ESTONIA 327 © Lonely Planet Publications Planet Lonely ©
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© Lonely Planet Publications 327 Estonia These are heady days for Estonia. In the space of one generation Estonia has had its prayers answered and dreams realised, and is now scarcely recognisable in its new incarnation. After some hiccups in the early days, this diminutive country has politically and economically shaken off the dead weight of the Soviet era, and has turned its focus very much to the West. Since the turn of the millennium, Estonia has gained both NATO and EU member- ESTONIA ship, plus one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, and the country is now celebrating its return to the world stage – independent, economically robust, tech savvy and pretty damn satisfied. And why wouldn’t it be? There’s certainly much to be proud of, and the world is slowly tuning in to the low-key and lovely Estonian charms, an appealing blend of Eastern European and Nordic flavours. Revelling in Tallinn’s long white nights and medieval history, and exploring the country’s coastline, studded with 1521 islands, are joys to be savoured. National parks provide plenty of elbow room, and are home to wildlife long gone in Western Europe. Quaint villages evoke a sense of history, while uplifting song-and-dance festivals celebrate age-old traditions. The last century has been full of twists and turns for the country, but it’s now anxious to emphasise what distinguishes it from the rest of Europe. Estonia’s primped and primed, and waiting to shine in the spotlight. FAST FACTS Area 45,226 sq km Capital Tallinn Currency kroon (EEK); €1 = 15.65EEK; US$1 = 11.47EEK; UK£1 = 16.62EEK; A$1 = 7.94EEK; ¥100 = 11.93EEK; NZ$1 = 6.44EEK Famous for song festivals, Skype, Kazaa, saunas, forest Official language Estonian Phrases tere (hello); vabandage (excuse me); palun (please); aitäh (thanks) Population 1.3 million Telephone codes country code %372; international access code %00 Visa no visa needed for citizens of the EU, USA, Canada and Australia for stays of up to 90 days; see p364 ESTONIA 328 0 80 km ESTONIA 0 50 miles ESTONIA To Helsinki (80km) Käsmu Loksa Altja Kaberneeme Lahemaa Võsu National Park Tallinn Maardu Palmse Vihula Kunda Narva- To Stockholm (380km) Gulf of Finland Jõelähtme Jõesuu Kahala Ontika Keila-Joa Kiiu Viitna E20 Sillamäe Kohtla- Narva Paldiski E67 Järve E20 E20 Kehra Rakvere Lüganuse Jõhvi Ristno Keila To St Petersburg Nõva Aegviidu (125km) Viru-Jaagupi Tahkunanina Hageri Tahkuna Riguldi Tamsalu Riisipere Peninsula Iisaku Kärdla Vormsi Roosna-Alliku Vasknarva Vormsi Risti Järve- Kõpu Ristna Hiiumaa Rapla Jaani Ranna- Kauksi Peninsula Rohuküla Pungerja Suuremöisa Haapsalu Heltermaa B A L T I C S E A Käina Märjamaa Paide Hiiumaa Lelle Mustvee Islets E67 Lake Reserve Pulse Türi Peipsi Kassari Kirbla Sõru Jõgeva Lihula Ranna Pammana Muhu Mihkli Kuivaste Vändra Põltsamaa Kallaste Pärnu- Võhma Võhma Orissaare Virtsu Jaagupi Suure- Maarja Nina RUSSIA Angla Jaani Saaremaa Pädaste Maadaleena Soomaa National Park Kaali Karevere Kärla Sakla Pärnu Sindi Pilguse Saulepi Viljandi Kavastu Tartu Nasva Kuressaare Lake Sangla Pootsi Kõpu Võrtsjärv Salme Munalaid Port Kilingi- Elva Nõmme Vastse- Kuuste Sörve Kihnu Paluoja Peninsula Häädemeeste Mõisaküla Räpina Torgu Tali Karksinuia Jäärja Otepää Põlva Sääre Tõrva E67 Värska Sangaste Ruhnu Aina¢i P©jiena Mazsalace Võru Setumaa Pskov Gulf of R‹ga Staicele lonelyplanet.com Kolka Valga Antsla Obinitsa Salacgr‹va Valka Suur Munamägi Pechory Mazirbe Aloja (318m) Vastseliina Rõuge Haanja E77 Matiši Meremäe Mi¯eµtornis National Oviši LATVIA Stren²i Park E67 LATVIA Mõniste Ruusmäe Dundaga Kaltene T©jas Valmiera Trik„ta E77 Ventspils To R‹ga Limba¢i To R‹ga Ape (60km) (110km).