there is no time difference with the Russian capital.

The population of the Republic of Estonia is only 1.31 million people.

Capital

Capital of Estonia Tallinn is a large port city included in the UNESCO World Heritage List. All the main cities are concentrated in its old part. Many buildings in it date back to the 13th-15th centuries.

At the top of the old town is Toompea Castle. It was built in the 13th century by German knights. Currently, it houses the country's parliament. The Long Hermann Tower, located in the southern part of the castle, is the national symbol of Estonia.

The heart of the old city - Town Hall Square . Along its perimeter there are ancient houses. Since the 15th century, every year the country's main Christmas tree is installed on Town Hall Square. The lower part of the city is fenced on one side by a 2-kilometer fortress wall with 20 towers. The height of the wall is 14-16 meters. The thickness of the fortress walls is 3 m.

Big cities

There are no cities in Estonia with more than a million inhabitants. The largest cities in the country, besides Tallinn: Parnu, Narva and Tartu. The population of these cities is constantly declining.

On this moment According to various estimates, the largest cities in the country have a population of less than 100 thousand people.

According to census data Population cities is:

Tartu— 95,000 people (the city is located in Tartu County);
Narva– 62,000 people (the city is located in Ida-Viumaa county);
Parnu– just over 40,000 people (the city is located in Pärnu County).

The oldest city in the country is Tallinn. Among the most beautiful settlements Estonia:

Kuressaare. The city is surrounded by the moat of the old castle and fortress walls, and has a cozy beach.
Haapsalu. The main attraction of the seaside town is the medieval bishop's castle.
Rakvere. The city is popular with tourists. Its main attraction is the ruined castle built on Vallimägi Hill.

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Useful information for tourists about Estonia, cities and resorts of the country. As well as information about the population, currency of Estonia, cuisine, features of visa and customs restrictions in Estonia.

Geography of Estonia

Estonia is a country in northeastern Europe, on east coast Baltic Sea. It borders with Russia and Latvia. In the north it is washed by the Gulf of Finland, in the west by the Baltic Sea. Estonia owns more than 1,500 islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. The relief is predominantly flat with an extensive network of lakes.

State

State structure

The form of government is a republic. The head of state is the president, the legislative body is the State Assembly.

Language

Official language: Estonian

Widely spoken are English, Russian, Finnish and German.

Religion

The majority of believers are Lutherans (70%) and Orthodox (20%).

Currency

International name: EUR

From 1992 to 2010, the country used the Estonian kroon. The transition to the euro took place on January 1, 2011.

History of Estonia

The territory of modern Estonia was inhabited approximately two and a half thousand years before the birth of Christ. Profitable geographical position at the crossroads of trade routes from East to West and from North to South, it caused great interest in this piece of land, inspired many kings to go on military campaigns and gave rise to many strife.

Since the 13th century, Estonia has been under the influence Teutonic Order. Knight's castles, which have survived to a greater or lesser extent to this day, are one of the most important tourist sites.

In 1285 Tallinn became part of the Hanseatic League. German merchants conducted mainly trade business. Subsequent generations of Germans, who finally settled in Estonia, built family estates throughout the country. The Germans were the first wave in a long line of conquerors. Danes, Swedes, Poles and Russians all marched across Estonia, imposing their will, erecting cities and castles, exporting goods through Estonian ports.

At the end of the 19th century, a wave of national liberation movement arose in Estonia. On February 24, 1918, Estonia declared its independence. True, Estonia did not remain free for long. In 1940 Estonia was annexed to Soviet Union, and only in 1991 (August 20) was it able to regain independence, leaving the USSR peacefully. Today the country is a member of the UN and the IMF.

The territory of modern Estonia was inhabited approximately two and a half thousand years before the birth of Christ. The advantageous geographical position at the crossroads of trade routes from East to West and from North to South led to great interest in this piece of land, prompted many kings to go on military campaigns and gave rise to many disputes....

Popular attractions

Tourism in Estonia

Where to stay

All of Estonia is one huge resort. Hotels and sanatoriums are located here wherever there are suitable conditions for this. After the country gained independence, the number of hotels increased from several dozen to several hundred. Estonia has a fairly developed tourism industry, which is reflected in the breadth and quality of the hotel stock, as well as a really high level of service in hotels.

The country's hotels have a standard five-star classification plus a separate classification of motels from one to three stars - everything is strictly controlled at the state level.

In one-star hotels in Estonia, the reception is open from 7.00 to 23.00. In rooms ranging from 9 sq. m and above there is a bath, toilet and towels. Breakfast is included in the price. Unlike one-star rooms, two-star rooms have a telephone and at least 10% of these rooms are non-smoking.

In three-star hotels, the reception is open 24 hours a day. Guests have access to computers with the Internet, and each room has a TV. Breakfast, if desired by the guest, is served in the room. Daytime and evening meals are provided at the hotel restaurant.

Four-star hotels in most cases have an elevator. The rooms are equipped with comfortable furniture, TV with international channels, minibar and computer with Internet access. Hot meals can be served in your room at least 16 hours a day. In addition to this range of services, five-star hotels are distinguished by round-the-clock service, the presence of their own restaurant, swimming pool and fitness center.

For more thrifty tourists In Estonia there is always a choice between small private hotels, Bed & Breakfasts, hostels and campsites (both tent camps and caravan parks).

Many old sanatoriums and boarding houses have been completely converted into modern medical and health complexes, where tourists are offered a variety of health programs and SPA services.

Popular hotels

Excursions and attractions in Estonia

Estonia is a small charming country on the Baltic Sea coast. Her centuries-old history, rich cultural heritage and magnificent natural landscapes will fill your holiday unforgettable impressions. Here you will find the picturesque shores of the Gulf of Finland and Riga, many beautiful islands, dense forests, lakes, nature reserves and National parks. It will be a great pleasure to get acquainted with ancient cities and colorful fishing villages, as well as visit magnificent medieval castles, most interesting museums, ancient churches and monasteries.

The capital of Estonia, Tallinn, is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The historical center of Tallinn certainly deserves special attention – Old city. Its narrow winding streets, remains of fortress walls, medieval towers, ancient houses with red tiled roofs and numerous weather vanes create a magical atmosphere and unique flavor. It is definitely worth visiting Toompea Castle, Tallinn Town Hall, St. Olav and St. Nicholas Churches, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Glen Castle, Kadriorg Palace, Church of the Holy Spirit, Niguliste Church, Maarjamägi Castle, Estonian Maritime Museum, Art Museum, Botanical Garden and Zoo. In the vicinity of Tallinn, the Estonian Museum under open air Rocca al Mare and the ruins of the monastery of St. Brigid.

Tartu is the second largest city in Estonia and its Cultural Center. Among the many attractions of the city of Tartu, the most interesting are Toomemägi Hill (Domberg) with the ruins of the Cathedral of Peter and Paul (Dome Cathedral), the Tartu Observatory and the Old Anatomicum, the Town Hall and Town Hall Square, St. John's Church, Estonian National Museum, National Gallery, Toy Museum, Oscar Lutz House Museum, Angel's and Devil's Bridges, Botanical Garden and St. Anthony's Metochion.

Very popular among tourists ancient city Narva and its main attraction is Hermann's Narva Castle. Also worth visiting in Narva are the Alexander Church, the Town Hall, the Resurrection Cathedral, the Narva Museum, the Art Gallery and the oldest park in Narva - the Dark Garden. Of particular interest is the complex of buildings of the Krenholm manufactory, located on the island of the same name.

Estonia includes more than one and a half thousand islands and Saaremaa is not only the largest of them, but, perhaps, the most interesting. Its main attraction, the Bishop's Castle in Kuressaare (the largest settlement on the island), is considered the only medieval castle, completely preserved to this day in the Baltic countries. Today the castle houses the Saaremaa Museum and Art Gallery. Among the natural attractions of the island, lakes Kaali (meteor crater) and Karujärv should be noted. Lovers of nature and silence will have a lot of fun taking a walk through the Viidumäe nature reserve. The island of Saaremaa is also famous for its excellent mud baths. Definitely worth a visit and picturesque islands Hiiumaa and Vormsi.

Estonia – state in Northern Europe, located on the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea.

On detailed map Estonia can see that the country borders Russia in the east (for 294 km), in the south – with Latvia (for 339 km), and in the north it has a maritime border with Finland.

Estonia is a major financial center and exporter of shale, phosphorites, lumber and construction materials, and fish.

Estonia on the world map: geography, nature and climate

Estonia on the world map is located in Northern Europe, in the Baltic states, and is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea - the Gulf of Finland in the north and the Gulf of Riga in the west. The territory of Estonia stretches from north to south for 240 km, and from west to east – 350 km. In addition to the main continental part, the country includes 2,355 Baltic islands, the largest of which are Saaremaa, Hiiumaa, Muhu and Vormsi. The total length of Estonia's land and sea borders is 1,633 km.

Minerals

Estonia is not rich in mineral resources, but it does have some of the world's largest shale reserves. Reserves of peat, phosphorites, limestone and clay have also been explored.

Relief

The territory of Estonia is located on the East European Plain. The surface of the earth is predominantly flat, alternating with lowlands, hills, depressions and valleys. Major landforms of Estonia:

The Haanja Hills in the southeast, where the highest point not only of Estonia, but of the entire Baltic region is located - Mount Suur-Munamägi (318 meters);
West Saaremaa Upland in the west;
Pandivere Hills in the north;
Sakala and Otepää hills in the south;
Harju and Viru plateaus in the north;
Uganda Plateau in the south;
North-Estonian klint (ledge).

Hydrography

About 7,000 rivers and streams flow through the country, only 10 of which are longer than 100 km. Almost all rivers are fed by snow, rain or lakes and swamps and flow into the Baltic Sea, Lake Peipus and Pskov or Lake Vyrtsjärv. The longest river is Võhandu, 162 km long.

There are 1,150 lakes in Estonia, covering 5% of the country's territory and predominantly of glacial origin. Largest lake– Chudskoye (area – 3555 km 2), on the map of Estonia in Russian it can be found on the border with Russia, in the eastern part of the country.

Flora and fauna

Approximately half of Estonia's territory is occupied by forests (4th place in Europe in terms of forest cover), and a fifth of it is swamps. Pine, birch, spruce, aspen and alder trees grow in the forests.

The country is home to 65 species of mammals, 331 species of birds, 65 species of fish, 15 thousand species of insects and 3,500 species of invertebrates. The most frequently encountered animals are moose, roe deer, hares, wild boars, bears, minks, hedgehogs; birds – wood grouse, hazel grouse, black grouse. The waters of Estonia are home to salmon, whitefish, bream, roach, perch, pike perch, pike and other fish.

About 1,500 plant species grow in Estonia, 83 of which are found only here: for example, the Saarema yellow bell and the Estonian red bellweed.

Specially protected areas occupy 18% of the country's area. The largest national park is Lahemaa, located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland in Northern Estonia and includes pristine marshes, rocky and pine forests, picturesque coasts.

Climate of Estonia

The climate of Estonia is temperate maritime and temperate continental, with small amplitudes of annual and daily temperatures, influenced by Atlantic cyclones and the warm Gulf Stream. Therefore, winters in Estonia are mild for their latitudes, and summers are cool - average temperature January from -2 to -6 °C, and July from +17 to +18 °C. The average annual air temperature ranges from +5 to +7 °C, and the average annual precipitation ranges from 530 to 730 mm. Due to the proximity of the sea, the relative humidity is approximately 80-85%. The country usually experiences cloudy and cloudy weather.

Map of Estonia with cities. Administrative division of the country

The territory of Estonia is divided into 15 counties (maakond).

Largest cities in Estonia

Tallinn– the capital and largest city of Estonia, which is its scientific, economic, cultural and transport center. The city is located in the north of the country, on south coast Gulf of Finland. Tallinn is home to 450 thousand people, the most numerous nationalities are Estonians (52%), Russians (38%), Ukrainians (4%). The old part of the city is included in the list world heritage UNESCO.
Tartu is the second most populous city (93 thousand people) in the country and the center of the county of the same name, located 185 km southeast of Tallinn. The woodworking industry, metalworking, and mechanical engineering are developed in Tartu, and one of the leading universities in Europe, the University of Tartu, is also located here. Estonians make up the majority of the city's population - 80%, Russians in Tartu - 15%.
Jõhvi- a city in the north-eastern part of the country and the center of the most Russian-speaking county in Estonia - Ida-Viru County. The basis of the city's economy is oil shale mining. The population of Jõhvi is 10 thousand people, of which Russians account for 53% of the population, and Estonians account for 33%. On a map of Estonia with cities in Russian, Jõhvi can be found 160 km east of Tallinn.

Charming Estonia offers holidays on the picturesque Baltic coast and relaxation on the lake shores, a rich excursion program and treatment on mineral springs. Ancient Tallinn, resort Pärnu and the island of Saaremaa - all about Estonia: visa, map, tours, prices and reviews.

Last minute tours Worldwide

Holidays in Estonia have a number of obvious advantages: proximity to Russia (you can get here in a few hours by bus from St. Petersburg), not too complicated process of obtaining a visa, absence language barrier(in large cities almost everyone speaks Russian), high level of service. And the Estonian “excursion” is generally beyond praise: it’s even surprising how so many attractions fit into such a small country. Finally, in the summer you can sunbathe, swim, and at the same time improve your health.

All of Estonia is one big resort: hotels and sanatoriums are springing up wherever there are suitable conditions. Lovers of a quiet and secluded holiday can have a good rest on the islands, as well as on farms and farms in the Estonian “outback”. The country's entry into Schengen did not make obtaining a visa a more complicated procedure (however, it did not simplify it), but it opened the borders of many European countries to its guests.

Regions and resorts of Estonia

Time difference from Moscow

− 1 hour not in summer

with Kaliningrad

with Samara

with Yekaterinburg

with Omsk

with Krasnoyarsk

with Irkutsk

with Yakutsk

with Vladivostok

from Severo-Kurilsk

with Kamchatka

Climate

The weather in Estonia is subject to the whims of the Baltic. The climate here is temperate, moving from maritime to continental. The west coast is slightly warmer than the southwest, but overall the temperature difference is not significant. Winters are most often mild and snowy, but the local weather has seven Fridays a week: clear sunshine can suddenly give way to gusty winds and prickly rain. Most precipitation falls in autumn, but an umbrella will come in handy at the end of August. Spring is gray and cool, summer is warm, but not stuffy (winds from the Baltic Sea save you from the heat).

Officially, the swimming season lasts from June to August, but it is more comfortable to swim from mid-July: shallow coastal waters warm up to +20...+25 °C by this time.

Visa and customs

Estonia is a member of the Schengen Agreement. A visa and travel health insurance are required to visit the country.

The import and export of foreign currency is not limited, but amounts over 10,000 EUR must be declared. There are no restrictions on the import of personal items; meat and dairy products are prohibited. You can carry 200 cigarettes or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250 g of tobacco. Customs will allow 1 liter of strong drinks (with an alcohol content of more than 22°) or 2 liters with an alcohol content of less than 22°, 4 liters of wine and 16 liters of beer. You can take 50 ml of perfume or 250 ml of eau de toilette with you. Medicines - in quantities necessary for personal use, baby and medical food - up to 2 kg per person (packages must be sealed). The import of drugs, weapons, explosives, pornography and any counterfeit goods is strictly prohibited. Cultural property exported from Estonia must be accompanied by official certificates. Prices on the page are for October 2018.

Tax free

Shopping in Estonia can become 20% more profitable if you meet all the conditions of the Tax free system. This is not difficult to do: just make purchases worth at least 39 EUR in stores marked with appropriate signs and ask the seller for two receipts - a regular cash receipt and a special one, with a list of purchased goods, indicating VAT rates and the buyer’s personal data. All this will be needed at customs at the airport: unpacked goods will be inspected, a Tax free receipt will be stamped, and at the office Global Blue They will give you the required amount in cash or arrange a bank transfer.

How to get to Estonia

The largest airport in Estonia, Tallinn Airport, is located within the capital, just 4 km from it historical center. Direct flights from Moscow are operated only by Aeroflot, departure from Sheremetyevo, you will spend 1 hour 40 minutes in the air. Getting there with one transfer is a little more profitable: Air Baltic has routes with a connection in Riga, the journey duration is from 3 hours 20 minutes. LOT, UTair, Es Seven and other carriers organize flights with two transfers, the journey takes from 5.5 hours, connections in Riga, St. Petersburg, Vilnius and other European cities.

There are no direct flights from St. Petersburg to Tallinn. Air Baltic flies via Riga (from 3 hours in the air), Norra and Finnair - via Helsinki (from 7 hours), Scandinavian Airlines - via Stockholm (from 4 hours), LOT - via Warsaw (from 20 hours).

You can also get to the Estonian capital by land. The Baltic Express runs between Moscow and Tallinn, starting from Leningradsky Station and taking 15.5 hours to reach its destination. Tickets in a reserved seat - 80 EUR, in a compartment - 95 EUR. You can also take the same train in St. Petersburg, at the Moskovsky station: the trip will cost 40 EUR and 50 EUR, respectively. Ecolines buses also depart from both Russian capitals to Tallinn: tickets from Moscow - 55 EUR, from St. Petersburg - 20 EUR, schedule and details - at the office. carrier's website.

Search for flights to Estonia

To Estonia by car

You can also get to Estonia by car (just under 8 hours drive from St. Petersburg) through the checkpoints of Narva, Pechora and Luhamaa. However, keep in mind that there may be a long queue at the border.

Information about border checkpoints: Pärnu is located at the same distance from the checkpoint of Narva and Kunichnaya Gora (which is near Pskov), but the queue is traditionally much shorter at Kunichnaya Gora. But on the way back, you can reserve your place in the queue on the GoSwift website. Reservations can be made 90 days in advance. Next, the procedure is simple - drive up to Narva, go to the “settlement station” (turn right immediately after the first gas station when entering the city, and look for a small sign along left hand on a concrete fence). As soon as the reservation number is displayed, go to the window and go through necessary procedures and after that you go directly to the checkpoint. Don't forget to take out Green Card insurance in advance.

Transport

The main means of transportation between Estonian cities is the train. The railway network is maintained by Elron (office site), the rolling stock has recently been updated: the seats are now soft, there are blackout curtains on the windows, Wi-Fi is available in the cars. Tickets are sold at the box office and online, and electronic tickets do not need to be printed: special machines read them directly from the display.

A trip from the capital to Tartu will cost from 10.50 EUR, to Narva - from 11.40 EUR.

An alternative to trains are buses: intercity transport strictly follows a schedule and stops in the centers of all settlements. The largest carriers are Sebe, Lux Express (office site), Simple Express (office site). The cost of a trip from Tallinn to Pärnu is 6-9 EUR, to Haapsalu - 8 EUR.

Ferries operate between numerous Estonian islands. Ticket prices range from 3-4 EUR depending on the distance, standard surcharge for a car is 10 EUR.

Public transport within cities

Buses operate in most Estonian cities; there are also trolleybuses and trams in the capital. Tickets are sold at kiosks (1 EUR) and from drivers (2 EUR); it is more profitable to purchase reusable electronic cards (from 3 EUR) and top them up with the required amount. By the way, Tallinn residents themselves use public transport completely free of charge.

Tourists rarely need taxis in Estonia: most attractions are located within walking distance of each other. However, you can always catch a car on the street or call by phone, the average tariff for landing is 2 EUR, for each km - 0.50-1 EUR, at night - twice as expensive.

Bicycles are rented out in specialized showrooms and large hotels. The 1st hour of rental costs from 1.60 EUR, each subsequent hour - from 1.40 EUR, a day - from 10 EUR (plus a required deposit - 100 EUR). The trip will be as eventful as possible if you pick up a brochure with detailed cycling routes from the travel agency.

Rent a Car

If traveling around Estonia is not limited to Tallinn, renting a car is a very good solution. In the capital, the old center is given over to pedestrians; attractions are located close to each other. But beyond its borders there is complete freedom of movement: the roads are good, large islands cars are delivered by ferries.

Rental offices are located at the airport and big cities, the most popular are Alamo, Inter Rent, addCar, Prime Car Rent. Cars are rented to drivers over 19 years of age with insurance and an international license valid for more than a year. Some companies charge additional rates for customers under 25 years of age. In addition to the rental fee, you will need to pay a deposit (about 450 EUR) with bank card. The cost of renting a standard car is from 35 EUR, a station wagon - from 40 EUR, a premium model or SUV - from 70 EUR per day. Gasoline costs 1.10-1.20 EUR per liter; when returning the car you will have to fill up a full tank.

Fines for violating traffic rules are severe: from 70 EUR for talking on a mobile phone to 1200 EUR for speeding or drunk driving.

Traffic jams only occur in the capital, where it is most difficult to find a parking space. Most parking lots are in the centers major cities- paid, equipped with parking meters. You can leave a car for an hour for 0.60-5 EUR, depending on the area.

Communications and Wi-Fi

Using Estonian SIM cards is quite profitable. Key players in the market mobile communications- Tele2, EMT and Elisa, it is most convenient for tourists to connect the so-called conversational SIM cards (konekaart), the activation of which does not require any special formalities. They are sold at gas stations, supermarkets and kiosks of the R-kiosk network and cost from 2-3 EUR. If you wish, you can choose an additional package with Internet traffic for 4-10 EUR.

Calls to your home country with an EMT operator will cost 0.50 EUR per minute; Tele2 has a special “Russia” tariff for 5 EUR with 50 minutes of calls included for a month.

You can no longer find payphones on the streets of Estonian cities: they were eliminated as unnecessary back in 2010. But there are no problems with the Internet: unlimited free wifi available at the airport, restaurants, hotels and many in public places in large cities and resorts.

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Money

The country's currency is the Euro (EUR), 1 euro is 100 euro cents. Current rate: 1 EUR = 68.32 RUB.

It is best to go to Estonia with euros in your pocket: rubles are exchanged here, but the exchange rate is not very attractive. Dollars are accepted in all banks and exchange offices Eurex, Tavid and Monex, located everywhere: at the airport, hotels, large shopping malls, railway stations. The most favorable rates are usually in banks; many exchangers charge a commission for transactions.

Tipping is voluntary: you can always thank an attentive waiter with 5-10% of the bill, but no one will judge you for paying strictly according to the check.

Estonian banks are open on weekdays from 9:00 to 18:00; exchange offices often work longer. Some financial institutions are also open on Saturdays (until lunch), but Sundays are closed everywhere. Credit cards of common payment systems are accepted in both large stores and small souvenir shops. There are ATMs even in the outback, and they are safe to use: credit card fraud is rare in Estonia.