Estonia: Hidden Fairytale of the North

Winter beauty in Estonia

Some stunning images have come out of Estonia recently. Here are a few of my favourites. The Estonian landscape truly is a winter wonderland during this time of year. 

 

Saaremaa

 

 

 Tamme-Lauri Oak Tree, Antsla

 

Simuna

Eurostat: Estonia in numbers

On each European independence day Eurostat releases some fun country facts. Here is the most recent for Estonia.

Teodor van Dijk sings Õpetaja at EV108 concert

There were many joyful moments during the Estonian Independence Day celebrations yesterday. One of the best was watching Teodor van Dijk sing with the National Men's Choir. What a little cutie! He is only six years old!

Happy Independence Day! Ilusat iseseisvuspäeva!

Today we celebrate 108 years since the Republic of Estonia was founded on the enduring principles of freedom, democracy, and rule of law. Throughout our history,  Estonians have faced challenges with resilience and determination. Our independence, once lost and regained, reminds us that freedom cannot be taken for granted. It must be protected, strengthened, and passed on to future generations.

On this day Estonians around the world will gather to celebrate the birthday of our beloved republic. Never in our history have we been more successful as a nation than we are today. Ilusat vabariigi aastapäeva, armas Eesti! 

Elagu Eesti! 

Niina Petrokina wows audience Exhibition Gala

The Figure Skating Exhibition Gala of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina took place on February 21 and offered athletes a stage for pure artistic freedom without the pressure of judges. It's a tradition that takes place at the end of each Winter Olympics. Estonian figure skater Niina Petrokina gave an excellent performance and you can watch it here at the time point 1:27:47.

Henry Sildaru wins silver at the Winter Olympics

Finally! The wait is over! Estonia is up on the medals table at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games! Nineteen-year-old Henry Sidaru won silver in the mens freestyle skiing halfpipe and Estonians around the world are thrilled. The halfpipe is one of three categories of freestyle skiing and involves performing a series of tricks while skiing down a semi-cylindrical slope. This is Henry Sidaru's first Olympic medal. His older sister Kelly Sidaru was Estonia's only medalist at the last Winter Games in Beijing in 2022. 

It's seal breeding time in Estonia

In Estonia, peak seal breeding season takes place during the months of February and March. The number of pups born each year is heavily dependent on winter ice conditions. While seals prefer to give birth on drifting sea ice, in milder winters without enough ice, they will use coastal areas and rocky shores, particularly in Saaremaa and Hiiumaa. 

This year, winter in Estonia has been significantly colder than usual, with a bumper crop of baby grey seals seen around Estonia's coastline. Approximately 4,000 seal pups are born in Estonia each year,  predominantly grey seals and Baltic ringed seals.

People eager to take a selfie with seal pups are advised not to get too close. Seals are very protective of their offspring and territory and can be extremely dangerous to a person who approaches. A safer way of getting close to the animals is through a seal monitoring camera set up. The final number of seals born this year will not become clear until spring when the animals come out onto the rocks to moult and can be more easily observed.

Johanna Talihärm makes history as the first Estonian to join the International Olympic Committee

Estonian biathlete Johanna Talihärm, who participated in her fourth Olympics, was chosen as the first Estonian to join the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Athletes' Commission.

During the Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, 11 athletes ran for two vacant seats on the IOC Athletes' Commission, with 84 percent of eligible athletes casting their votes. Talihärm received 983 votes and she will join the committee along with South Korean bobsledder Yunjong Won, who received 1,176 votes.

Talihärm's new role will be officially announced at the closing ceremony of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympic Games in Verona on February 22.

The 108th birthday of the Republic of Estonia

On Tuesday the 24th of February 2026 the Republic of Estonia will celebrate its 108th birthday. The day will begin with the ceremonial raising of the national flag in the Governor's Garden at Toompea. The flag will be raised at 7:32 a.m. accompanied by the national anthem.

This year the anniversary parade will be held at Freedom Square in Tallinn. The event will start at 12 noon with military units lining up from 11am. The parade will be received by Estonian President Alar Karis and will be led by the Commander of the Defence Forces Lieutenant General Andrus Merilo. The units participating in the parade will be sending a clear message to the world, that the Estonian Defence Forces are disciplined, well organised, highly motivated and equipped to protect Estonia's statehood.

 

 

On Independence Day the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom will open early at 8:30am for anyone who wishes to come directly after the national flag hoisting ceremony. More information can be found here.

 

Estonia 8th in the world for Economic Freedom

In the 2025 Economic Freedom Index released by The Heritage Foundation, Estonia was ranked 8th in the world and is considered “mostly free”. With a score of 78.9 out of 100, Estonia's rating has increased by 1.1 points from last year, and ranks 5th out of 44 countries in the Europe region. Estonia’s economic freedom score is higher than the world and regional averages. In comparison, the world's largest economy, the United States, ranked 26th place in the index.

Vanilla Ninja to represent Estonia at Eurovision

Last night, Estonian girl band Vanilla Ninja won Eesti Laul with their song 'Too Epic to be True' and will go on to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna in May.

Vanilla Ninja originally formed in 2002 as a four-piece girl band with members Lenna Kuurmaa, Piret Järvis, Katrin Siska and Maarja Kivi. The band has released five albums and had a string of hit songs, most popular in Estonia, Germany and Austria. Band members have changed over the years with Vanilla Ninja now a trio, consisting of Lenna Kuurmaa, Piret Järvis and Kerli Kivilaan.

2026 will be the first time Vanilla Ninja will represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2005 they did take part in the competition, representing Switzerland with their song 'Cool Vibes'. They came 8th place in the competition. 

Fun fact for Valentine's Day

Which European Union countries imported the most roses from other EU countries per capita in 2024?

Happy Valentine's Day!

In Estonia Valentine's Day is known as 'Sõbrapäev' (Friend's Day). It is a day not only reserved for romantic love, but a celebration of friendship, kindness, and affection for friends and family. On Sõbrapäev hand written cards are exchanged, flowers are given as well as heart-shaped chocolates and sweets. It is a day to show those nearest to you that you care.

For the past four years in Estonia there has been a nationwide initiative called "Estonia's Biggest Hearts". It's a  competition to form the largest heart-shaped human chain in honour of Valentine's Day. This year a total of 45 local governments and over 6,000 people participated in the event. Last year, Narva set the record, with 489 people joining hands, and they might win again this year with over 600 Narva residents participating. Great effort went into making the heart perfectly symmetrical.

 

Narva residents form heart-shaped human chain for Valentine's Day.
 

Ice-roads officially open in Estonia

A 17-kilometer-long ice road was officially opened by the Transport Administration on Sunday between Estonia's biggest islands, Hiiumaa and Saaremaa, to give islanders an alternative route to the mainland as ferry services struggle with sea ice. To ensure safety on the 24-centimeter-thick route, drivers must adhere to strict protocols, including a ban on seatbelts to allow for emergency exits and a mandatory "speed gap" between 20 and 40 kph to prevent destructive ice vibrations. Ice-roads have cultural significance in Estonia but due to the recent mild winters, they have not been open for the past eight years.

Estonia: A truly 'switched on' country

Estonia introduced online voting in 2005.  For over twenty years Estonians have chosen not stand in long queues at polling stations, but instead, vote in the privacy of their own home that only takes minutes. Fast, efficient e-services is what makes Estonia shine above the rest!

5 highlights from the past week in Estonia

Last week was an eventful week for Estonia. The Winter Olympic Games commenced in Italy on February 6 and for the first time the event is being hosted in two cities - Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo. The Winter Olympics will run until February 22. Estonians excel at winter sports, especially in events such as crossing-country skiing, ice skating and biathion. It would be great to see Team Estonia come home with a few medals this year!

Estonia in review last week.

1. Estonians athletes shine bright at the Winter Olympic Games, with a win in mixed doubles curling.

 

Estonian mixed doubles curling duo Marie Kaldvee and Harri Lill took their 

first win so far at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy. 

They must play nine rounds in total.

 2.  The largest battery park in continental Europe was opened in Kiisa, Harju County, on Tuesday, capable of serving 90,000 households.

3. Estonia opens 'Point of Invincibility' in Kyiv to help residents during winter blackouts.

4.  Ice road opens between Tärkma in Hiiumaa and Triigi in Saaremaa. 

5. Defence Industry Growth. Twelve Estonian defence companies shared €1.8 million in project development support. It's the largest sum awarded to date.

Tartu Folk X Final Concert

Last November the final concert of the 'Tartu Folk X Lõppkontsert' took place in the form of a web show, highlighting the Year of the Estonian Book. Performances represented characters from Estonian fairy tales. The closing concert was held at the bridge area of the Estonian National Museum in Tartu. 

A frosty look at Estonia from space

January 2026 provided excellent conditions for space photography. This photograph taken by the MODIS instrument on NASA's Terra satellite, observed Estonia from space. This image shows clouds, ice and snow conditions in Estonia and its vicinity. It is estimated that almost 90,000 km² of the Baltic Sea was covered with ice on that day.

 

This winter has been one of the coldest in Estonia for many years, with the air temperature measuring almost 5 degrees below average in January. February is expected to be even colder with meteorologists predicting the temperature dropping to -30 degree this month.

Some of Estonia's islands face the worst ice conditions in a decade, halting ferries and forcing residents to rely on hovercraft for deliveries of essential items.

Today marks 106 years since the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty

On the 2nd of February 1920 the Tartu Peace Treaty was signed between Estonia and Soviet Russia. Russia agreed to recognise Estonia's independence and the borders of its territory. With the signing of the treaty, Estonia's War of Independence came to an end.

Jaan Poska, chief negotiator of the treaty and later the first Foreign Minister of Estonia said, “For the first time in 700 years, Estonia decided its own fate.”

The Tartu Peace Treaty is considered the birth centificate of the Republic of Estonia.

 

Jaan Poska (centre)

 

Tommy Cash wins 3 awards at the 2026 Estonian Music Awards

Eccentric Estonian singer Tommy Cash scooped up three awards at the Estonian Music Awards in Tallinn last week. The Eurovision favourite won 'Song of the Year' with his hit 'Espresso Macchiato' as well as 'Pop Artist of the Year' and 'Male Artist of the Year'. Newcomers Sadu also won three awards this year. The folk pop band won 'Album of the Year', 'Band of the Year' and 'Debut Album of the Year' for "Probleemid paradiisis." 

 

'Espresso Macchiato'  was only a huge hit in Estonia last year but also in Italy and Germany. 

 

You can watch the Estonian Music Awards / Eesti Muusikaauhinnad 2026 here. 

            

 

Arvo Pärt remains the most-performed living composer in the world

According to the classical music website Bachtrack, Estonian Arvo Pärt is once again named the most-performed contemporary living composer in the world. 

Five of Arvo Pärt's works were among the top ten most-performed pieces in the world last year, with "Fratres," "Da pacem Domine," "Magnificat" and "Cantus in Memoriam Benjamin Britten" the four most frequently performed. 

The Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa regularly collects data on performances of Arvo Pärt's works around the world. Last year, the centre recorded 1,130 concerts and 6 music festivals dedicated to Arvo Pärt in honour of his 90th birthday. 

Most popular baby names in Estonia for 2025

The Estonian Office of Statistics has released information from the population register revealing the most popular baby names in 2025. Sofia was the most popular girls name in Estonia last year and Mark topped the list for boys. In total there were 9,092 live births in Estonia last year.

Estonia's Mighty Oak Tree

The Tamme-Lauri oak is the thickest and oldest tree in Estonia. It was named after Laurits, the god of fire who is said to live inside the tree. The Tamme-Lauri oak is believed to be 700 years old, planted in the year 1326. Legend has it that the tree started growing from a carriage part that a Swedish king hit into the ground. 

The tree has been hit by lightning many times over the centuries and has become hollow inside. Seven people can fit inside the trunk.

 

 The Tamme-Lauri oak is located in Antsla Parish, Võru County.

Photo flashback: Interior view of the Mulgi Express in 1935

The Estonian Mõisaküla–Viljandi railway line was opened in 1897. On the 19th of  July 1935, a test run was made with a new narrow-gauge diesel railcar. The railcar reached a maximum speed of 85 km/h, and an average speed of 62 km/h, which was considered excellent speed indicators for a narrow-gauge railway in those days. The railcars, painted green, were given the designations DeM 1 and DeM 2. In 1935 the public christened the new railcar the "Mulgi Express". 

 

Interior view of carriage number 502. 

Stay Healthy the Estonian Way this Winter

The new year is off to a chilly start in Europe with the polar vortex and Arctic winds causing heavy snowfall, widespread ice and biting temperatures. When it comes to surviving winter, Estonians know how to brave the cold; the key is to stay active, healthy and warm. While some people dislike the cold and go into hibernation mode to endure winters, Estonians embrace the season by spending time outdoors in nature and enjoying activities such as skiing, ice skating, winter swimming, and of course regular trips to the sauna. 

Boosting the immune system during the cold winter months is essential for maintaing health and well-being. For centuries Estonians have known the health benefits of eating fermented foods and increasing Vitamin D to get them through the winter.

Many Estonians use traditional home remedies to help cope with seasonal infections. These health tips have been passed down from generation to generation with many still in use today.

Berries

Estonians discovered long ago that berries are helpful in treating infections and healing ailments. Many berries found in Estonia, such as blueberries, cranberries, sea buckthorn, and raspberries are high in antioxidants and vitamin C.

Herbal teas

Many plants with beneficial properties can be used to make tea, such as peppermint, chamomile, nettle, cornflower, marigold, and many more. Marigold is a powerful antioxidant and helps relieve pain and inflammation. In addition to tea, marigolds can also be used to make tinctures, ointments, and oils. Peppermint has antiseptic, analgesic, cleansing  and anti-inflammatory properties. Peppermint tea is also good for respiratory infections and upset stomachs. Cool chamomile tea helps with dry coughs when drunk in small sips.

Honey 

Tea with honey is popular in Estonia. Scientific studies have shown that honey can be as effective as other medicines in treating some cold symptoms, such as a persistent cough. Honey's antibacterial effect is due to its high sugar content and acidity. Diluted honey also has antibacterial properties. 

Saunas / Steam inhalation 

Estonians have long known the health benefits of visiting the sauna. Inhaling steam helps to clear the airways and improves circulation. Other benefits include improved heart health (lower blood pressure, reduced cardiovascular risk), cognitive, respiratory, and immune functions.

Salt compresses

Salt compresses are considered effective by many Estonians for reducing pain, inflammation, and muscle tension. To make a salt compress, fill a small bag, piece of cloth or sock with salt. Heat the bag in a pan over a hot stove or microwave until warm, being careful not to overheat it, then place on the affected area.

The long dark nights of winter can feel bleak at times but if you illuminate your home with candles and create a cosy atmosphere, curl up with a good book or any other handicraft, then you might even feel a bit wistful by spring.

Estonia's Niina Petrõkina Crowned European Figure Skating Champion for Second Time

Congratulations to Niina Petrõkina who has retained her title of European Figure Skating Champion. Three montha ago Petrõkina underwent ankle surgery and stunned critics by landing seven triple jumps in a clean, personal-best free skate that scored 216.14 points. Petrõkina is the first skater to win back-to-back European women's titles since Russia's Evgenia Medvedeva in 2017.

 

 

       

Estonia among top ten for low crime rate

Estonia generally has a low crime rate and is considered one of the safer countries in Europe, especially regarding violent and gun-related crimes. There has been a significant decrease in overall crime in Estonia since the 1990s with a notable drop in property crimes. 

It's been a snowy week in Europe

Last week, almost eighty percent of Europe was covered in snow. Widespread heavy snowfall like this has not been seen across the continent since 2012. In Estonia, the temperature dropped to a low -28C in Simuna on January 8 and up north in Lapland it was a very chilly -42C on that day. The first three months of the year tend to be the most dreary in Estonia where daylight last only six hours on average.

Estonia to perform at first Eurovision semi-final

The Semi-Final Draw for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest has been released. 35 countries will participate in this year's competition that will be held in Vienna from 12 - 14 May 2026.

Design selected for new New Forest Brothers coin

Last year The Bank of Estonia launched a competition in search of a new design for their upcoming Forest Brothers coin. Estonian architect Kaupo Kangro won the competition, winning the 3,000€ prize, he has also designed several other commemorative coins in the past.

The silver coin will be issued in 2026 as part of a series dedicated to resistance against occupying powers. The Forest Brothers were men and women who put up armed resistance to the terror of the Soviet occupation forces to keep alive the people's dream of a free Estonia.

Photo flashback: Narva 1939

Narva was once a beautiful city known as a "Baroque Pearl" for its stunning 17th-century architecture. Unfortunately the majority of the city was destroyed by the Soviets during World War Two.

Happy New Year!

It is an old Estonian custom to send New Year postcards to friends and family. These days however, most people send them electronically. New Year postcards are a good way to express goodwill, gratitude, and hope for the future. If 2025 wasn't the year you had hoped for, then may 2026 bring the happiness and joy we all need in our lives. Head uut aastat!