Tourist Attractions & Monuments Estonia

This stunning statue of a soldier inscribed in his stone background in 1947 was originally a memorial to Soviet soldiers who were missing during World War II. For years, Estonians regarded this monument as the symbol of occupation. As times changed, the text accompanying what remains, however, a Soviet monument, changed. «To those who fell during the Second World War». Russians living in Estonia continue to bloom a monument that is for them a tomb of the unknown Soldier, in memory of fallen relatives. In April 2007, this monument referred to him and was the cause of many disorders. On the night of 26 April, the Estonian authorities began work on the exhumation and identification of the remains of the Soviet soldiers buried in front of the memorial to the Soldier Soldier in the city centre. For Moscow and the Russian minority of Estonia, which represents a quarter of the population, the monument symbolizes victory over Nazism during World war II. Most Estonians are mainly a painful reminder of nearly 50 years of Soviet occupation of the country, which became independent in 1991 before joining the European Union and NATO in 2004. As a result, hundreds of people were then taken to the streets of Tallinn on the evening of 27 to protest against the government's decision. Almost 500 people, including more than 100 minors, were arrested in new clashes between police forces and opponents of dismantling.

To the south-east of Riguldi, turn right towards Haeska, where the Matsalu reserve begins and where the Reserve Centre and the Reserve Museum are located, its administrative centre being in Penijõe. Refuge for swans and other thousands of birds, Matsalu, one of Europe's largest natural sanctuaries, covers 400 km ². The reserve was established in 1958, its ornithological research centre in 1970. On the peninsula of Puhtulaid, south of the reserve, an observation tower will allow you to admire the migration of many bird species. You can stay in Puhtu (book in advance Tel. 477 8755).

Observation towers also exist in Penijõe, Kloostri and Haeska. In the villages of Matsalu, Haeska and Penijÿe, guesthouses are found. In all cases, it is better to inform the possibilities before leaving, either at the tourist centre De or, even better (if one is not already on the spot), at the Ecotourism Association of Estonia, whose centre is in Tallinn.

At the entrance to the reserve, on the road that returns to Tallinn, the Kasari bridge crosses the river of the same name, the powerful flow, which flows into the bay of Matsalu.

At the southern limit of the reserve, the small town of Lihula has the ruins of a medieval castle, an Orthodox church dating back to 1889 and a memorial stone reminiscent of a th century battle during which the remnant peoples succeeded in pushing the Swedish invaders, which were later present in the region (whose fortress of Lihula represented one of the strategic points). Further south, the port of Virstu and the ferry pier for the islands of Muhu and the large island of Saaremaa.

It is the largest lake in Estonia, which forms a natural border with nearby Russia and also the 5 ^th largest in Europe. The north coast has many sandy beaches. Several very picturesque villages cross the lake, the most interesting of which are Kauksi, Mustvee and Kallaste. Peipsi Lake is, summer, suitable for bathing and many activities can be carried out: fishing, cycling, hiking, boat. In winter, the lake is frozen, sometimes it is possible to walk on the ice when the layer is thick enough. That is also where you can see fishermen in action breaking the ice and launching their line in the hope of having the hook. This practice may be dangerous to non-experienced people, and it is possible to try with one of these fishermen.

To prepare its routes, learn about the state of roads, etc. Cover the three Baltic states.

In Vene Street, the church of the Catholic church was established in 1844, a Dominican monastery dating back to 1246, where Scandinavian monks were living in a great role in Christianity. At the beginning of the th century, part of these buildings had been transformed into a hospice, the museum of the city (Linnamuuseum) reconstituted in a th century merchant house shows the development of the city through the centuries.

Karula National Park offers many hiking trails, characterized by forests, meadows, hilly landscapes and close to 50 lakes. Possibility to book guides and accommodations at the Visitor Centre. 

The Rapla Kultuurikeskus is a cultural center located in Rapla. It offers a variety of cultural events and activities for locals and visitors alike. The center features an auditorium where concerts, plays and film screenings are organized. It also houses an art gallery exhibiting works by local and international artists. Rapla Kultuurikeskus also offers workshops and art courses for those interested in the visual arts.

You don't have time to go to Lahemaa National Park, but you still want to visit a peat bog (it's almost compulsory when traveling in Estonia)? Then head for the Nõmme district, a veritable village within the city. A 4 km hiking trail through pine and birch woods will take you to the Pääsküla peat bogs, a concentrate of local nature. Don't miss the observation tower for a bird's-eye view of the trees, and the stilted trail that crosses the peat bog itself. Don't forget your mosquito repellent in summer!

Tired of old stones? Then come and discover the delightful Karlova district. A veritable village, Karlova grew up on the grounds of the manor house of the same name in the ^19th and ^20th centuries. The manor house still exists, at 2B Salme, but is not open to the public. The houses were built almost exclusively of wood, for Estonians, along streets lined with chestnut and lime trees. A bohemian district par excellence, it can be visited through the works of street art scattered throughout its streets (www.visitestonia.com/en/street-art-tour-in-karlova-1).

An authentic jewel of greenery, this garden was created over two hundred and twenty years ago for the university by two botanists: Karl Friedrich von Ledebour and Alexander von Bunge. This makes it the oldest botanical garden in the Baltic States, and it remains a place of study. Flowers, trees and bushes are arranged in different zones (according to type of plant, climate...) where it's a pleasure to stroll. The pond, embellished by an island with a gazebo, is particularly romantic. The greenhouses, which house desert and tropical plants, are subject to a charge.

On the shores of Tallinn's Gulf, a little lower down than Lennusadam, Noblessner is one of the city's new districts, which has sprung up in recent years. That's not to say there was nothing there before, as it's a former shipyard whose construction dates back to Imperial Russia. It's only natural that this district should be very seafront-oriented, with large esplanades opening onto the marina. Here you'll find the Kai Art Center, the Proto Invention Factory (a must-see for the whole family), as well as bars and restaurants, including the famous Põhjala brewery.

Rotermanni, between the lower town and the port, was one of Tallinn's first rehabilitated industrial sites. Many of the buildings date from the ^19th century and were built around the industrial projects of Christian Abraham Rotermann, later extended by his son, Christian Barthold: flour mill, various factories, a department store... The district was rebuilt after independence, harmoniously blending the existing post-industrial heritage with contemporary architecture. It's a mecca for shopping and design, with numerous restaurants and bars.

At the very end of the beach promenade, you'll find access to the coastal meadow trail, a preserved part of the special biotope of salt meadows. An elevated wooden loop path allows you to admire the flora and fauna (birds, amphibians and insects, as well as the cows that are taken out to graze in summer) without damaging the site. At the halfway point, an observation tower gives you a bird's-eye view of the site and the sea. Superb views.

But what to do with the derelict former railway workshops? A complex dedicated to creativity, of course! Telliskivi is an astonishing place, a city within a city where the vast spaces are home to galleries, independent boutiques and bars and restaurants each as alternative as the next, even a gin distillery. Since 2019, a branch of the Swedish photo museum Fotografiska has been based here. Its café is very welcoming, and its restaurant one of Tallinn's finest. The street art is well worth a visit.