Craftsmanship surging in Estonia

Estonia is known for its innovativeness and eagerness to adopt and invent new technologies. Yet the old and the traditional has not at all been forgotten. Among the Nordic capitals, only Tallinn and Lubeck have far-reaching roots in the history of marzipan. The recipe for marzipan was invented in Hanseatic Tallinn by a student at Town Hall Apothecary, which is also known as the oldest apothecary in the world. Since then marzipan (originally Marci Panis) has been produced in Tallinn. When visiting Tallinn, it is suggested to go to one of the two marzipan museums in Tallinn, on Pikk street 16, or Viru street 4, where one can shape all sorts of marzipan figures. These are popular places for celebrating children s birthdays among the locals. Also, Estonia s biggest chocolate manufacturer Kalev had its start, in 1806, in Pikk street s marzipan boutique in the Old Town.

Summer capital Pärnu

Summer capital Pärnu Pärnu is a popular summer destination, a seaside resort, and a town with a lively cultural life. Its shady parks, beautiful sandy beach and quality restaurants, cafés, spas and nightclubs help you recharge your batteries whether you travel with a family or look for adventures on your own. For a change one can visit the local theatre, museums, numerous concerts and exhibitions. A dedicated visitor to the summer capital Pärnu is likely to have neither time nor mood to go to the countryside. Yet some landmarks of Estonian culture and plenty of sites of natural heritage in Pärnu County are worth mentioning. Vändra and its neighbourhood which was the home of a number of important figures in the history of Estonian culture the Kurgja farm museum Tõstamaa Islets Protection Area Tori Stud Farm and the part of Soomaa National Park belonging to Pärnu County.

A cool country with a warm heart

What is the best expression of Estonia s character? Is it the grey limestone, used in the walls of medieval houses and churches, that pushes its way through the soil and takes the form of majestic cliffs when it reaches the sea. The Baltic Sea, which touches the beaches of Estonia s thousand islands, sometimes gently, sometimes angrily. The forest, which covers the whole country and has for centuries provided Estonians with a roof over their heads, warmth and a place of refuge. Excitement about the melting of the snow and the touch of the warm spring sun on one s face an indescribable joy that one can only fully comprehend in a northern country. The Midsummer Night bonfire on the beach or in a meadow, the enchantment of white summer nights when the sun only sets for a moment The three colours of the Estonian flag blue representing the sky, black the soil and white the snow.

Useful information

Official name: Republic of Estonia (in Estonian: Eesti Vabariik). Area: 45,227 km2 (ca 10 of Estonia s territory is made up of 1520 islands, 5 are inland waterbodies, 48 is forest, 7 is marshland and moor, and 37 is agricultural land) 1. 36 million inhabitants (68 Estonians, 26 Russians, 2 Ukrainians, 1 Byelorussians and 1 Finns), of whom 68 live in cities. Capital Tallinn - 397 thousand inhabitants. Official language: Estonian, system of government: parliamentary democracy. The proclamation of the country s independence is a national holiday celebrated on the 24th of February (Independence Day). The Republic of Estonia is a member of the European Union and NATO. Estonia is on Eastern European time (GMT 02:00) Telephone: the country code for Estonia is 372 Estonian Internet catalogue www.ee, information: www.1182.ee and www.1188.ee