Sunday Special – Estonia

This small Baltic country of Estonia has history that goes back for centuries and centuries with a Finno-Ugric language ancestry.  Throughout these times the Estonian’s faced German, Danish, Swedish and Russian control. In 1918 they became an independent nation but were forced into the Soviet Union in 1940. 1989 they demanded independence and gained it officially in 1991, with much credit going to their peaceful Singing Revolution of the 1980s. In 2004 they joined the European Union and switched to the euro in 2011. Today it is a tourism hot spot with plenty to offer. 

• Capital city of Tallinn boasts an outstanding Old Town which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Sight
• Experience “White Nights” from May through July when the sun barely sets
• Take in the Suur and Väike Taevaskoda (Small and Large Heaven’s Hall) along the Ahja River for some hiking and seeing some caves
• The Lahemaa National Park on the northern coast is filled with beautiful landscape and perhaps you will see moose, foxes and other animals
• The south’s Soomaa National Park showcases a primeval forest and quiet nature
• Get your adrenaline flowing with activities such as repelling, rafting, ATV rentals, go-karting and even a precarious walk along the ledge of Tallinn’s TV Tower 
• Visit any of Estonia’s plentiful islands, many just a quick ferry ride away
• Take in all forms of popular music at any number of clubs offering rock, jazz, alternative, electronic and more. Music festivals are popular as well.
• Admire the architecture of old in the many lighthouses, manor houses, churches, castles, and forts throughout the country