Northern Lights adorn the sky in Estonia

These stunning photographs were recently taken by Estonian meteorologist Kairo Kiitsak in Vääna-Jõesuu. Nature can be so beautiful!

 

 

Estonia ranks 4th in the World for Press Freedom

Once again Estonia has scored highly in global rankings, this time in the category of freedom of the press. It's great to see Estonia performing well along side its Nordic neighbours. Sadly, to the east of Estonia, freedom of the press simply doesn't exist.

Eesti hümn / Estonian National Anthem

As our weekend of Independence Day celebrations are about to come to an end, I thought I might share this video. It's always nice to listen to different renditions of the Estonian National anthem.

Ukrainian hearts with Estonia on Independence Day

As a sign of gratitude to the Estonian people for all their help and support, Ukrainians sang 'Ta lendab mesipuu poole' on Independence Day. Juhan Liiv's beloved poem Ta lendab mesipuu poole (He Flies Toward the Beehive) has much meaning for Estonians as they lived in exile or under the Soviet occupation. Like the bee that leaves the beehive and later returns, a human being can also go away and come back home. Ukrainians can also relate to this and one day they will return home, once the occupiers are defeated.

Happy Independence Day! Head Vabariigi Aastapäeva!

The Republic of Estonia was born one hundred and five years ago. Today Estonians around the world celebrate this joyous day by displaying our beloved blue, black and white flag with pride.

The Estonian Declaration of Independence / The Manifesto to the Peoples of Estonia.

A beautifully written document stating that Estonians want a home 

of their own and to join the family of civilised nations.

First Estonian Independence Day celebration on 24th February 1919.

Elagu Eesti! Long live Estonia!

Estonia's Guinness World Record Facts

If you have ever wondered how many times Estonia is mentioned in The Guinness Book of Records, the answer is currently 94. Since 1955 The Guinness Book of Records has been educating readers about mankind's achievements in a multitude of fields. Some of these achievements are quite impressive, some surprising whilst others are a bit on the quirky side. The record book contains a treasure trove of information for anyone who loves facts. Here are five Guinness World Records about Estonia you might find interesting.

1. First FIFA World Cup qualifying match. Estonia vs. Sweden.

On 11 June 1933, Sweden beat Estonia 6–2 in the first ever qualifying match for the FIFA World Cup. Later in the tournament Estonia made it through to the quarter-finals.

2. Estonia has the oldest Viking boats

Two ships found on the island of Saaremaa are the oldest Viking boats in the world. The first boat was discovered in 2008, and a second in 2010. The boats contained the bodies of over 30 warriors and four dogs, they were covered with their shields and buried with their bent swords. Radio carbon dating has dated them to between 700-750 AD.

3. Largest matchstick

In 2004 Jaanus Ruuben created the world's largest matchstick. It measured 6.235 metres (20 ft 5 in) long with a cross section of 27.5 cm (10.8 in). It was lit at the Ugala Theatre in Viljandi.

4. Farthest swim with a monofin

On her 30th birthday, Merle Liivand swam 30 kilometres (18.6 miles) off Miami Beach, Florida, achieving the world record for the farthest swim with a monofin. She swam without using her arms, propelling herself with just her mermaid-like fin, for a total of 9 hours and 19 minutes.

5. Most X Games medals won by a teenager

Freestyle skier Kelly Sildaru has won the most X Games medals (10) between 29 January 2016 and 21 January 2022. She has won a total of six golds, three silvers and a bronze before her 20th birthday. Kelly is an Estonian sporting superstar!

The beauty of Tallinn in winter

There is something magical about walking around Tallinn in the middle of the night when there's no-one around. The streets are quiet and peaceful and the gentle glow of lights against the white snow really makes the city look amazing. Tallinn is truly beautiful in winter. 

A look at Setomaa and tourist route Seto Külävüü

Head Sõbrapäev! Happy Valentine's Day!

In Estonia, Valentine's Day (Sõbrapäev) is not just about romantic love. The day also provides an opportunity for Estonians to celebrate friendship as well as their love for family members. Today, I will probably buy myself a few treats (a bit of self love)  as I love candles and the practice of hygge.

Singer Alika to represent Estonia at Eurovision

Twenty-year-old Alika Milova from Narva won Eesti Laul last night with her song 'Bridges'. Alika will now go on to represent Estonia at the Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Liverpool, England, in May. She is scheduled to perform in the second semi-final on May 11. Good luck!

February 11 is the International Day of Women and Girls In Science

Today we celebrate the 8th International Women In Science Day. A woman to be remembered on this day is Alma Tomingas, who, in 1940 became the first Estonian female professor at the University of Tartu. She was a pharmacologist and dedicated her life to the study and cultivation of medicinal herbs.

Dr pharm Alma Tomingas

In 2022 a building in Ülemiste City was named after her.

Today in Estonia, 53% of women have higher education, ranking then third in Europe. 42% of Estonian researchers and 26% of professors are women.

Archaeologists excited about new find at Kalamaja

Archaeologists working on an excavation site along Vana-Kalamaja tänav in Tallinn recently unearthed pavement from the medieval Nunne tänav as well as several other items dating back to the same period. As little is known about the Kalamaja of that era, this find has an important place in the area's history.

To read the full ERR News story, please click here.

In 2018 a treasure trove of 20,000 artifacts were also discovered in the Kalamaja area dating back to the 14th century.

Estonia second best in EU for renewable energy

In the European Union, the share of renewable energy in gross final consumption for heating and cooling was 22.9% in 2021. In Estonia that figure was much higher at 61.3% making it the second best performer behind Sweden. Most of the renewable energy comes from biomass and heat pumps and the current trend is gradually increasing.

The EU countries with the highest level of renewal energy are: Sweden (68.6%), Estonia (61.3%) Latvia (57.4%). The lowest are Ireland (5.2%), The Netherlands (7.7%) and Belgium (9.2%).

Well done Estonia!

Estonian Traditional Dance