What image best represents Talliinn?

I was in England last week and as I was reading the London Times I was pleased to find Tallinn featured in the travel section. As much as I love to see Estonia advertised as a travel destination, I am often disappointed when the Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral is used to represent the city. This landmark is neither Estonian nor that old. The building was completed in 1900 and was scheduled to be demolished in 1929 after Estonia became independent. That plan was cancelled but there are discussions about its demolition or relocation again today.

So this poses the question, what image would be best used to represent Tallinn in travel articles? 

Tallinn is a beautiful old medieval city that dates back to the 13th century. It's a former Hanseatic Port, and it was a significant one at that, with stunning gothic architecture that still exists today. Tallinn is a city rich in history and many of its buildings and structures have been carefully preserved for future generations to enjoy. 

When I think of Tallinn, I think of medieval towers with their red tiled roofs, the Town Hall Square (Raekoja Plats) and the beautiful old buildings of the Old Town. If there were an image that encapsulates it all, it would have to be a cityscape view, where the towers and old buildings, church spires and view of the sea can all be seen. (I have yet to find the perfect photo).

Photo flashback: Estonian Song Festival in 1910

On this day in 1910. the VII Estonian Song Festival began in Tallinn. The event took place over three days from 25th –27th June 1910. For the first time, a party was held without a dedication to an imperial anniversary. The party procession started from the seashore near Russalka, then moved on to Kadriorg. From there governor Korostovetsi gave a greeting to the tsar and the imperial anthem was sung. The procession then continued to the party square at the end of today's Laulupeo street. 10,100 singers took part in the Song Festival that year.

 

 

Ceremonial flame of the Estonian Song and Dance Festival on relay around the country

The ceremonial flame for the XXVIII Song and XXI Dance Festival "Iseoma" (Kinship) was lit in the park by the Estonian National Museum in Tartu on June 15 and is now on its way across the country. The torch, with its legendary flame, brings the spirit of the festival closer to everyone it passes during its journey to Tallinn. The torch will reach Tallinn on July 2 and the festival will take place from July 3-6.  It's a celebration not to be missed!

Head Jaanipäeva!

I hope everyone had a great time celebrating Jaanipäev last night. It's truly wonderful when old Estonian traditions are kept alive in the modern world. Soon we will all be celebrating again during the Estonian Song and Dance Celebration. Nothing compares to this unique festival when Estonians from all around the world return to the homeland to take part. Our hearts will be full of national pride. Not long to go now!

The Best Places to Visit In Estonia

Summer is finally here and there is no better place to visit than Estonia. Rich in history and culture with stunning nature, Estonia has an abundance of attractions. The only question is where to start. Here are some of the best places to visit in Estonia.

Estonian pride to soar this summer

The Estonian Song Festival is just a few weeks away — that rare and powerful event, held every five years, when typically reserved Estonians are transformed into a vibrant collective of emotion. There is no greater outward expression of Estonians' love for their homeland than this festival. It is a time of great celebration, unity, and a deep sense of belonging.

Estonians have much to be proud of, not only their ability to sing together in stunning harmony or the fact that they possess one of the world’s largest collections of folk songs. At the heart of it all is a profound connection to nature, to heritage, and to the Estonian language. The Estonian mindset is unique and different to other countries, shaped by centuries of wars, occupations, and plagues. Estonians are a self-reliant and resourceful people, known for making the most of what they have and keeping to themselves. 

In early July, Estonians from across the globe will return to the homeland, raising their voices in song to celebrate the richness of their language, culture, and traditions.

Elagu Eesti! Long live Estonia!

Voldemar Lender: The first ethnic Estonian to become mayor of Tallinn

115 years ago today, on 9th June 1906, Voldemar Lender became the first Estonian mayor of Tallinn. Previously, the mayors of Tallinn had either been Baltic Germans or Russians. Voldemar Lender was an engineer by profession who served as mayor for seven years until 1913 when Jaan Poska succeeded him. 

Voldemar Lender was known as the 'mayor who built a city'. His construction company built many one-and two-story wooden houses with symmetrical facades in Tallinn. These buildings were known as 'Lender houses' and were popular from the late 19th century to the early 20th century, many of them still standing today.

Lender's wife, Elfriede Lender (née Meikov), was a teacher who founded the first Estonian-speaking girls' school in Estonia. They had four children who also went on to lead successful careers.

Photo Flashback: Tapa Railway Station 1925

Tapa train station opened in 1870 and is an important junction station connecting the Tallinn–Narva (west–east) and Tallinn–Tartu–Valga (north–south) railway lines. During the period of rapid industralisation in Estonia a small town soon emerged next to the existing village in Tapa. Tapa has been known as both a railway and a military town throughout its history.

2025 is the Estonian year of the book

The oldest book in the Estonian National Archives Library belongs to the collection of books of the Estonian knighthood. The volumes of the Old Livonian Knighthood consists of two books and relates to law and procedures. They were printed in 1537 and 1539 respectively in the printing house of Michael Lotter in Magdeburg, Germany.

 

Today we celebrate the 141th birthday of our beloved national flag

On 4 June 1884, the blue, black, and white flag was consecrated in Otepää as the symbol of the Estonian Students’ Association. The flag was designed in Tartu and later became the official national flag of Estonia in 1918. The tri-colour "sinimustvalge" (blue-black-white) flag is very symbolic in nature. Blue represents the sky, black represents the soil of our homeland and white symbolises purity and hope.

The original EÜS fraternity flag was handmade and still exists today. It is now on permanent display at the Estonian National Museum (ERM). Estonia is one of the few countries in the world that still possesses its original physical national flag. Head Eesti lipu päeva!

First Estonian Festival held in Australia in 1954