22 years ago today Estonia joined the EU

Since joining the European Union in 2004, Estonia has rapidly transformed into a technologically advanced, stable, and prosperous member state. The partnership has provided significant financial and security benefits to Estonia, while the country has contributed expertise in digitalization and a strong voice on foreign policy, particularly concerning Russia. After 50 dark years of Soviet occupation, joining the EU and NATO were Estonia's vital strategic imperatives for securing the country's long-term freedom.

Estonia 6th best in EU for renewable energy

Around a quarter of the EU's energy consumption in 2024 came from renewable sources. Trailblazers Sweden (62.8%), Finland (52.1%) and Denmark (46.4%) used the highest share of renewables. Estonia was not far behind its Nordic neighbours ranking 6th (42.2%). Estonia views renewable energy as a critical component of national security, economic strategy, and environmental sustainability, aiming to cover 100% of its electricity consumption with renewables by 2030.

Birch juice: Nature's 'youth elixir'

Every year in early spring, before trees produce new leaves, birch trees provide a unique gift - birch juice. Birch sap, also know as birch water or 'kasemahl' (in Estonian), is a clear, slightly sweet and nutrient-rich detoxifying liquid that has a very limited harvesting period. The ideal time to extract birch juice in Estonia is between late February and mid-April when temperatures rise above freezing during the day and drop below zero at night. If you harvest birch juice after this time, the sap will be noticeably cloudier and bitter. 

Estonians have collected birch sap in the forest for centuries. It's a traditional springtime tonic, consumed after winter to cleanse the body, boost immunity, and provide essential vitamins and minerals. 

What are the health benefits of birch juice?

Birch juice is widely considered a "youth elixir" as it's packed with minerals (magnesium, potassium calcium), antioxidants and vitamin C. The amino acids present in the birch sap support bone health, reduce oxidative stress, and aid detoxification. Often consumed for its anti-inflammatory properties, birch juice supports kidney function, promotes digestion, and is a great hydrating agent for skin elasticity.  It's Mother Nature's medicine in its purest form, teeming with every imaginable vitamin and mineral.

 

 

Discover Estonia's Boutique Wine Industry

It may not be widely known but Estonia has an emerging wine industry with a unique focus on cool-climate grape varieties that thrive at the country's northerly latitude. Estonia has many boutique wineries, many of which are family-owned businesses that are part of the Eesti Veinitee (Estonian Wine Trail). The Eesti Veinitee is a tourism route connecting wine producers across Estonia that showcases natural, local ingredients and traditional winemaking methods combined with modern techniques. 

Estonia's top wine regions include Southern Estonia, Harjumaa, and the islands of Saaremaa and Muhu. Each region offers its own unique wine experience, from vineyard tours and tastings to cultural and historical attractions. The Southern Estonia wine region is one of the most interesting areas in Estonia in terms of winemaking. The region is characterised by its rolling hills, fertile soil, and a cool climate that is ideal for growing grapes. Estonia's unique terroir is one of the key factors behind the country's emerging wine scene.

The most commonly grown grape varieties in Estonia include Solaris, Rondo, Zilga, and Hasanski Sladki. These grapes are known for their ability to produce wines that are light, fresh, and mineral-driven, with subtle fruit flavours and aromas. Estonia's winemakers also experiment with other fruit varieties, including apples, pears, and cherries, to produce fruit wines that are refreshing and unique.  The award winning Järiste Winery, located in Nõo Parish, Tartu County, produces a sparkling rhubarb wine that is light and refreshing. The winery has a number of food and wine packages for visitors to enjoy.

The Estonian wine industry has evolved significantly since the 2010s, with producers frequently experimenting and adopting new techniques to create a unique and growing wine scene. The best time to visit Estonia's wine country is during the summer months of June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny, and the vines are full of grapes.  You can learn more about Estonia's wine trail here.

89 percent of Estonians have blue eyes

Estonia has one of highest concentrations of blue-eyed people in the world. Along with Finland across the Baltic Sea, 89% of these populations have blue eyes. Northern Europe has a very high percentage of people with blue eye colour, this trait is deeply linked to ancestral hunter-gatherer populations and geographical isolation in Scandinavian and Baltic areas.

Old photographs of Estonia (colourised)

Take a glimpse back into the past with these colourised photographs of Estonia.

 

Raekoja Plats 1925 

 

Men with horses at Kose-Rist.

 

Riigi Manor sometimes before 1820.

Living in Estonia | How People Live in One of Europe’s Quietest Countries

From quiet forest villages and frozen lakes to coastal towns and endless green landscapes, this cinematic journey reveals how people truly live across Estonia, far beyond travel guides and postcard views.