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.