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Things to do in Estonia
Tallinn
Visiting the capital city of Tallinn is one of the things to do in Estonia. The country is a juxtaposition of the past with the present. Post independence, as the transport link was improved, both by air and sea, it became a popular tourist destination. The main attraction is the two old towns, which are known as lower town and Toompea. The various other attractions in the city are given below:
- All- Linn- Lower Town
- Pirita
- Kadriorg
Lahemaa National Park
Trip to the Estonia is incomplete without dropping in at different amusement parks and various other reserve forests. This park was built in 1971 and is 70 kilometers away from the capital city of Tallinn. In fact, this was the first national park in Soviet Union.
This is the place where research, promotion and preservation is done of the North- Estonian landscapes, national heritage etc.
Tartu
Tartu is the second largest city of Estonia and it is regarded as the intellectual and cultural hub and it houses the oldest university. Visiting this city is one of the things to do in Estonia, as there are number of places where you can drop in during your trip to the country. Given below are few such places of interest in the city.
- Tartu University
- Cathedral Ruins
- Angel's Bridge
- Kissing Students Sculpture
Town Hall
This hall is located in Tallin and was established during 13th century and was replaced by the present Gothic monument in 1402- 1404. Previously this hall housed most of the administrative houses but now it is opened for public viewing.
St. Olaf's Church
St. Olaf's Church is one of the oldest church and visiting this church is one of the things to do in Estonia. This church was built during 12th century and it has been the center for Scandinavian community, before Tallinn was conquered by Denmark in 1219. The tower offers wonderful views of the old town and the surrounding areas. It is believed that the builder of church, whose name was Olaf, fell down from top of the tower and died. After he fell down, a snake and a toad crawled out of his mouth. This event is carved on stone, depicting this incident.
Tartu Toy Museum
Tartu Toy Museum is one of the favorite destinations for children. This is one of the places where you can see toys on display from a very early age. The museum is divided into two floors, with well divided sections. In fact many adults feel this place is a trip down the memory lane. If you want, you can even play old board games. There is also a souvenir counter, from where you can collect souvenirs of different kinds.
On the second floor, international toys are on display, along with play room, where children can drop in and play. At time exhibition is also held, where different toys of different times are displayed and is open to public viewing.
Kiek in de Koek
Visiting this tower is one of the other things to do in Estonia. Kiek in de Koek means "peep into the kitchen" in German and the tower was named so as the soldiers in the tower, could see the kitchens of the houses that were there beside the tower.
This tower was built in 15th century and used as a defense. But now the tower has been converted into a museum and various war related items are on display. An exhibition is also held in the tower premises, along with voice over and narrative, regarding different dates, war histories etc. A visit to this museum is a reminiscent of past, which speaks a lot about the history of the country.
