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ESTONIA Estonia HIGHLIGHTS Tallinn Find medieval bliss exploring the Old Town, then unwind at Kadriorg Park (p333) Pärnu Get sand in your shorts at Estonia’s beachy-keen summertime mecca (p342) Tartu Further your local education among the bars and cafes of Estonia’s second city (p339) Lahemaa National Park Look for shy beavers, go cycling and discover your own slice of deserted coast (p339) The 20th century was full of twists and turns for Estonia, but it’s now primped and primed and waiting to shine in the spotlight. This diminutive country has shaken off the dead weight of the Soviet era and turned its focus to the West, and to promises of a richer, shinier future. In recent years it’s claimed EU membership and one of Europe’s fastest-growing economies, and the country is now patting itself on the back and celebrating its return to the world stage – independent, economically robust and tech-savvy. And the world is tuning in to the low-key, lovely Estonian charms, an irresistible blend of Eastern European and Nordic. Soaking up Tallinn’s long white nights and medieval history, or exploring the country’s coastline, studded with islands, are joys to be savoured. National parks provide plenty of elbow room, quaint villages evoke a timeless sense of history, and uplifting song festivals celebrate age-old traditions. FAST FACTS Area 45,226 sq km (slightly larger than Denmark) Budget 500-600EEK per day Capital Tallinn Country code % 372 Famous for song festivals, Skype & Kazaa, saunas, forest, supermodel Carmen Kass Language Estonian (a Finno-Ugric language) Money kroon (EEK); A$1 = 8.69EEK; C$1 = 9.88EEK; €1 = 15.65EEK; ¥100 = 12.30EEK; NZ$1 = 6.80EEK; UK£1 = 17.63EEK; US$1 = 11.64EEK Phrases aitäh (thanks), tere! (hi!), mis te nimi on? (what’s your name?), kui palju see maksab? (how much does this cost?) Population 1.3 million Visas none required for travellers from the EU, the USA, Canada and Australia (p344) TRAVEL HINTS Buses are the way to get around (trains are minimal). Internet access is usually free at libraries. ROAMING ESTONIA Tallinn’s Old Town is the must-see, but also check out student-savvy Tartu and/or the beaches of Pärnu. © Lonely Planet Publications 329
