Estonia - is known as the Window on the West, Gate way to the East. It is the smallest of the Baltic states. Nevertheless its area is larger than the one of Denmark, Switherland or the Netherlands.
Estonia is a country of great scenic beauty with many forests, lakes and islands, it's bordered by the Baltic Sea, the Russian Federation and Latvia.
Man first discovered the magic of Estonia some 5000 years ago. These first visitors to Estonia discovered, as you will, a land of unique natural beauty. The Estonia of today, however, offers even more, with its medieval castles, rich cultural heritage, and its love of Art and Music.
Indeed Tallinn, the capital, is one of the oldest cities in Northern Europe, dating back to 1154. Tallinn was one of the most important cities in northern Europe. The historical centre of the city with its high towers and its castle walls, its cobbled streets and its decorative architecture has been well preserved. The Town Hall Square today provides a stage for a wide variety of events for visitor and local alike. The narrow alleys of the lower part of the Old Town are full of shops, cafes, restaurants and art galleries. The beloved symbol of the city, "Vana Toomas" (Old Thomas), is a weather vane on the top of the high tower of the Town Hall.
Two hours drive from Tallinn is Parnu, a small 13th-century town on the banks of the Parnu River. Known as a seaport and health resort, its attractions include a theatre and a 3km-long (2-mile) sandy beach. Haapsalu, a small town on the western coast, has been a well-known resort since the 19th century, featuring romantic wooden houses and tree-lined avenues. Lahemaa National Park, is extremely popular. It contains mostly virgin forest with beautiful lakes, rivers, fishing villages and historic manor houses. Local specialities include sult (jellied veal) and rosolje (vinaigrette with herring and beets). Tallinn has a wide range of restaurants, cafes and bars. Opera, ballet and classical music performances are given regularly.
PASSPORT: Passports valid for the period of stay required by all.
VISA: Required by all except the following:
- nationals of the UK for a maximum stay of 6 months;
- nationals of all other EU countries for a stay of up to 90 days;
- nationals of Andorra, Australia, Chile, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Iceland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Liechtenstein, Malta, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, San Marino, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, Switzerland, USA and Vatican City for a stay of up to 90 days;
- nationals of Costa Rica, Hungary, Korea (Rep. of) and Poland for a maximum stay of 30 days;
- nationals of Singapore for a stay of up to 14 days;
- nationals of the following countries only when holding a visa for Latvia or Lithuania: Canada and South Africa.
Note: All travellers may be requested to show proof of sufficient funds (ekr500 per day).
CURRENCY: 1 Kroon (ekr) = 100 sents. Notes are in denominations of ekr500, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 2 kroon. Coins are in denominations of ekr1, and 50, 20, 10 and 5 sents.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE: All major currencies can be exchanged at banks and bureaux de change. The value of the kroon has been tied to the Deutschmark at a rate of ekr8 = DM1.
CREDIT & DEBIT CARDS: Credit cards are widely accepted. Check with your credit or debit card company for details of merchant acceptability and other services which may be available.
PUBLIC HOLIDAYS: Jan 1 2002 New Year's Day
Feb 24 Independence Day Mar 29 Good Friday May 1 May Day
May 24 White Monday Jun 23 Victory Day (Anniversary of the Battle
of Võnnu) Jun 24 Midsummer's Day Aug 20 Restoration of
Independence Day Dec 25-26 Christmas
TIME: GMT + 2
ELECTRICITY: 220 volts AC, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.
TELEPHONE: IDD service is available. Country code: 372. To make international calls, dial 8, wait for the long tone and then dial 00. An English directory enquiries service is available (tel: 8 1182). Public telephones, which are plentiful, are operated by phonecards, available from kiosks.
MOBILE TELEPHONE: GSM 900 and 1800 networks cover the whole country.
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