Estonia Campervan Hire Estonia Car Hire
Estonia, the northern Baltic land of primeval forests, rivers, bogs, lakes and sea islands, has one of the smallest populations of any country in the world, and most of the people have opted for city life, leaving the countryside rather wild and filled with rare birds, plants and roaming deer, elk, wild boar, bears and wolves. The low, largely flat landscape is also dotted with relics of Estonia's medieval glory, when the Teutonic knights reigned supreme and built castles which are now left as decaying hulks, testifying to the wealth of the traders who made use of the country's ports. The main port, Tallinn, today still the capital city, was part of the mighty Hanseatic League in the 13th century. Its medieval prosperity has given the romantic city a wealth of attractions for modern-day tourists to explore. Historical and natural attractions are only one reason why Estonia is experiencing an upsurge in tourism. The country is sandwiched between east and west Europe, also easily accessible from the south, offering fresh and unspoilt opportunities for those who enjoy the Nordic experience. The country lies along the Baltic Sea, just below Finland, with Russia to the east and Latvia to the south. Estonia has only recently (in 1991) thrown off the shackles of Soviet domination, and a vibrant spirit of freedom and rebirth pervades the air not only in the capital but also the lively university town of Tartu, the busy industrial centre of Narva and the idyllic summer vacation capital of Pärnu on the south-western coast

Time: Local time is GMT +2 (GMT +3 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October.

Electricity: The electricity supply in Estonia is 220 volts AC, 50 Hz. European-style 2-pin plugs are in use.

Language: Locals speak Estonian, which is part of the Finno-Ugric family of languages. English is widely used and understood, however, particularly among the younger generation and those involved in the tourist industry.

Health: No vaccinations are required for entry to Estonia, but it is highly recommended that adults be immunised for tetanus and diphtheria if they have not been vaccinated for these diseases during the preceding 10 years. Medical insurance is vital. Estonia's medical professionals are highly trained but resources and equipment are sadly lacking. Immediate cash payment is expected from visitors requiring health care. There is a reciprocal health agreement with the UK and most EU countries, whose citizens are entitled to free medical and dental treatment on presentation of a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Medical insurance is advised for other nationalities.

Safety: Visits to Estonia are usually trouble free, but with an increase in tourism there has also been an increase in tourist-related crime. There is a risk of pick-pocketing and mugging around Tallinn's Old Town, at ferry ports and major hotels. Be vigilant and take precautions like avoiding unlit side streets and parks after dark.

Communications: The International dialling code for Estonia is +372 and the outgoing code is 00 followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). The country has area codes, except for the capital, Tallinn. Pay phones using cards are freely available from hotel reception desks, tourist information offices, post offices, news stands and some shops. There is a GSM mobile network available. There are several Internet cafes in Tallinn, and public Internet access is also available at the Central Library, National Library and Central Post Office.

Money: The Estonian currency is the Kroon (EEK) and is broken down into 100 sents. Foreign currency can be easily exchanged at hotels, banks and exchange bureaux in the larger towns, at the airport and main railway station. Major credit cards are generally accepted in the larger hotels, main restaurants and shops, but it is wise to check first. Preferred travellers cheques in Estonia are Amex, Thomas Cook and Eurocheque. Banking hours are weekdays 9am to 4pm. Exchange bureaux open till 6pm on weekdays and from 9am to 3pm on Saturdays. Some open on Sundays.

Climate:
Estonia has a temperate climate, with warm summers and severe winters. Temperatures range from a summer average of 70°F (30°C) to an average in winter of 18°F (-8°C). Being on the Baltic Sea the country is subjected to sea breezes and humidity, and its northern latitude means long summer daylight hours (the longest summer day stretches to 19 hours), and dark winters when daylight lasts sometimes only six hours. The cold winter does not necessarily mean constant snow; in fact snowfalls are few and far between. When it falls it stays though, and there tends to be a layer of snow on the ground constantly between December and March. Summertime brings unexpected rain showers, so an umbrella and light raincoat are recommended.

TALLINN
St Olaf's Church
Estonia's ancient seacoast capital exudes a sense of romantic history, being one of the most completely preserved medieval cities in Europe, a gem on the UNESCO World Heritage List that is only beginning to be discovered by delighted visitors of all ages. A spirit of mystery still pervades the cobbled courtyards of the picturesque Old Town, the winding alleys overhung with original 12th and 13th century merchant's houses, barns, warehouses and a profusion of perfectly preserved medieval church and state buildings.

Tallinn, released just over a decade ago from the Soviet yoke, is certainly not stuck in the Dark Ages, however. While preserving its past the city is as forward-looking and thinking as any other modern European capital. This is probably best reflected in the interactive exhibits at the Tallinn Science and Technology Centre, the city's showcase for the arts and sciences. Public transport is modern and efficient; the nightlife is pumping from cigar bars and pool halls to nightclubs; and dining out is a tasty choice from take-away pizza and Chinese to formal French and traditional Estonian.

TALLINN ATTRACTIONS

The Old Town
The winding, cobbled streets of Tallinn's historic centre are the focus for most visitors to the city and the hub of the major tourist attractions, which can all be enjoyed on a walking tour. The walled old town is divided into two parts: Toompea Hill was the residential area of the aristocracy and gentry in days of yore, while the Lower Town operated independently. The Old Town, much of it dating from the 11th century, is extremely well preserved and complete, its powerful defensive stone buildings having ensured that it was not destroyed despite frequent invasions over the centuries. Visitors revel in Town Hall Square, ringed by the beautiful Town Hall and its adjacent pharmacy, which is still operating on the site it has occupied since 1422. The Old Town is also full of churches, like St Olav's, which was the tallest church in Medieval Europe, dating from the early 13th century. The old town walls and its many fortresses made up one of the strongest defence systems in northern Europe by the 16th century. The dominating landmark on Toompea is the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Russian Orthodox Cathedral. The medieval atmosphere is particularly evident in St Catherine's passage, between Vene and Muurivahe Streets, where visitors can stroll past the open studios of artists and craftsmen who have laboured here for centuries.

Address: Tourist Information Centre, Niguliste 2/Kullassepa 4, in the centre of the Old Town; Telephone: 645 7777; E-mail: turismiinfo@tallinnlv.ee; Website: www.tourism.tallinn.ee/fpage/travelplanning/touristinformation; Admission: A Tallinn Tourist Card provides free admission to the museums and sights, free use of public transport and free tours; available for 6, 24, 48 and 72 hours (from KR130 to KR450)

Tallinn Zoo

The Estonian capital's most popular family attraction is the zoo, crammed with close on 6,000 animals from Polar bears to Siberian Tigers, as well as species from warmer climates, like crocodiles and chimpanzees frolicking in the Tropical House. There is also a delightful petting zoo.

Address: Paldiski Maantee 145; Telephone: 694 3300/94; E-mail: zoo@tallinnlv.ee; Website: www.tallinnzoo.ee; Transport: Trolley 6 or bus 22 from the city centre; Opening time: Indoor exhibits are closed Mondays, but the zoo is open daily all year round from 9am, closing between 3pm (mid-winter) and 7pm (mid-summer) depending on the season; Admission: KR50 (adults), KR25 (students and scholars), KR4 (children). Free entry with Tallinn Card

Estonia Passport & Visa Requirements
Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half year period.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: UK citizens must have a valid passport. If holding a passport endorsed British Citizen, a visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half year period. In all other cases, a visa is required.
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadians must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half year period.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australians must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half year period.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South Africans must have a passport valid for at least three months after period of intended stay, and a visa. However, a visa is not required (but still recommended) if visitors from South Africa are holding a visa for Latvia or Lithuania.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand nationals must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half year period.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a valid passport. A visa is not required for a stay of up to 90 days in a half year period.
Passport/Visa Note: Visitors must have sufficient funds for the duration of their stay; the minimum required is 320 EEK per day. You must have the original V5 (Vehicle Registration Document) if driving into Estonia. All visitors are requested to have proof of medical insurance. Visitors who require a visa should have a passport that is valid for three months after the period of intended stay, while passports of those not requiring a visa need only be valid for the period of intended stay.
Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Estonia Contacts
Estonian Tourist Board, Tallinn: +372 627 9770 or www.visitestonia.com
Estonian Embassy, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 588 0101
Estonian Embassy, London, United Kingdom: +44 (0)20 7589 3428
Estonian Embassy, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 789 4222
Estonian Consular Representative, New South Wales, Australia: +61 (0)2 9810 7468
Estonian Honorary Consulate, Cape Town, South Africa: +27 (0)21 913 3850
Estonian Embassy, Dublin, Ireland: +353 (0)1 219 6730

United States Embassy, Tallinn: +372 668 8100
British Embassy, Tallinn: +372 667 4700
Office of the Canadian Embassy, Tallinn: +372 627 3311
Australian Consulate, Tallinn: +372 509 308
South African Embassy, Helsinki, Finland (also responsible for Estonia): +358 (0)9 6860 3100
Irish Embassy, Tallinn: +372 681 1888
New Zealand Embassy, The Hague, Netherlands (also responsible for Estonia): +31 (0)70 346 9324
Emergencies: 110 (Police); 112 (Ambulance)

AIRPORTS

Lennujaam International Airport, Tallinn (TLL)
Location: The airport is two miles (4km) south east of Tallinn city centre. Time: Local time is GMT +2. Summer time (GMT+3) is in effect from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October. Contacts: Tel: +372 605 8888. Transfer to the city: Bus 2 connects the airport to the city centre. The bus stop is in front of the departure hall at the airport. Taxis are available at a rank outside the arrivals hall and take about 10 minutes to the city centre. Car rental: Car rental agencies operating at the airport include Avis, Budget, Hertz, National and Europcar. Facilities: The airport is small, but ultra-modern. Three banks operate at the airport providing ATMs, exchange services and cashing of travellers cheques. There is a post office in the departure hall, a large duty free shop, a bar and snack bar, left luggage, travel agencies, a beauty salon and two comfortable, well-equipped business lounges. Parking: Short and long-term parking is available. Departure tax: None.

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