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Bradt Guide Estonia
Ref: BRA029
Every corner of Estonia is comprehensively covered in this extended fourth edition. Detailing the country's medieval capital, Tallinn, the guide escorts the visitor down its timeless cobbled streets and pinpoints architectural highlights. Extensive coverage is given of the country’s complex cultural history, and its best artists, writers and musicians are introduced. With updated information on the sites, and vital practical information, this guide remains a lively companion before, during and long after a visit to Estonia.
• Tallinn’s historic landmarks, including city walks
• Tours through national parks and nature reserves
• Seaside spas and the islands, with suggested drives
• Manor houses, windmills and museums where visitors can experience the old-world charm of Estonia
• Information on accommodation, restaurants and nightlife
Book Reviews
"A wealth of practical information."
The Yorkshire Post
"This guide provides the essential information to prepare a successful trip."
Reference Review "A must-have as it covers not only the country, but also offers fascinating information on short trips to the neighbours."
The Baltic Times
"Excellent on culture and history."
Escape Routes
"Bradt Guide's Estonia is best - detailed, reliable, and pleasantly opinionated."
Conde Nast Traveler, USA
About this Destination
Estonia is the smallest and most northerly of the Baltic states, offers remarkably diverse architectural and scenic attractions. The medieval capital of Tallinn, with its narrow cobbled streets and air of timelessness, repays a visit in its own right and is an ideal city break destination. But this guide also allows you to explore further afield, leading you to newly restored manorhouses, enchanting windmills and the wild beauty of the western islands. Accessible, yet surprisingly uncrowded, Estonia is a prime destination for cultural tourists seeking to enjoy the charm of the Baltic States.
Author's Note, by Neil Taylor
Updated 12 April, 2005
ESTONIA IN 2005
2005 will be the year when Estonia draws breath. Completing my 4th edition of the guide last spring, I found myself writing and rewriting all the time to ensure that it would be up to date as new hotels and restaurants opened every week. There is now ample accommodation all around the country and it will be 2006 before the next spurt comes, when Tallinn is expecting several major chains to open. In the winter of 2004/2005 hoteliers gave tour operators much better discounts than in previous winters, and this trend is likely to continue. Tallinn’s new art gallery behind the Kadriorg Palace is due to open in December and the building will be as exciting as the pictures on display (some might say more so). Combining a visit there with the Christmas market in Town Hall Square will more than compensate for the limited sunshine. The firework display over New Year kept the sky alight for a good hour around midnight. I was told it was downgraded in commemoration of the Tsunami; I cannot imagine what the full monty is like when it returns this year.
What has been changing is the number of ways Estonia can now be reached. This summer will see ferries to Saaremaa from Ventspils in Latvia, as well as new flights there from Riga and Helsinki. Estonian Air have added services to Dublin and Manchester whilst they keep their London schedules intact. Sadly passengers in economy will have to bring their own food, or buy it on board, as this saving is being introduced to help the airline compete with easyJet’s very successful daily flight to Tallinn from Stansted. Buses to Latvia increase as the two neighbours finally rediscover each other. Interestingly, they use a Bradt guide to get around as they still do not write about each other.
In Tallinn, I have eaten several times at Sisalik (Pikk 30) since it opened in autumn 2004 as the varied French menu and the low prices warrant several visits. I do not stay there for dessert but go upstairs to the Anneli Viik Chocolate Café to finish off the meal. Parnu is promising a better selection of restaurants when its season starts in June and the Chaplin Centre there will no doubt continue to outrage the municipality and perhaps some sensitive visitors too. Its irreverence is a welcome intrusion into the otherwise rather staid world of Estonian culture.
Neil Taylor
Neil Taylor is director of a British tour company that has specialised in travel to the Baltic states since they regained their independence. He visits Estonia several times a year, writes and broadcasts on travel-trade topics, and is a lecturer on university tourism courses.
£12.95
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