ESTONIA
Vacations and Sightseeing
Vacations and Sightseeing
| Basic information | |
| Official language | Estonian |
| Capital | Tallinn |
| Area | 45.228 km² |
| Population | 1,328,024 (2021) |
| Currency | euro (EUR) |
| Web | .ee |
| Code. | EST |
| Tel. | +372 |
Cities in ESTONIA
| Tallinn |
Vacations and Sightseeing
Already by the end of the 1980s, tourism was a growth sector. After independence, this became even more evident. Estonia became more accessible by air and water, which increased the number of visitors, especially from Western Europe. In 1990 approximately 500,000 tourists came to Estonia. By the mid-1990s this number had risen to over a million! New accommodation was quickly built and it was agreed with the other Baltic states that only one visa was needed for the three countries. Estonia's biggest attraction is the medieval centre of Tallinn, as well as Tartu and the island of Saaremaa. Most tourists come from Finland and Sweden.
The Estonian capital Tallinn is not large, but that does not diminish the beauty of the city. You feel as if you are in a fairy tale when you walk around between the medieval buildings and look at the Toompea (the Domberg). Tallinn has many attractive sights, many of which have great historical value. The old town of Tallinn officially belongs to the World Heritage List. Freedom Square (Vabaduse väljak) at the edge of Tallinn's old town is one of them. Throughout history, both during the Tsarist era and during independence, this square has always been a national symbol. And this is still the case today. Several Art Deco houses can be found on the square. St. Olaf's Church, built in 1267, with its 124-metre-high spire is a striking sight in the Estonian capital. The tower was once 159 metres high, but fell victim to lightning and fire several times. The church is said to have been built for King Olaf II of Sweden and the spire used to serve as a landmark for approaching ships. It is recommended to climb the tower and enjoy the great view of Tallinn.
Sources
Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania: country studies
Federal Research Division, Library of Congres
Spilling, M. / Estonia
Marshall Cavendish Corporation
Taylor, N. / Estonia
Bradt Publications
Williams, N. / Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania
Lonely Planet
CIA - World Factbook
BBC - Country Profiles
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