Five Days in Tartu

It's always a joy to visit the beautiful city of Tartu. It's the birthplace of my grandmother and ancestral home of my grandfather's family. Tartu is less than 2 hours' drive from Tallinn and offers many attractions in the city and surrounding area.

The National Geographic frame can be found in many must-see places in Estonia.

The river which flows through Tartu is called the Emajõgi (Mother River).

The most photographed statue in Tartu is the 'kissing students' outside the town hall.

These statues represent the human body's physical proportions in early childhood and adulthood.

Another much photographed statue.

The Wilde Pub. 

A tribute to Estonian writer Eduard Vilde and Irish writer Oscar Wilde.

Tartu University

Cafe Athena / Volga Restaurant

My grandmother worked here as a teenager during its heyday.

The leaning Tartu Art Museum.

Tartu

The Gunpowder Cellar.

I love eating here - great food, great prices, great atmosphere.

 It's featured in the Guinness Book of Records for having the world's highest pub ceiling! 

Strolling along the streets of Tartu, you will undoubtedly discover many cute things.

Stop for a snapshot and try traditional Estonian folk costumes on for size!

When visiting Tartu a trip to Luke Manor is a must!

The village of Nõo is only 15 km away from the centre of Tartu. 

You can do many day trips when you base yourself in Tartu.

Lake Peipsi is the largest lake in Estonia and the 5th largest in Europe.  It is so big that you cannot see the other side and is teeming with pike and trout.

Otepää is the winter capital of Estonia. The hilly area is great for skiing and snowboarding.

It's also lovely in summer too!

Otepää is the birthplace of the Estonian national flag.

Edgar Valter was a beloved Estonian author and artist and in 2008 his creation "Pokumaa" (Poku Land) was opened to the public.

http://pokumaa.ee/

Some of the works of Edgar Valter.

After the completion of Pokumaa Edgar Valter actually lived here.

Pokumaa features many interesting things for visitors to enjoy.

Apart from the main building there is small animal enclosure, cafe, wooden buildings, forest walks and look-out tower. 

Rally Estonia 2015

I'm not into car racing but I really enjoyed the atmosphere.

After the drivers were introduced they parked their cars not far from where I was staying in Tartu.

Before I left Tartu I made a point of visiting Kivi Street where my grandmother grew up as a child. I was pleased to discover that her old home was still there.

Next stop on my two week summer holiday - southern Estonia!

Three Days in Tallinn

When it comes to summer holidays there are three countries I like to visit the most. France for its historic sites and delicious pastries, Switzerland for its breathtaking scenery and Lindt chocolates and then there's Estonia - a place that is always in my heart and never far from my thoughts. 

Since 2003 when I first visited Estonia I have explored many wonderful places in Tallinn but there is still so much to see. With each visit I endeavour to see as much as I can but there are always so many fascinating destinations I keep adding to my list. In time, slowly but surely I will get to experience them all.

For my summer holiday this year I decided to spend three days in Tallinn before moving on to Tartu and other destinations. Here is a photo log of my trip.

Every time I pass through Tallinn airport I notice the subtle improvements.

A great view to wake up to each morning.

My apartment in Suur Karja Street.

Tallinn Medieval Days - this is the first time I have attended the event.

My favourite stall at the markets - an old printing press.

The alfresco dining in the Old Town is absolutely lovely during the summer months.

A trip to the Estonian Open Air Museum is a must when visiting Tallinn.

To get there either drive or catch the number 21 bus outside the main train station. The journey takes 25 minutes. Entry to the museum is only 6€ for adults and you can literally spend all day there.

For those who love photography the Photo Museum behind Tallinn's Town Hall is extremely interesting.

http://linnamuuseum.ee/fotomuuseum/en/

Entry is only 2€.

 

Estonian History Museum

Despite the fact that this museum is located in the heart of the Old Town, this is the first time I have ever been here. The current exhibition is 'Spirit of Survival. 11,000 Years of Estonian History'. The Golden Victoria Award that was presented to the Baltic leaders last year is housed here.

I discovered a new fact. The monument at Freedom Square was funded by donations.

The Marzipan Gallery in Pikk Street exceeded my expectations.

The Marzipan Gallery

After hearing so many positive reviews about the Hell Hunt (Gentle Wolf) I decided to stop by for a meal. I found the establishment to be quite good in size with a pleasant atmosphere and the food is reasonably priced. Worth a visit.

Farewell Tallinn! Until next time!

Next stop - Tartu!

Life in Estonia at the Outset of the Second World War and the Occupation

An eye witness account of life in Estonia at the beginning of 50 years of Soviet occupation in June 1940 – Estonia’s darkest hour.

I am extremely pleased that Estonian World published my article today.
http://estonianworld.com/life/life-in-estonia-at-the-outset-of-the-second-world-war-and-the-occupation/

7 Free Things to Do in Tallinn

Tallinn is a city rich in history and architectural beauty, packed with delightful and enchanting places just waiting to be explored. There are so many fascinating museums in Tallinn catering for all tastes and interests, most of which require a nominal entrance fee. However, if you wish to spend a day without paying entrance fees so you have more to spend on keepsakes then you might want to consider these options.

1. Enjoy a walk along the city wall.

Tallinn's first fortress was built in 1050. At that time the city had a population of 8000 and was well fortified against invaders thanks to its 66 defence towers. Today 20 of those defence towers remain and have been preserved and 1.9 km of the city wall remains intact. On a nice sunny day, a walk along the city wall is a wonderful way to experience Tallinn and capture a glimpse of its history. 

2. The Marzipan Gallery Museum Room

http://martsipan.ee/en

Located at Pikk 40,

Estonians love their sugary almond based treats and have been making marzipan for centuries. For those with a sweet tooth, a trip to  the Marzipan Gallery is a must. From the second you walk through the door you will be in awe of all the wonderful creations that are before you. You will be spoilt for choice with prices to suit all budgets and if you feel like getting creative yourself, you can make your own marzipan for 4€. This is a truly delightful shop but if you are not really into marzipan they also serve thick hot chocolate and waffles. Delicious! Downstairs is the free museum room where you get to see some real works of art.  It's not to be missed!

3. The Museum of the Bank of Estonia (Eesti Panga Muuseum) 

From the moment you step inside this building you will be in awe of its stunning art deco interior and spiral staircase. Located in the heart of the city, the building was completed in 1904 and formerly served as headquarters for a bank serving the country's nobility.

The Estonian bank museum showcases the history of money in Estonia with over 13,000 museum pieces on display. Wax figures of notable Estonians who have appeared on Estonian banknotes are located in the main exhibition room along with an interesting step-by.step process of how money is printed. Many interactive games, video clips and virtual exhibitions feature in the museum making it an excellent place to learn a bit about history and modern day practices.

Eesti Pank (Bank) Museum

Estonia pst 11, Tallinn

Eesti Pank Museum

4. Raeapteek - Town Hall Pharmacy

The Raeapteek is the oldest pharmacy in Estonia and one of the oldest in Europe. It first opened its doors in the early 1400s and has been continuously operating as a pharmacy in the same premises ever since. Walking into the pharmacy is like stepping back in time. Beautiful, well-preserved interiors allow you to catch a glimpse of a bygone gone era and perhaps purchase some of the remedies used for centuries. 

The Reapteek is easy to find, opposite Tallinn's Town Hall.

Raekoja Plats 11, Tallinn

Raeapteek /Town Hall Pharmacy

5. Masters Courtyard

Vene 6, Tallinn

Masters Courtyard

Hidden in a quiet picturesque courtyard, Estonian artists and master craftsmen can be seen practising trades of old. Here visitors can shop for handicrafts and jewellery, view art exhibitions, and sample the heavenly confections created in the popular Chocolaterie Café. Many wonderful treats are to be found here!

6. Kadriorg

Kadriorg (Valley of Catherine) got its name from the wife of the Russian Tsar Peter the Great who conquered Estonia from the Swedes after the Great Northern War in the early 1700s.  Peter established his summer palace here. Today Kadriorg and its beautiful park area is one of the most popular leisure and residential areas of Tallinn. It's a great place to go for a stroll on weekends, have a picnic or simply lay back and relax. 

7. Song Festival Grounds

Every five years the largest song and dance festival in Estonia takes place here. Over 25,000 people participate and the grounds can accommodate up to 100,000 spectators. It's quite a spectacular sight to behold! When the song festival is not taking place, the area is used for concerts and other events and is also a lovely place to simply chill out.