Estonia is back open and why you should visit the most underrated country in Europe
Estonia has just dropped all of it’s COVID-19 travel restrictions, but how much do you know about this small Baltic nation?
Although it may seem like any northern European nation, with its lush green rolling hills and ties to Viking crusades, there are some facts about Estonia that may take you by surprise.
For example, did you know Estonia has a fifth season in the year? But why does it exist and what does a fifth season even look like?
To find out more about why Estonia should be on your list of future trips abroad, here are some of the most weird and wonderful facts about this beloved European enigma.
Estonia is one of the most digitally advanced societies in the world
Home to more start-ups per person than America’s Silicon Valley and with internet mega-companies such as Skype being created there, it’s no wonder Wired named Estonia as the most advanced digital society in the world.
In fact, Estonia has also been praised for one of the world’s best internet connections, making it a prime spot for remote workers. With the country’s E-residency programme, digital nomads can gain a government-issued digital identity, gaining access to Estonia’s services and business environment.
So, if you’re looking if you’re looking to get away for a while, but still want to stay connected, Estonia is the place for you.
Estonia has over 2,000 islands to visit
With access to the Baltic sea, Estonia is home to a myriad of islands, all with their own charm and characteristics.
One of the most intriguing island communities is that of Kihnu, just a short ferry trip from Pärnu. Home to seafarers and fishermen, residents devote their lives to the ocean. The men spending much of their time at sea and so the women rule the island, akin to a matriarchy.
Go bear watching in Estonia
For most of us, the thought of being anywhere near wild bears is a frightening (albeit rather thrilling) thought.
For Estonians, who experience the highest population of the species in all of Europe, bears are built into their seasons, with mother bears and their new cubs commonly being seen throughout the spring and summer months.
Foraging is a big part of Estonian’s incredible food culture
With rich wilderness at their door, foraging is commonplace in Estonian cuisine, with the practice appearing in high-end restaurants, as well as in the average home kitchen.
For any keen foodies, there are many hiking tours run by experienced foragers. They’ll share their local wisdom on where to find the best delicacies, what to pick and how to store the produce through the winter.
Estonia’s mysterious fifth month
Between winter and spring, Estonia experiences a wet season like no other.
With a significant rise in water levels as the winter snow thaws, the season is characterised by mass flooding, with residents taking boats and canoes as transport. Visitors can also enjoy this phenomenon by boat in the Soomaa National Park.
A particularly notable even in this strange extra season can be seen at Tuhala Witch’s Well in Nabala-Tuhala ecological reserve.
Each year, the 2.4 metre deep well overflows, creating an enormous flow of 100 litres per second, leaving residents mesmerized.
Tartu, the most tilted city in Europe
Much like the leaning tower of Pisa, Tartu’s Art Museum, located in the aptly named Leaning House, suffered as a result of its poor foundations.
Built in 1793, and originally belonging to a noble family, the building slowly began to sink. Luckily, after a major restoration project, the building ceased to fall, and became home to Tartu’s impressive art collection.