Other Estonia

In Estonian

Õhtuleht: A popular daily newspaper offering news, entertainment materials, and much more.

ERR: Estonian national broadcasting service providing news, programs, and radio broadcasts.

In other languages

Delfi: offers news in five languages, including Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, English, and Russian.

Postimees: covers local and international events in multiple languages: Estonian, English, Russian.

Baltic News Service: a news agency providing news in five languages, including Estonian, Latvian, Lithuanian, English, and Russian.

For convenience, many of these portals offer mobile apps and newsletters, allowing you to receive current information at a time convenient for you.

Additionally, international news resources such as BBC and The New York Times are available in Estonia, covering world events including news from Estonia.

Estonia, like many countries, faces a number of stereotypes that may not reflect the real situation. Let's consider some of them:

Estonians are slow people

This stereotype is often associated with their reserved and calm nature, as well as the measured pace of life in the country. Estonians are not so much slow as attentive to detail. They prefer to carefully think through decisions, avoiding haste. Estonians themselves view this stereotype with humor and often use it in jokes and anecdotes. In everyday life, Estonians display high organization, punctuality, and the ability to quickly adapt to changes.

Estonians are cold and reserved people

There is an opinion that Estonians are reserved and not inclined to communicate. However, this is more of a cultural feature, expressed in respecting personal space and thoughtfulness in communication. Upon closer acquaintance, Estonians demonstrate friendliness and hospitality.

Estonia is a poor and underdeveloped country

Some believe that the standard of living in Estonia is low. However, the country has achieved significant success in economic development and digitalization. As of 2024, the relative poverty level in Estonia has decreased to 20.2%, and the absolute poverty to 2.7%, indicating positive trends in the social sphere.

Estonia is a monoethnic country

There is a belief that mostly Estonians live in the country. In fact, the country is multinational.

Estonia has a severe climate

Many think it's constantly cold in Estonia. While the winter can be cold, the summer is warm, with temperatures reaching +25°C and higher, making the climate more moderate than generally believed.

High level of racial discrimination

There is an opinion about the prevalence of racial discrimination in Estonia. While cases of discrimination occur, the country is actively taking steps to combat this phenomenon.

Estonia is a technologically backward country

On the contrary, Estonia is known for its IT achievements and digital society. The country has become a pioneer in e-government, offering services such as e-residency and online voting.

It is important to understand that stereotypes are often based on outdated or inaccurate information. Visiting Estonia and getting acquainted with its culture and society will help create a more objective and complete picture of the country.

Transport and navigation

Bolt: A popular service for ordering taxis, renting electric scooters and bicycles.

Waze: A navigation app providing real-time information about traffic, road works, and other road events.

Pargi.ee: An app for paying for parking in various Estonian cities, including Tallinn and Tartu.

Public transport

Transport Info: An app providing information on the schedule of buses, trams, and trains across Estonia.

Tartu Smart Bike: For renting city bikes in Tartu.

Food and grocery delivery

Bolt Food: A food delivery service from restaurants and grocery stores.

Wolt: Another popular app for ordering food delivery to your home.

Government Services

Eesti.ee: An official government app providing access to various e-services, including viewing personal data, receiving notifications, and managing documents. Available in Estonian, Russian, and English.

Health

Synctuition: An Estonian app for meditation and relaxation that helps improve mental health and reduce stress.

Language Learning

Keeleklikk: An app for learning Estonian suitable for beginners and continuing learners.

Speakly: An effective tool for learning Estonian and other languages, focusing on practical usage.

News and Information

ERR News: The English-language version of the Estonian public broadcasting, providing up-to-date news and events.

Õhtuleht: One of Estonia's leading publications covering local and international news.

Song and Dance Festival 

Held every five years in Tallinn, this festival gathers tens of thousands of participants and spectators, combining choral singing and folk dance. It is included in the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

Tallinn Old Town Days 

An annual event held at the beginning of summer, dedicated to the history and culture of medieval Tallinn. It includes concerts, theatrical performances, fairs, and other entertainment.

Viljandi Folk Music Festival 

One of the largest folk music festivals in the Baltics, attracting performers and spectators from all over the world. It is held every July in the town of Viljandi.

Tallinn Music Week 

An international music festival and conference held in the spring in Tallinn. It showcases a wide range of genres and attracts both local and international performers.

"Dark Nights" Film Festival 

The largest film festival in Northern Europe, held in November-December in Tallinn. It presents films of various genres and directions from around the world.

Sports Events

Estonia offers a variety of opportunities for active recreation, including night runs, kayaking tours, and yacht rentals. Active leisure is becoming increasingly popular among locals and tourists.

Spa and Wellness Holidays

Estonian spa centers offer a variety of treatments for relaxation and recovery, making them a popular choice for family vacations and relaxation.

Museums and Exhibitions

There are many museums and galleries in Estonia offering both permanent exhibitions and temporary displays reflecting the country's history, art, and culture.

Christmas Markets

During the winter period, Christmas markets are held in Tallinn and other cities, offering traditional products, souvenirs, and festive entertainment.

Tallinn Coffee Festival

An event for coffee lovers, featuring different types and preparation methods of this beverage. It is held annually in Tallinn.

These events and leisure options reflect Estonia's rich cultural life and offer diverse opportunities for relaxation and entertainment for both locals and visitors to the country.

The capital of Estonia has a network of public restrooms located in parks, on beaches, and near popular attractions. City authorities strive to increase their number and improve service quality. Steps are also being taken to install public restrooms in other settlements in Estonia.

Recommendations for Visitors

Public restrooms are usually marked with appropriate signs and located near tourist sites, parks, and transport hubs.

Some restrooms operate 24/7, but some may have limited hours of operation, especially during the winter period.

While many restrooms are free, some may charge a small fee (up to 0.50 euros).

Overall, Estonia offers a fairly developed network of public restrooms, but it is recommended to plan visits to such facilities in advance, especially in less populated areas.

Government Programs and Courses

Integration Foundation: Offers free Estonian language courses for adults at levels A1, A2, B1.1, and B1.2. Registration for courses usually opens twice a year.

"Settle in Estonia" adaptation program: Intended for new immigrants living in Estonia for less than five years. The program offers free Estonian language courses at levels A1 and A2, as well as modules to help adapt to life in Estonia.

Online Resources and Applications

Keeleklikk: A free online course for beginners, allowing you to learn Estonian from scratch to level A2. Available in Russian and English languages.

Keeletee: A continuation of the Keeleklikk course, designed to reach level B1. Also available in Russian and English languages.

Lingvist: An adaptive platform for language learning, including Estonian.

Speakly: An app focusing on practical language use, helping you quickly master conversational skills.

Language Cafes and Clubs

Language cafes: Regular meetings where you can practice Estonian in an informal setting. Such events are organized in various Estonian cities and provide an opportunity to communicate with native speakers.

Self-Study

Study Materials: The Ministry of Education and Research of Estonia provides various resources for self-study of the Estonian language.

Libraries: Many libraries, including the Tallinn Central Library, offer materials and resources for learning Estonian.

Private Language Schools

There are many language schools in Estonia offering Estonian language courses at different levels. Some of them collaborate with the Integration Foundation and offer free or subsidized courses for certain groups of people.

Learning Estonian will open up new opportunities for you in Estonia and ease everyday communication and integration into the local community.

Independence Day (February 24): A solemn ceremony of raising the national flag takes place in Tallinn at the Tall Hermann tower; a military parade organized by the Estonian Defense Forces is broadcasted on television; it is customary to gather at the festive table with traditional dishes.

Easter: Traditional dishes include Easter eggs, cheese made from curd, lamb, or baked pork; children and adults participate in the search for dyed eggs hidden in the garden; many people attend church services.

Victory Day (June 23): On the evening of June 22, bonfires are lit, symbolizing light and victory; families and friends gather for picnics and spend time outdoors; laying flowers at the monuments to the heroes of the War of Independence.

Midsummer's Day (June 23–24): The central tradition of the holiday is jumping over bonfires, symbolizing purification and protection from evil spirits; folk songs and traditional dances accompanied by live music; young people participate in a game to find the mythical fern flower, symbolizing happiness.

Restoration of Independence Day (August 20): Families gather to celebrate this event over dinner; ceremonial speeches and concerts in honor of the restoration of independence.

Christmas (December 24–26): Setting up a Christmas tree, decorating with garlands and candles; traditional dishes: Blood sausage, baked pork, sauerkraut, gingerbread cookies; many families participate in Christmas services.

St. Martin's Day (November 10): Children and adults dress up in costumes and go house to house, singing songs and receiving treats; traditional songs contain wishes for fertility and prosperity.

St. Catherine's Day (November 25): Participants dress in white clothes, symbolizing purity and light; go house to house, sing songs, and receive treats, especially dairy products.

Walpurgis Night (April 30): Bonfires are lit to ward off evil spirits; young people, especially students, organize parties and themed parades; fairs and concerts take place in parks and squares.

These traditions unite Estonians, preserving generational connections and highlighting the uniqueness of their cultural heritage. For foreigners, participating in these holidays can be an excellent way to immerse themselves in local culture and make new acquaintances.

Estonia is a country with a rich cultural heritage and diverse natural landscapes, offering many interesting places to visit. Below are some of the most notable attractions that should be included in your itinerary:

Old Town of Tallinn: Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, the Old Town of Tallinn impresses with its medieval architecture, narrow cobbled streets, and historic buildings. Here you can visit the Town Hall Square, the Fat Margaret Tower, and the Viru Gates.

Lahemaa National Park: Located on the northern coast of Estonia, this park is known for its picturesque landscapes, bogs, forests, and historical estates like Palmse and Sagadi. An ideal place for hiking and exploring nature.

Saaremaa Island: Estonia's largest island, known for its windmills, medieval castle in Kuressaare, and the meteorite crater in Kaali.

Tartu: The second-largest city in Estonia, known as an academic center. Here, you should visit the University of Tartu, the botanical garden, and the AHHAA Science Centre. The city is renowned for its intellectual atmosphere and cultural events.

Toompea Castle: Located in Tallinn, this castle is a symbol of state power and the seat of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu). Toompea Hill offers a panoramic view of the city.

Pärnu: A popular resort town on the Baltic Sea coast, known for its beaches, spa centers, and summer festivals.

Soomaa National Park: Known for its seasonal floods called the "fifth season". The park offers unique opportunities for kayaking, hiking, and wildlife observation.

Rakvere: A town with an impressive medieval castle where historical reenactments and events are held. It is also home to the modern sculpture "Tarvas" – one of the largest depictions of a bull in the world.

Hiiumaa Island: Known for its lighthouses, wildlife, and tranquil atmosphere.

Greetings and Address

Handshake: It is customary to exchange handshakes when meeting for the first time. Subsequent greetings may be less formal.

Addressing: In formal situations, use titles and surnames; switching to first names occurs by mutual agreement.

Communication

Reserve: Estonians tend to express emotions reservedly and value straightforwardness and honesty in communication. Avoid excessive gesticulation and loud speech.

Listening Skill: It's important to listen attentively without interrupting. Impatience and interruptions are considered rude.

Punctuality

Precision: Punctuality is highly valued; being late for meetings or events is considered disrespectful.

Personal Space

Distance: Estonians respect personal space; maintaining a certain distance in communication and avoiding excessive familiarity is recommended.

Public Behavior

Quietness: Speaking quietly in public places is customary; loud conversations and noisy behavior are not welcome.

Queues: Adhering to the queue is strictly observed; attempts to skip the line are considered rude.

Respect for Nature

Ecology: Estonians are proud of their nature and expect others to treat the environment with respect. Maintain cleanliness and adhere to rules of conduct in nature.

Business Etiquette

Preparation: It is customary to prepare in advance for business meetings, discussing details and agendas.

Decisions: Estonians value reasoned and considered decisions; haste and pressure are not welcomed.

Gifts

Modesty: An invitation to visit may be accompanied by a small gift for the hosts, such as flowers or sweets. However, expensive gifts may be perceived as excessive.

Adhering to these norms and showing respectful regard for local traditions will help establish positive and productive relationships with Estonians.

Structure of Local Government

Municipalities: Estonia is divided into municipalities, which are the main units of local government. They are divided into:

Cities: Urban municipalities.

Parishes: Rural municipalities comprising several settlements.

Local Government Authorities

Parish or City Council: A representative body elected by the residents of the municipality in direct elections for a term of four years. It is responsible for adopting local regulations, approving the budget, and overseeing the activities of the executive bodies.

Parish or City Government: The executive body led by the parish elder or city mayor. Appointed by the parish or city council, it is responsible for day-to-day administration, the implementation of council decisions, and the provision of municipal services.

Functions of Local Self-Government

Municipalities in Estonia have a wide range of responsibilities, including:

- Management of kindergartens, schools, and supplementary education institutions.

- Provision of social assistance, support for the elderly and people with special needs.

- Planning and development of territories, management of municipal housing.

- Ensuring water supply, wastewater services, and landscaping of territories.

- Support of cultural institutions, organization of sports events.

Interaction with State Bodies

Local self-government in Estonia operates independently but cooperates with state bodies within the framework of legislation. The state may delegate certain functions to municipalities, providing appropriate funding.

Financing

The budget of municipalities is formed from local taxes, fees, and allowances from the state budget. Municipalities have the right to establish local taxes within the limits defined by law.