Who were the Forest Finns?

For nearly 700 years, Sweden and Finland were one kingdom — and their shared history runs deep. One fascinating part of that story is the migration of thousands of Finnish settlers into Sweden’s vast forests during the 1500s and 1600s.

Under King Gustav Vasa, settlers from Savolax and Tavastland were offered tax-free land if they cleared and cultivated new areas. These pioneers brought with them the art of slash-and-burn farming, transforming untouched pine forests into fertile fields. Their new communities became known as the Finn Forests (Finnskogar), especially in Värmland and Dalarna. 

Life was tough, but the skogsfinnar built a rich culture of their own — with smoke cottages instead of chimneys, handcrafted birchbark items, and traditional dishes like motti (nävgröt), a hearty porridge still remembered today.  Their story is one of resilience, cooperation, and cultural fusion — a quiet yet vital part of the shared heritage between Sweden and Finland. 

Some Estonians are descended from Forest Finns and I am one of them. I made this discovery with DNA research when a distance cousin revealed to me the family line and common ancestor. It is interesting to note that many Forest Finns later moved on and relocated to Norway. My ancestor settled in Eidskog which a beautiful area known for its forests, fishing areas and lakes.

Video: Estonia strengthens its border with Russia

Tallinn Christmas Market opens on November 21

Tallinn is a beautiful city to visit all year round but it is particularly magical at Christmas time. During the festive season Tallinn's medieval Old Town is transformed into a winter wonderland with  its charming Christmas market, traditional decorations, and fairytale atmosphere enhanced by snow. The world's first public Christmas tree stood on Tallinn's Town Hall Square in the year 1441 and its now a tradition seen all over the world. This year the Tallinn Christmas market will be open from 21.11.2025 - 28.12.2025. The atmosphere in Tallinn during this time is truly amazing! More information about the Jõuluturg can be found here.

Northern Lights shine bright across Estonia

Once again the aurora borealis has not disappointed observers in Estonia. During the past few months some stunning images have been captured at various locations across Estonia. This natural light display is truly phenomenal.

 

 

 

 

Estonia’s Gert Kark is the new Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest

Estonian Gert Kark, the Tallinn-born TV producer who started his career at Terevisioon has been appointed the new Executive Producer of the Eurovision Song Contest. After working nearly a decade behind the scenes at the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), he’s now running the production — that will be seen live by 160 million people worldwide. Gert Kark replaces Swedens Martin Österdahl who recently stepped down from the role. This is a great historic achievement for Estonia!

Happy Halloween! Head halloweeni!

Halloween has grown in popularity in Estonia in recent years. What originally began as a Celtic festival to celebrate the end of summer and the harvesting season, has turned into fun a day of colourful costumes, scary stories and sweet treats. On Halloween the ancient Celts believed the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead blurred on the night of October 31. Spooky things can happen on this day. If you are interested in reading some Tallinn based ghost stories, Visit Tallinn has put together a list of eight of the best. You can read them here.

New app encourages Estonians to read poetry each Thursday

A free new Estonian app called Lullu has been launched by the Estonian non-profit organisation Eesti Jutt. The app aims to bring literature, particularly poetry, to a wider audience by sending users one Estonian poem every Thursday morning at 10am. Founder Armin Kõomägi said the project sprang from an effort to connect readers more directly with literature. The phone is the perfect medium for the project as it's easy to access and the poems selected are not too long or heavy in nature. The Lullu app is available for Android and iOS. It can be downloaded for free here.  Today's peom is 'Valik' by Viivi Luik.

New coin release in honour of the 'Finnish Boys'

Eesti Pank will issue a new silver collector coin on 30 October dedicated to the 'Finnish Boys'. The Finnish Boys were Estonians who volunteered to fight for Finland and fought in the Winter War and the Continuation War to resist the attempted occupation by the Soviet Union. This coin is the first in a new series of collector coins from Eesti Pank dedicated to resistance. 

Volunteers from Estonia fought in Finland during the Second World War for the freedom of Finland and the honour of Estonia. After they returned home they became widely known as the Soomepoisid, or 'Finnish Boys'. This name still lives on for them today even though the last Finnish Boy living in Estonia passed away in 2024. A total of over 3500 Estonians fought for Finland. Some of the Finnish Boys also fought against the Soviet Union in Estonia in 1944, giving hope that Estonia would regain its independence.

The design on the coin merges the Finnish and Estonian flags to symbolise the joint fight of the Estonian volunteers and the Finnish soldiers. It shows a rocky and snowy landscape with brave men marching to the aid of their ethnic kin. Above them is a motif from the Estonian Cross of Liberty that also appears on the Finnish Cross of Liberty. This was a symbol of Estonian military valour under which the soldiers went into battle. The obverse side shows the great coat of arms of the Republic of Estonia and the motto of the Finnish Boys, which translates as ‘For Estonia's honour and to secure the future!’.

4000 of the collector coins will be minted. Each coin will cost 62 euros and have a nominal value of 15 euros. The coin will go on sale at 9am on 30 October in the Omniva online shop and at 12.00 in the Eesti Pank museum shop.

Espresso Macchiato performed by Grupo Talía

This arrangement of Tommy Cash's song "Espresso Macchiato," was composed by Alejandro Vivas Puig and performed by the Madrid Metropolitan Orchestra and the Talía Choir at the National Auditorium in Madrid. The performance was conducted by Silvia Sanz Torre.

 

Tommy Cash is the true unofficial winner of Eurovision 2025. No other song in the competition has had quite the impact. Espresso Macchiato is clearly the people's favourite hit song.

 

Estonia once again ranks first place in the OECD's Tax Competitiveness Index

For the 12th consecutive year, Estonia has the most competitive tax system among OECD countries. Estonia's top result is driven by its 0% tax on reinvested corporate profits and a flat 20% individual income tax. With a perfect score, Estonia officially has the best tax system in the world. The system is simple and fair and is designed to promote reinvestment and company growth.

Got an interesting online dating story? Tallinn's Cellar Theatre would like to hear from you!

Estonia's first thriller-based theatre dedicated exclusively to thrillers, mysteries and crime stories, is currently looking for true life stories about people's experiences in the world of online dating. The stories will be used in a new play scheduled to open next spring. Both men and women are welcome to share their experiences.

 

Tallinn's Kellerteater 

Theatre director Kristina Paškevicius has confirmed that all contributors are guaranteed 100 percent anonymity, with names and facts changed to protect privacy. Writer Andra Teede is currently gathering the material and has said so far, most of the stories sent in have been rather sad. The production will be a horror story however it will contain elements of humour too.

More dating stories are needed and submisssions will be accepted until November 2. They can be sent directly to the writer at andra@kellerteater.ee or via the theatre's website.

Volume III of A.H.Tammsaare's 'Truth & Justice' now available in English

The long wait is finally over! Lovers of Estonian literature will be pleased to know that the third volume of Anton Hansen Tammsaare's 'Truth and Justice' pentalogy is now available in English. Published by Vagabond Voices under the title When the Storm Fell Silent, the Estonian classic was translated into English by Matthew Hyde. Originally published in Estonia in 1930, the third volume has been translated into several European languages over the decades but only now into English.

 

 

When the Storm Fell Silent is an ironic, tragic and contradictory work which reflects the author’s ambivalent attitude to the 1905 Revolution in Tsarist Russia, which Estonia was then a part of. He sympathised with the policies but disagreed with the random violence. This however does not do justice to the complexity of this great work which comprehends the difficult truth that the majority’s altruism, humanity and desire to improve other people’s lives can end in so much suffering without any durable gains. What appears simple becomes entangled in a web of mendacity, double-speak and false promises.

Indrek, the central character, clearly represents Tammsaare’s own convictions, but not exactly. The author can approach any subject and stun the reader with his novel interpretations, and also gives the reader the opportunity to read his words and infer varied understandings and appreciations. Every actor in a revolution is represented here: from left to right and back again, every striking worker, every shopkeeper, every landowner, every policeman, every spy, every worker’s wife, every outsider and every starry-eyed teenager. Few people are who they first seem to be, and the shifting trends of the crowd are followed and carefully examined – a force of nature that ultimately is spent. 

When the Storm Fell Silent can be purchased directly from the publisher and other quality bookstores. The final two book in the series will be released next year.

Estonia second place in global press freedom rankings

Estonia has achieved second place in the 2025 World Press Freedom Index, its best-ever result and the highest ranking among EU countries. This milestone underscores Estonia's longstanding commitment to press freedom and its consistent upward trajectory.

Estonia has steadily climbed the index: 12th place in 2018, 8th in 2023, and 6th in 2024. This progression reflects Estonia's robust legal protections for journalists, a media landscape characterised by minimal political interference and strong public trust in media institutions.

Estonia is a beacon of independent journalism amid global challenges. Only Norway, which has topped the index for nine consecutive years, ranks higher. 

Freedom of the Press Worldwide 2025. The top 15.

 

Photo flashback: Võru 1941

Eesti Pank launches new competition to design new coin dedicated to the Forest Brothers

Eesti Pank has announced an exciting new competition to design a collector coin in honour of the Estonian Forest Brothers. The silver collector coin will enter circulation in 2026 and Eesti Pank will accept designs for the competition until noon on 3 November 2025.

Eesti Pank will be issuing a silver coin to commemorate the Forest Brothers as part of the series of coins dedicated to resistance. The Forest Brothers were brave men and women who chose to resist Soviet occupation forces and keep alive the people’s dream of a free Estonia. 

Thousands of fighters operated in the Estonian forests during the 1940s and 1950s, and their determination and commitment inspired whole generations. Their story reminds us that freedom should not be taken for granted but must be nurtured and defended. The Forest Brothers were not always soldiers who had fought at the front, but were mostly ordinary Estonian people defending freedom. The coin dedicated to the Forest Brothers is a tribute to those who would not accept occupation but continued to resist in the hope that Estonia would become free again. 

Entry rules to the competition can be found here. Designs should be submitted by the deadline to: Mündikonkurss (Metsavendlus), Eesti Pank, Estonia pst 13, 15095 Tallinn. 

New European Travel System Comes into Effect

From the 12th October 2025, non-EU nationals who enter the Schengen Zone, consisting of 29 countries, will have to register as part of a new digital border management system. According to the EU, the new Entry/Exit System (EES) will make travelling in the Schengen Zone more efficient, as it will replace passport stamps with a modern digital system recording the entry and exit of travellers. The new system will also prevent irregular migration and use biometric data to stop those with fake identities or who are overstaying in the Schengen Zone.

 

The EES will also give border and law enforcement agencies more access to traveller information, which they claim will help find security risks in the fight against terrorism and other crime.

Every country in the Schengen Zone will utilise the new EES system.
EU Member States in the Schengen Area are: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Romania. Non-EU Countries in the Schengen Area: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland.

British Ambassador to Estonia pens new book

Ross Allen is a career diplomat who has been the United Kingdom's Ambassador to Estonia since June 2021. Currently based in Tallinn, Allen is fluent in the Estonian language and has a deep appreciation for the Estonian way of life.  In his new book Ross Allen explores how Estonia has come to excel in so many fields, and what the rest of the world could learn from it. He offers insights from his diplomatic work, but also shares his embrace of local culture, from song festivals to smoke saunas. Having travelled across Estonia’s towns, villages, islands and bogs, his understanding of and enthusiasm for this relatively obscure country shine through.

Estonian Lessons: What the World Can Learn from a Brilliant Baltic State will be released by Hurst Publishers in May 2026. Pre-order is now available here.

Rare Estonian painting found at American auction

A portrait of Estonian writer and researcher Friedrich Robert Faehlmann (1798 – 1850) was recently discovered at an auction in the United States. The painting was listed simply as 'an unknown man with blue eyes' with few realising its cultural significance. Art historian Kristiina Tiideberg recognised Faehlmann as an important Estonian historical figure and managed to secure the painting for $2000.  The painting is now on display at the Niguliste Museum.

The portrait is a very important work for Estonian cultural history. Faehlmann was one of the founders of the Learned Estonian Society and a protagonist of the National Awakening. He studied medicine and earned his living as a doctor until the end of his life. Faehlmann is a very important figure in Estonian cultural history. In the second half of his life he became one of the most important local estophiles to contribute to the appreciation of Estonian national culture through his academic research and the creation of his original fiction. The Estonian national epic Kalevipoeg written later by F.R. Kreutzwald was largely based on Faehlmann’s preliminary work and drafts. 

This painting is one of the earliest portraits of Faehlmann and the only known oil painting of him in existence. The first mention of this painting appeared in the Estonian press in 1935. Faehlmann was one of the first educated Estonians to be portrayed in a dignified way through the medium of oil painting.

International Bread Day: October 16

International Bread Day will take place on October 16 this year. The day was established by the International Union of Bakers and Confectioners (UIBC) in 2005 to honour bread's significance as a staple food, a cultural symbol, and a source of livelihoods worldwide.

In Estonia, dark rye bread (must leib), is exceptionally important in Estonian culture, serving as a dietary staple, a symbol of identity, and a central element of traditional meals. Its deep historical roots in Estonian agriculture and a long tradition of hard work to produce it have fostered significant respect for bread. It's considered sacred and in old tradition, if you accidentally drop a piece of bread on the floor, you are supposed to pick it up and kiss it!

In September the Estonian Open Air Museum celebrated its own Estonian Bread Day as part of their Autumn Fair. During the festival visitors were able to learn the art of making bread by attending workshops.

Bread appears in many Estonian proverbs including "Jätku leiba!" (may there always be enough bread!).

Documentary: Estonia bolstering its defences

Rimi Express: Estonia's first self-service supermarket with no staff

Rimi, one of the largest supermarket chains in Northern Europe has opened its first self-service employee-free concept store in the heart of Tallinn's Noblessner district. Known as Rimi Express, the store is a trailblazer in sustainable and innovative retail, constructed from environmentally friendly wood materials and covering 32 square metres.

Customers gain entry into the supermarket by scanning their bank card at the entrance, after which the doors open automatically. Customers can then independently select and scan groceries from a range of 600 everyday essentials. These items include packaged fruits, vegetables, ready-made meals, snacks, drinks, hygiene products, and cooking ingredients. Alcohol, tobacco, and items requiring weighing are not available.

The shopping process is entirely cashless, with purchases completed at self-service checkouts using a bank card. An automated people-counting system regulates store capacity, maintaining safety by monitoring the number of shoppers inside and controlling access when capacity is reached. Those who do not make a purchase can easily exit the store by pressing the exit button.

 

 

Rimi Express serves as a pilot project in Estonia as the first employee-free concept store. The success of this project has led to plans for expansion, with the second Rimi self-service store opening at the Rimi Olympic Centre in Latvia. 

Tallinn is the safest capital city in Europe

According to a recent ranking by Euronews.com, the safest European capital city is Tallinn. In second place is Prague in the Czech Republic followed by Warsaw, Poland. These cities have low crime rates and a perception of safety for visitors and residents alike. At the other end of the spectrum, Brussels, Stockholm and Marseille dominate headlines with machine gun rampages, teenage hitmen and mafia turf wars. Violence of this nature is rare in Tallinn.

Numbeo has also released their Safety Index by City for 2025. The top destinations offers both historic charm and peace of mind for travellers.

 The top 15 safest cities in Europe are:

1. The Hague, Netherlands
2. Munich, Germany
3. Trondheim, Norway
4. Zagreb, Croatia
5. Ljubljana, Slovenia
6. Eindhoven, Netherlands
7. Bern, Switzerland
8. Groningen, Netherlands
9. Cluj-Napoca, Romania
10. Tallinn, Estonia
11. Zurich, Switzerland
12. Reykjavik, Iceland
13. Prague, Czech Republic
14. Helsinki, Finland
15. Bergen, Norway

What is Estonia's Onion Route?

Estonia's Onion Route (Sibulatee) is located on the western shore of Lake Peipus in southeastern Estonia. It is a region where Estonian and Russian cultures and heritage intertwine. The route stretches along Lake Peipus, connecting villages such as Kolkja and Varnja that are known for onion farming and other traditions. The village of Alatskivi is considered the capital of the route.

Last Saturday the annual Onion Route Buffet Day took place throughout the region inviting anyone who loves onions, fish, pastries and home-cooked meals to visit the area. In addition to restuarants offering local cuisine with tasty treats, many pop-up cafés were open on the day, mostly in people’s frontyards, gardens, and courtyards. Alatskivi Castle was also full of activity.  It's an end of summer event that the whole family can enjoy.

More information about Sibulatee / Estonia's Onion Route can be found here.

Who are the wealthiest people in Estonia?

The Estonian financial newspaper Äripäev recently released its annual rankings of the TOP 500 Richest People in Estonia based on their company holdings and share value. Once again Wise founders Kristo Käärmann and Taavet Hinrikus are at the top of the list followed by Bolt's Markus Villig. Äripäev notes that Kristo Käärmann set a new record this year - never before has the wealth of the person in first place been this high. Käärman's assets are.believed to be worth €2.19 billion.

 Äripäev's list of the top ten wealthiest people in Estonia are:

Kristo Käärmann (Wise)
Taavet Hinrikus (Wise)
Markus Villig (Bolt)
Jaan Tallinn (Ambient Sound Investments, Metaplanet Holdings, Soft Park Investments)
Margus Linnamäe (MM Grupp)
Oliver Leisalu (Bolt) 
Raul Kirjanen (Graanul Invest, Biofuel)
Oleg Ossinovski (Skinest Grupp)
Anders Anderson (Graanul Invest, Neoinvesteeringud) 
Martin Villig (Bolt)

Photo Flashback: The snowstorm of 1913

Christmas peace was disrupted on Christmas Eve in 1913 when a big snowstorm hit Estonia. Tallinn and its surrounding area was affected by heavy snowfall and raging winds that threatened to sweep people off their feet. Residents reported that they had not experienced extreme weather of this nature for several decades with snow falling non-stop.and the streets piled high with snow. 

On that day, people worked tirelessly to dig adequate access to the front doors of their homes but unfortuntely there were not enough draft horses to haul all the snow away.

The streets covered with huge mounds of snow would have been quite a sight to behold.

 

Photo; Tartu Road and Liivalaia intersection. 

Internationally acclaimed Estonian composer Arvo Pärt turns 90

World-renowned Estonian composer Arvo Pärt celebrated his 90th birthday today. He gained international recognition in the 1980s for developing his groundbreaking tintinnabuli style - a meditative approach to composition that has since become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary classical music. Pärt has earned countless accolades over the years, including more than a dozen Grammy nominations, with wins for Best Choral Performance in 2007 and 2014. Arvo Pärt currently holds the title of the world's most performed living composer. 

 

 

Born in Paide on the 11th of September 1935 Arvo Pärt studied music at the Tallinn Music School and Tallinn Conservatory before starting his career as a sound engineer. He spent a decade working in radio before becoming a freelance composer. Pärt composed many of his pieces whilst living abroad. In 1980 he moved to Vienna then spent the next thirty years living in Berlin, Germany. In 2010 Arvo Pärt returned to Estonia and settled in the coastal village of Laulasmaa. His family opened the Arvo Pärt Centre in 2018 in honour and preservation of his work.

 

The old Kreenholm textile factory

The Kreenholm Manufacturing Company was a textile factory located on the river island of Kreenholm in the city of Narva in Estonia. It was founded by German industrialist Ludwig Knoop in 1857 who was a cotton merchant from Bremen in Germany. Knoop acquired the whole island and founded his textile factory there.

At one point, Kreenholm's cotton spinning and manufacturing mills were the largest in the world and consisted of 32,000 acres of land and employed over 10,000 workers.

The factory was built using red-brick, English-style architecture and was once considered a symbol of industrial prowess.  Narva’s powerful 27-foot waterfall made it possible to use cheap water energy to power much of the factory's operations.

The first workers strike in the history of Estonia took place at the Kreenholm textile factory in August 1872. Poor working conditions led to a cholera outbreak that killed over 500 people. At that time employees were starting work at 5am and working 14 hour days in an environment where factory windows were always closed. After a series of negotiations, some small improvements were made. 

After periods of state ownership and privatisation following the collapse of the Soviet Union, the  Kreenholm textile factory eventually went bankrupt in 2010,  Today, the site is an important piece of Estonian industrial heritage, offering insights into the history of industrialisation and serving as a backdrop for cultural events. 

Where to buy Estonian school caps

Over the years, I've been asked by people living outside of Estonia, where they can buy Estonian school caps. They may have seen old family photographs of their parents as students wearing their caps and want to purchase one as a keepsake. I bought a school cap many years ago in memory of my grandfather by contacting the school. Alternatively, it is possible to contact the manufacturer directly to place an order. Velmard has a range of school caps available at 35€ each.

Children across Estonia begin the new school year

The 1st of September marks the beginning of the new school year in Estonia. More than 160,000 students will start the new academic year today with around 14,000 of those children being first graders. Children in Estonia don't wear compulsory school uniforms but they all proudly wear school caps. These 'koolimüts' foster a sense of community and school identity among students. Very often school caps are worn long after graduation and into adulthood on special occasions such as reunions and the Estonian Song Festival / Laulupidu.

This day in history

On this day thirty-one years ago, the last Russian troops left Estonian soil. It was the moment Estonia's independence was truly restored and the future looked bright, opened up to a world full of possibilities. 

After fifty years of Soviet occuapation it was goodbye and good riddance.

 

Tommy Cash's "Espresso Macchiato" a summer hit on German radio

Tommy Cash's 'Espresso Macchiato' may have come third place at this year's Eurovision final but it's a  clear winner at the top of the charts. As of August 2025, Espesso Macchiato has over twenty million views on YouTube and is the most streamed Eurovision song on Spotify for 2025.  In Germany, the radio station Bayern 3 often plays Espesso Macchiato and refers to it as 'der Sommerhit aus Estland'.

Fact of the Day: The Bench Press was invented by an Estonian

George Hackenschmidt was a professional wrestler, strongman, sports philosopher and writer. He was born in Tartu in 1877 and at school he excelled at gymnastics, swimming, running, cycling and weightlifting. His strength astounded his teachers as he could lift a small horse off the ground and lift 276 pounds overhead one handed. In the late 19th century he created the bench press and popularised the hack squat. In 1905 George Hackenschmidt became the world's first heavyweight wrestling champion.

 

 George Hackenschmidt 1877 (Tartu) - 1968 (London).

Photo flashback: Harju Tänav 38, 36, 34 in 1928

 

 

The Baltic Way: One of the largest political demonstrations in European history

On the 23rd of August 1989, two million people joined hands across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania to form the Baltic Way. The 675km human chain was a peaceful protest against Soviet rule that had deprived their countries of their statehoods. It was a powerful symbol of unity and freedom.

The Baltic Way took place on the anniversary of the signing of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact that divided Eastern Europe between the Nazi and Soviet regimes. Today, we honour those brave people who took part in the demonstration. 

 

 

Estonia: not your average bucket list destination

Happy Restoration of Independence Day! Head Taasiseseisvumispäev!

Today, Estonians across the globe celebrate the 34th anniversary of the restoration of independence. In 1991, after enduring fifty long years of Soviet occupation, Estonia finally restored its statehood. It was a deeply cherished longing in the heart of every Estonian and today we celebrate our country's freedom, never taking it for granted.

The beloved blue, black and white national flag will be raised on all commercial, government and office buildings today and will also be proudly displayed in every Estonian home. 

The city of Tallinn will mark the restoration of Estonia's independence with a variety of events that can be found here. Elagu Eesti!

Arnold Ruutel recalls how Estonia's independence was restored

The lost Estonian county of Petserimaa

Petseri County (Petserimaa) was a historical Estonian county that existed from 1918 until 1944.  As a settlement, Petseri was built around a monastery founded in the year 1473. On the 26th of February 1918, German troops occupied Petseri until Estonia took control of the area during the Estonian War of Independence. With the signing of the Tartu Peace Treaty in 1920, Petseri officially remained the territory of the Republic of Estonia. Historically, Petseri is considered the cultural capital of the Seto people.

After 1944, most of the territory, including the town of Petseri (Pechory) was illegally incorporated into Russia and became part of the Pskov Oblast. Estonia retains a portion of the original territory, which is now part of Setomaa Parish in modern Võru County. 

According to the 1934 census, out of 64,712 inhabitants of Petseri County, 65.06% were Russian, 32.36% Estonian, and 2.29% Latvian. Many of the ethnic Estonians who once lived in Petseri have since relocated to live on the Estonian side of the border. Today, under Russian administration the population of Pechory has been in steady decline. Population statistics reveal that figures have dropped from 13,056 inhabitants in 2002 to 11,196 in 2010 and 9,808 in 2023.

Historic photograph. 

 

Photo from Päewaleht newspaper 3rd July 1939 

In early July 1939 a song festival concert was held at the exhibition grounds in Petseri. 60 choirs with 2,500 singers took part. The event was attended by approximately twenty thousand people from all over Estonia. Guests of honour included the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, General J. Laidoner and his wife, Mrs. L. Eenpalu, Minister A. Oidermaa and Minister of Roads N. Viitak and his wife. 

Today, Estonians consider the centre of Setomaa to be Värska.

Estonia ranks number one in the world for human rights in 2024

Once again Estonia outshines its peers when it comes to fundamentally important issues in society. Estonia's constitution and laws provide a strong foundation for human rights. Including freedom of expression, the right to a fair trial, and protection against discrimination. Estonia may be a small nation but it has big standards when it comes to dignity, equality, and respect for all.

 

 

The top 15 countries in the world for Human Rights are: 

Ernst Rudolf Jaakson: The world’s longest serving diplomat

Today marks 120 years since the birth of Ernst Rudolf Jaakson who was the longest-serving diplomat in history. Jaakson had an unwavering belief in Estonia's independence and his dedication to maintaining its legal continuity ensured that Estonia's statehood was never forgotten. Jaakson was a symbol of Estonia’s statehood whilst living in exile in the USA.  His diplomatic career spanned 69 years.

 

Ernst Jaakson 1905- 1998 

Jaakson studied economics at the University of Latvia in Riga, and law at the University of Tartu. He later graduated from Columbia University in New York with a degree in economics.

In 1969, Jaakson issued a statement on behalf of Estonia to the Apollo 11 goodwill messages. Leaders of 73 countries from around the world contributed to the Apollo 11 goodwill messages. These messages were stored on a disc made of silicon and was left on the Moon in 1969 by the Apollo 11 astronauts.  

 

 

Ernst Jaakson was the chief diplomatic representative of Estonia in the United States until Estonia regained independence in 1991.  

 

Symbol of Dawn: The life and times of Estonian poet Lydia Koidula

A new revised edition of Madli Buffalo's book Symbol of Dawn has been published by the University of Tartu Press. Symbol of Dawn introduces the life and works of Lydia Koidula to the English reader and also provides a good overview of 19th century Estonia. Lydia Koidula was the first great poet to write in the Estonian language.

Symbol of Dawn can be purchased directly from the publisher here. 

Estonia ranks 8th most relaxing place in the world

BookRetreats.com has created the Global Relaxation Index to find the world’s most relaxing destinations. Based on the analysis of nine metrics, the study scores 76 countries across key categories including safety, solitude, serenity, nature, and wellness. In Estonia, once you get out of the city, nature takes over. It is abundant, beautiful and works on its own timetable. It literally forces you to relax.  Here are twenty of the world's most relaxing holiday destinations.

Celebrating the Estonian Year of the Book

This year we celebrate the Year of the Estonian Book to commemorate the 500th anniversary of the first known mention of a book written in the Estonian language. Estonian writers have produced many great literary works over the years with Tammsaare's Truth & Justice at the top of the list as a 'must read'. Literary translations make it possible for Estonian stories to reach a wider audience. The most common languages Estonian books are translated into are German, Finnish, English and French. 

I'm proud of my little collection of Estonian books. I'm particularly fond of reading books set during the Hanseatic period. For years I have been eagerly awaiting another Apothecary Melchior novel to be translated into English.  So far there have only been two (out of eight) a third book in the series has been translated, but into French rather than English.

Here is a list of some of the most highly regarded Estonian books that everyone should read.

Truth and Justice (Tõde ja õigus) by A.H. Tammsaare
Son of Kalev (Kalevipoeg) by Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald
Names in Marble (Nimed marmortahvlil) by Albert Kivikas
Between Three Plagues by Jaan Kross
The Milkman of the Manor (Mäeküla piimamees) by Eduard Vilde
The Tzar's Madman (Keisri hull) by Jaan Kross
The Man Who Spoke Snakish by Andrus Kivirähk
Apothecary Melchior and the Mystery of St Olaf's Church by Indrek Hargla