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.