Volume IV of Truth and Justice available in English

The fourth volume of Anton Hansen Tammsaare's classic Estonian pentalogy Truth and Justice (Tõde ja õigus) is now available in English. Entitled 'Karin', the fourth installment once again follows the life of Indrek Paas who is now an intellectual and lawyer living in Tallinn. Set in newly independent Estonia, Karin is a psychological drama about marriage, betrayal, social aspiration and competing emotional needs.  

Tammsaare famously described the first volume of Truth and Justice as man's struggle with the land. By contrast, he defined Volume IV as a struggle with oneself and the happiness of one's life. It highlights how people's complex emotional needs (love, pride, and truth) clash with societal expectations.

Volume IV of Truth and Justice was translated by Matthew Hyde and published by Vagabond Voices.  The English translation of the fifth and final volume of Tõde ja õigus will be available later this year.  You can buy a copy of Karin here

5 Interesting Facts about the Estonian Island of Ruhnu

Ruhnu is a small remote Estonian island located in the Gulf of Riga. It is famous for its extreme isolation, with a tiny year-round population of less than 100 people. For centuries the island was populated by ethnic Swedes and traditional Swedish law was applied. Up until 1944, the island was entirely Swedish-speaking but its population fled to Sweden during World War Two to escape Soviet occupation. 

Today, Ruhnu is a beautiful tranquil island with untouched nature, quiet beaches, and a close-knit, self-sufficient community. It is the prefect place to visit for a unique getaway.

Here are five interesting facts about Ruhnu. 

1. The island has two churches standing side-by-side. Ruhnu is home to a unique architectural anomaly where two distinct churches stand just metres apart. St. Magdalena's Church was built in 1643. It is the oldest wooden building still standing in Estonia.  The newer stone church was built right next to it in 1912.

2. The French Lighthouse. Rumour has it that before creating his architectural masterpiece in Paris, Gustave Eiffel designed a lighthouse for Ruhnu. This cannot be confirmed, however, it is true that the red metal cylindrical tower was made in the Le Havre plant in France and was erected on Haubjerre Hill in 1877. The height of the lighthouse is 39.5 metres and it stands 65 metres above sea level. The French lighthouse is the only lighthouse of its kind in the Baltic region.

 

3. Singing Sand. Ruhnu's singing sand is a unique acoustic phenomenon found on the island's beautiful Limo Beach. When you walk or slide your hand across the dry quartz sand, the friction makes the grains vibrate and emit a high-pitched, musical squeak or whistling sound. 

4. In 2006, the island had a surprise visitor when a 150 kg brown bear travelled across the freezing waters on a block of ice from mainland Latvia. The bear became a media sensation and for months tourists outnumbered locals on the island hoping to catch a glimpse of the bear. It evaded capture hiding in the forest for months before eventually disappearing, presumably returning to Latvia. In 2007, to mark the event, Latvian chocolate company Laima gifted the people of Ruhnu a 40 kg chocolate bear.

5. Ruhnu is 11.9 square kilometres and has only one settlement making it impossible to get lost on the island. There are two ways to get there, either a three hour ferry trip from Pärnu or flying on board a small 8-seater airplane. 

Photo flashback 1930

People from Lepiku village playing volleyball near the Tindi farm house in the 1930s.

New silver coin dedicated to Anne Vabarna to be released next year

In 2025 the Bank of Estonia launched a new coin series dedicated to Outstanding Estonian Women who have had a major influence on the development of society. The series began with Lilli Suburg (1841–1923), who one of the first people in Estonia to publicly speak in favour of equal rights for women. Today it was announced that Seto singer Anne Vabarna will join Suburg in the collection. Anne Vabarna was one of the most prominent Seto folk singers, whose work is an important part of Estonia's spiritual heritage. The silver collector coin is dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the birth of Anne Vabarna.

Anne Vabarna 1877 - 1964

 

The silver commemorative coin will have a nominal value of 15 euros and 2500 will be minted. The coins will be issued in 2027. More information can be found here.

Escape the heat and head to Estonia this summer!

The heatwave currently gripping most of Western and Central Europe has once again highlighted the region's lack of infrastructure when it comes to air conditioning and cooling. Temperatures have been above 30°C in many parts of Europe this week, causing many people to rethink their travel plans. While tourists love to flock to the Mediterranean Coast for a summer holiday, the crowds and heat are less appealing to many this year.  For a cooler summertime destination, Estonia may be the answer.  Estonia is a phenomenal summer destination because it offers the perfect "coolcation" escape. You get to experience pleasant temperatures rarely above 25°C, stunningly long "White Nights" (up to 19+ hours of daylight), and diverse landscapes from sandy beaches, dense forests, and pristine nature reserves, all without the massive tourist crowds of Southern Europe. Estonia is definitely the place to be this summer!

Estonian War of Independence animated video

Yesterday was Victory Day in Estonia. Victory Day is an Estonian national holiday that was first celebrated in 1934 and commemorates the victory at the Battle of Vonnu in 1919, which marked a turning point in the Estonian War of Independence. Since the fall of the Soviet Union, Victory Day also celebrates all Estonian forces who fight to retain the country's independence. 

The Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920) took place in the aftermath World War One. This animated video details how Independence was finally achieved for Estonia.

Today is Jaanipäev in Estonia!

Midsummer is celebrated on the 23rd of June in Estonia. On this day many ancient traditions are practised including lighting bonfires, catching glowworms  and weaving flower crowns. The 'white nights' in Estonia means the sky remains illuminated until dawn so we can party all night long. The 23rd of June also marks Victory Day from the Estonian War of Independence. Tomorrow is a public holiday in Estonia, a day to rest and recover from the biggest party of the year! "Head jaanipäeva!"

Jaanipäev party Song

Tomorrow is a very important day on the Estonian calendar. Jaanipäev is Estonia's most celebrated summer holiday, corresponding to Midsummer Day or the Summer Solstice. The holiday is deeply rooted in both ancient pagan traditions and modern national identity. Core traditions include: bonfires, folk music, lots of foods and drink and being close to nature. "Head Jaanipäeva!"

Tallinn to get new T6 tram line

A new T6 tram line in Tallinn will be introduced in August to provide a fast connection between Kopli, the city centre and Suur-Paala. The new line was created in response to strong requests from residents in North Tallinn to accommodate the growing number of commuters to the Ülemiste business district. 

After a three year pause due to construction work, the Tallinn airport tram service will resume in August and will be operated by lines T2 and T4. Tallinn recently updated its public transport system to add a "T" prefix to all tram lines (e.g., T2, T4, T6) to make the public transport network clearer and easier to understand for both residents and visitors.  

What proportion of income do Europeans spend on housing?

European wallets are being squeezed by high housing costs. This map shows how much of disposable income people spend on housing across Europe including rent, mortgage interest, utilities, and other housing-related costs.

The biggest financial pressure is in Greece, where housing costs take about 35.2% of disposable income, the highest in the EU. Denmark and Germany are also near the top, both above 25%. Meanwhile, countries like Malta, Cyprus, Slovenia, Croatia, Portugal, and Italy show lower shares, meaning housing takes a smaller portion of average disposable income. In Estonia the figure is 17.7%.

The EU average is shown at 19.2%, but the map makes one thing clear: the “housing crisis” does not hit every country equally. In some places, housing is uncomfortable. In others, it is becoming one of the biggest financial burdens in daily life.

Vabamu Museum exhibition: "Estonia Worldwide"

“Estonia Worldwide” is a major temporary exhibition at the Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom in Tallinn that explores 150 years of the Estonian diaspora. The exhibition highlights the personal stories of Estonians who have lived, worked, and built communities abroad through three distinct migration waves. For Estonians abroad, this exhibition offers recognition that Estonian culture has been kept alive across generations, borders, and oceans.

The exhibition is curated by anthropologists and historians Martin Vaino, Ede Schank Tamkivi, and Terje Toomistu. It uses personal artifacts, photographs, documents, and video testimonies to answer the question: What does it mean to be Estonian when your address is somewhere else? 

The "Estonia Worldwide" exhibition runs until January 2028. More information can be found here.

Virtual tour of the Estonian Open Air Museum

No trip to Tallinn is compete without a visit to the Estonian Open Air Museum. Located 15 minutes from the city centre in Tallinn’s picturesque Rocca al Mare district, the museum showcases 18th - 20th century rural Estonian life. Situated on 72-hectares of land, the museum features nearly 80 authentic historic buildings that have been relocated from all across Estonia. These buildings include 14 farmhouses, a church, schoolhouse, tavern, and windmills. The  Estonian Open Air Museum is an excellent way to explore Estonia’s agricultural history.

This virtual tour video provides an overview of how fascinating this museum truly is. More information can be found here.

'Estonians' poem by Kristina Ruder

 

 Estonians
The windy sky of the fatherland.
A homely, beloved land.
We are the light day and night.
The earth is more beautiful with us.
We live here and there.
Goodness and joy radiate in us.
A voice rings in our souls
The breath of the river of life carries us.
Colours and winds in the soul.
The path of hope in the air.
Good words are carried by the lips,
They live from generation to generation.

'It belongs to everyone': The history of Estonia's first flag (ERR News)

Today we celebrate Estonian Flag Day / Eesti lipu päev. Estonia holds the record for the oldest preserved original national flag in the world. The iconic blue-black-white tricolour flag, affectionately known as 'sinimustvalge' among Estonians, has a fascinating history, deeply intertwined with the country's fight for survival and identity.

Those aware of its history may already know that the Estonian flag was originally a fraternity flag and that the date celebrated as Flag Day (June 4th) marks the anniversary of its consecration as the flag of the Estonian Students' Society (EÜS) in 1884.

In honour of Estonian Flag Day, ERR News has published an article about Estonia's beloved national flag. You can read it here. 

The historic Estonian Students'Society flag on display after being dug out from hiding in 1991. It underwent professional conservation in 1992.

Photo flashback: Café Marcelle / Jegorov House

In the early 1920s, Estonia's first cabaret dancing couple, 'René and Marcelle' (real names Bernhard Leer and Rosalie Leer), raised a large sum of money to open Café Marcelle in the basement of Jegorov House in Tallinn. Café Marcelle opened in 1925 and quickly became one of the city's premiere hotspots. It was celebrated for hosting The Murphy Band, who were known as Estonia's first professional jazz orchestra. 

The Jegorov House building has an interesting history.

  

In 1918, a wealthy Russian textiles merchant by the name of Iwan Jegorovitš (Ivan Jegorov) purchased a massive block of buildings in the heart of Tallinn's Old Town. He transformed the entire block spanning Raekoja plats, Kinga, Pikk, and Mündi streets into a modern, prestigious commercial and residential complex, designed by renowned architect Artur Perna. During this time Raekoja plats 8 became known as Jegorov House. 

 

Café Marcelle was located at Raekoja plats 8 in Jegorov House. 

 

Jegorov was one of the wealthiest Russians in Tallinn during this period. He was well-known not only for building a highly successful business empire in trade and real estate, but also for his charitable contributions. He gave generously to the Orthodox Church in Estonia, and he frequently supported the poor and orphanages. Jegorov's life was cut short when he was arrested by the NKVD during the Soviet occupation in August 1940. He was deported to the Gulag system and died in a Siberian prison camp in 1942.

 

Iwan Jegorovitš (Ivan Jegorov 1875–1942) 

During the Soviet occpuation of  Estonia, Café Marcelle's name, which was considered too Western, was first changed to Laine and subsequently to Vana Toomas. In 2002, the historic restaurant was completely renovated and named Maikrahvi after a medieval legend. Today, the Maikrahvi complex also includes a café overlooking Raekoja plats, which continues to bear the name of Vana Toomas.

Estonian historic figure: Jakob Hurt

Jakob Hurt was a pivotal Estonian folklorist, theologian, linguist, and academic, often called the "King of Estonian Folklore". A leading figure in the Estonian national awakening, Hurt organised a massive nationwide campaign in the 1870s to collect traditional Estonian stories, songs, and cultural oral history. 1400 volunteers took part in the project, visiting almost every home in Estonia and producing over 124,000 written pages. Hurt's quest to preserve Estonia's oral culture was to be published in a six volume collection called 'Monumenta Estoniae Antiquae' however, due to financial difficulties, only two volumes of folk songs were published in 1875-76, entitled 'Vana kannel' (Old Harp).

During the first Estonian Song Festival in Tartu in 1869, Hurt delivered a highly regarded historical speech urging Estonians to remain loyal to their nation, seek unity, and promote education in their mother tongue. Thanks to Jakob Hurt's tireless efforts and dedication he safeguarded Estonia's cultural heritage from assimilation.

 

 Jakob Hurt (1839–1907) 

In honour of Hurt's work in preserving Estonian culture, his image featured on the 10 kroon banknote.

The Most Amazing Places to Visit in Estonia

59% of Estonians keep old mobile phones

According to Eurostat 51% of people living in the European Union keep an old phone at home. Somewhere in a drawer, a bag, or forgotten on a shelf. In Estonia this figure is higher at 59.1%. The tendency to hold onto things is a common trait in Estonia, deeply rooted in the country's history. Rather than hoarding, it stems from a practical, frugal mindset. 

I have to agree with the data. Here are two of my old phones that I keep in a cupboard at home and I'm sure if I look around in my father's desk drawer, I would find an old Nokia there too!

Bank of Estonia to issue new 2 euro Sipsik coin

For 65 years, Estonian children have grown up with Sipsik, the curious and mischievous blue-and-white-striped rag doll beloved across generations. Sipsik first appeared in the Estonian children's magazine Täheke before being published as a standalone book in 1962 and later film. Now the iconic character will be honoured on a special two euro commemorative to be released on June 5.

 

Sipsik was created by writer Eno Raud and artist Edgar Valter.

 

The new commemorative coin card was designed by graphic artist Vladimir Taiger, who also designed Estonia's kroon banknotes. The text on the coin card was laid out by artist and writer Piret Raud. One million coins were minted in honour of Sipsik  and will enter circulation through banks and retailers next month.

Estonia is the place to be this summer!

Summer will soon be upon us which means now is the time to start planning holiday getaways. Estonia is the prefect summertime destination for those who want to avoid crowds and enjoy comfortable sunny weather that rarely exceeds 25°C. The 'white nights' (19 hours of daylight) enable you to do more during your day. Estonia offers the perfect mix of vibrant, open-air culture in cities like Tallinn and Tartu and relaxing beach getaways in coastal areas such as Pärnu and Saaremaa.

 

 

Estonia's summer calendar is packed with major festivals spanning electronic music, folk arts, classical concerts, and heritage celebrations. The Viljandi Folk Music Festival and Tallinn Medieaval Days are two of the best annual events in Estonia. To find more events that appeal to you, click here. 

Reading e-books on the rise in Europe

In 2025, e-book and audiobook purchases were on the rise across the European Union. Reading habits vary widely from country to country with Ireland having the highest share of residents buying e-books or audiobooks online. In Estonia there is still a strong traditional preference for physical books, despite being a highly advanced digital society. Estonians are among the most avid readers in the world and have an incredibly strong culture of owning, reading, and collecting large numbers of books. A typical Estonian home has 218 books and these personal libraries are often a point of great pride.

Video: Exploring Estonian DNA

Despite centuries of foreign rule and occupation, Estonians never lost their genetic identity. Estonians have a very distinct, well-defined genetic profile that sets them apart from most other European populations. Estonians are considered one of the most genetically ancient populations in Europe, with a high proportion of ancestry tracing back to the original hunter-gatherers who settled the region over 11,000 years ago. 

Ross Allen's New Book: 'Estonian Lessons'

Ross Allen, The British ambassador to Estonia has recently published a book about his time spent living in Estonia. In 'Estonian Lessons: What the World Can Learn from a Brilliant Baltic State', Allen expresses his admiration for Estonia’s achievements in environmental policy, human rights, education, culture and digital innovation. Since taking up his post in 2021, Allen has become a fluent Estonian-speaker and has developed a great fondness for Estonia. In his book Allen explores how Estonia has come to excel in so many fields, and what the rest of the world can 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 Estonia shine through.

Ross Allen’s term as the British Ambassador to Estonia will end in the summer of 2026. This book is a great way to say thank you and goodbye.

'Estonian Lessons: What the World Can Learn from a Brilliant Baltic State' will be released on 1st August 2026 and is now available for pre-order here.

Estonia voted the best country for Solo Female Travellers

A survey conducted by Talker Research in February 2026 has revealed that Estonia was recognised as one of the safest and best destinations for solo female travellers in the world. Estonia was praised for its low crime rate, strong infrastructure, and high comfort level.  The country surpassed traditional favorites for solo safety. 

Why Estonia is recommended for solo female travellers?

High Safety Standards: Estonia is recognised for having low crime rates, with tourists feeling secure walking alone in cities like Tallinn and Tartu, even after dark.

Accessible Exploration: Estonia has a very high Safety Score of 1.2 in some indices, indicating it is very safe.

Charming and Easy to Navigate: Cities like Tallinn offer a mix of medieval history (UNESCO World Heritage sites) and modern, well-connected infrastructure, making it easy to navigate.

Friendly Locals: Despite appearing distant at first, locals are reported to be kind and helpful, contributing to a welcoming environment.

A look at Estonia's population

As of  1 January 2026, Statistics Estonia reported that 1,360,745 people live in Estonia, marking a decrease of 9,250 persons from the previous year due to more deaths than births and negative net migration. 82.2% of the Estonian population have Estonian citizenship, 5.5% Russian citizenship, 4.6% Ukrainian citizenship and 4.3% unspecified citizenship. Nationally, the share of Estonians is 68.5% (933 000), which is the same size as last year.

Women have outnumbered men in Estonia for several decades, primarily driven by a significant gender gap in life expectancy where women live roughly 11 years longer than men. The average age of an Estonian residents is 42.

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.

Estonians are the second highest users of AI tools in the EU

According to Eurostat, 32.7% of people aged 16-74 in the European Union used generative artificial intelligence (AI) tools in 2025. Most people used them for personal purposes (25.1%), while 15.1% used them for work and 9.4% for formal education. In Estonia this figure is much higher with almost 47% of Estonians regularly using generative AI tools. From text to image, code, audio and video, generative AI tools offer significant benefits to users by automating, enhancing productivity and boosting creativity. Once considered a fad, AI is set to transform the future and by 2034 AI is predicted to be a fixture of daily life.

Happy Easter! Häid munadepüha!

 Wishing everyone a happy and relaxing Easter weekend! 

Where do Estonians like to spend their holidays?

Estonians typically like to spend the summer holidays in their own country, favouring coastal towns and islands for a beach-focused, relaxing getaway. The most popular holiday destination is the "summer capital" of Pärnu, followed by the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa, and the nostalgic resort town of Haapsalu. For those who prefer to travel further afield, Estonians have their favourite hotspots for a European getaway. The most popular foreign travel destinations for Estonians continue to be Finland (11%), Latvia (10%) and Spain (8%). Outside the EU, 6% of Estonians like to holiday in Turkey.

In 2025, people living in Estonia made 1.5 million foreign trips and nearly 3.1 million domestic trips. 

Aleksandr Selevko makes Estonian figure skating history

Twenty-four-year-old figure skater Aleksandr Selevko has made Estonian sporting history by winning bronze at the ISU World Figure Skating Championships in Prague. Selevko delivered a powerful performance in the men's short program, improving his previous personal best by more than five points and became the first Estonian figure skater to ever reach the medals at World Championships level. With an impressive score of 96.49, Selevko was beaten only by the USA's Ilia Malinin (111.29 points) and France's Adam Siao Him Fa (101.85).

Kogu Me Lugu: Valve Luuka - Surviving the mass Soviet deportations

New Konrad Mägi exhibition opens in London

Over 60 works of art by Estonian modernist master Konrad Mägi are now on display in London's Dulwich Picture Gallery. Konrad Mägi was born in Elva Parish, Tartu county in 1878 and was a pioneer of Estonian modernism. His works range from radiant skies to psychologically charged portraits, each work pulses with energy and experimentation, revealing a short but astonishingly inventive career shaped by travel and his own personal struggles.

Konrad Mägi (1878–1925)

This is Mägi's first major exhibition in the United Kingdom which will run until 12 July 2026. More information can be found here.

                                     Konrad Mägi's portrait of a Norwegian Girl 1909

Spring solstice accompanied by aurora borealis

The Estonian island of Saaremaa is the best place to capture images of the northern lights.  This photo was taken a few days ago and is truly stunning.

New Estonian commemorative stamps

Estonia has released two new commemorative stamps marking important historic dates - the100th Anniversary of the Great Seal of the Republic of Estonia, and 35 years of Nordic-Baltic cooperation.

The First State Seal of Estonia was ordered in 1925 from the London firm Waterlow & Sons and, by law, was used only in foreign relations, which is why very few seal impressions have survived. In October 1992, President Lennart Meri initiated the production of a new state seal, which was manufactured by Helsingin Leimaisintehdas. The matrix and patrix of the first state seal are currently on display at Stenbock House. 

 

 

When Estonia restored its independence in 1991 and returned to the European family of nations the Nordic countries contributed to its democracy by offering their knowledge, experience and values. In the decades since, this has evolved into a mutual partnership: not just one of providing assistance, but a common space in which all are free to act. The tree on this stamp symbolises that connection, with common roots carrying experience of the past, the trunk consolidating trust and the branches stretching out into the future. On those branches, flags fly like leaves – each with its own face, but all part of the same canopy. 

 

Both stamps can be purchased online on the Omniva website.

Estonia is the cleanest country in the world

According to the latest Environmental Performance Index (EPI) Estonia ranks number one with a score of 75.7. The index evaluates 180 countries based on factors such as air quality, waste management, climate policy, biodiversity protection and water resources. This is an another excellent result for Estonia. More information can be found here.

2024 EU Housing Statistics

Housing figures from 2024 have revealed that the majority of Estonians prefer to own their home rather than rent. 79% of the Estonian population lives in a dwelling owned by a member of their household, making owner-occupancy high compared to the EU average. In comparison, it is interesting to note that less than half of the people living in Germany own their own home.

Head Emakeelepäev / Happy Mother Tongue Day!

Today is Emakeelepäev in Estonia, a day to celebrate the beautiful Estonian language. This national holiday has been celebrated in Estonia since 1996 to mark the birthday of Estonian poet Kristjan Jaak Peterson. Peterson was one of the first Estonian language writers and is credited for establishing the foundation for Estonian literature.

80th anniversary of the Baltic University

A special screening of Helga Merits' documentary "The Story of the Baltic University" will take place on March 19 at the Vabamu Museum in Tallinn to mark the 80th anniversary. The Baltic University in Exile was established in 1946 in Germany by Baltic refugees to educate students from Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, who had been forced to put their studies on hold and flee the advancing Red Army. The university started in Hamburg and later relocated to Pinneberg where it had around 1,200 students in its eight faculties. 

A total of 76 students graduated from the Baltic University, including seven Estonians. Those who did not complete their studied left because they found permanent homes and jobs in other countries.

My grandfather Alexander was a student at the Baltic University and studied economics and agriculture. His student record revealed he planned to emigrate to Brazil, but later changed his mind and moved to Australia instead. The Baltic Unversity is considered a remarkable success in terms of providing high-quality education to Baltic refugees under extremely difficult post-war circumstances. The university closed in September 1949 and today, the main archive of the Baltic University is kept at the Uppsala University Library in Sweden.

Historic Estonian flag to return home from Australia

An Estonian Presidential flag that was rescued in September 1944, where it had flown in front of Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn during the interim government of acting prime minister Otto Tief, is on its way back home to Estonia from Australia.

The flag was rescued by Eugen Vilder, an Estonian soldier who retrieved it from the flagpole, preventing it from being destroyed by the occupying Soviet forces. Joined by his mother and sister, Vilder fled the capital with the flag wrapped around his body under his clothes. The flag was then transported to Germany and eventually made its way to Australia in 1949 where Vilder kept it safe until his death in 2021. His descendants only discovered the flag recently, and decided to return it home to Estonia. An official handover ceremony took place today at the Sydney Estonian House and the flag will be transported to the Estonian National Museum in Tartu.

Australia is home to the seventh-largest Estonian community abroad which numbers approximately 11,500 people.

82nd anniversary of the bombing of Tallinn

Today marks the anniversary of one of the saddest events in Estonian history - the bombing of Tallinn. On the evening of 9th March 1944, over 300 Soviet aircraft dropped more than 3,000 bombs on the city of Tallinn in two waves. The raids targeted Tallinn's city centre and harbour area and destroyed thousands of buildings, including the Estonian National Opera and many historic landmarks. Around 760 people were killed, 600 wounded and more than 20,000 residents left without shelter.

This was one of many horrendous crimes committed by the Soviet Union during World War Two. For some Estonians, it is still part of their living memory.  The event will never be forgotten.