Tallinn

The city of Tallinn occurred on a world map for the first time in 1154. Because of its location by the sea it quickly became an important port and city in the Hanseatic League.

 

Old Town of Tallinn 

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes when you go out to discover Tallinn Old Town. It will be a journey through medieval times along cobbled and winding streets.

 

The town offers a wide range of historical sights and among these are an almost intact city wall with watchtowers, gothic churches and the oldest town hall in Northern Europe.

It was the centre of trade and social life in medieval Tallinn and it still is. Here you can go sightseeing, drink coffee or do shopping.

 

New Tallinn 

Outside Tallinn Old Town a modern city has been growing rapidly since the early 1990’s. Tall office buildings, modern hotels and trendy shopping malls in glittering glass towers have been constructed.

On this side of the city wall visitors meet the forward-looking and fashionable New Tallinn.

 

Wooden suburbs  

North of Tallinn Old Town you will find a unique and charming wooden quarter. The two-or three stories dwelling houses are made of wood or partly wood and bricks. The houses were erected between 1840’s and until 1940.

During the Soviet era many houses were turned into municipal apartments. Families were assigned a room and had to share kitchen with other families. Bath, toilet and sauna were situated in the court.

Today many buildings have been restored, but there are still old and run down houses among.

 

The Estonian regions  

Western Estonia has the most low-lying and plane area in the country. The highest peak is only 51 metres above the sea. The coast has fine sandy beaches and the joyful resort Pärnu, the largest town in the region. Pärnu comprises attractions, activities and famous mud-bath spas.

 

The main attraction in Haapalu is the 13the century castle, a former seat of medieval bishops.

 

Fairytale islands like Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are situated off the coast. Along with other smaller islands they represent a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere in the settings of windmills, thatched cottages and sleepy fishing villages.

 

In south Estonia visitors meet endless forests, rolling hills and unspoiled nature. Go fishing in the rivers, horseback riding in the forests or try out the local sauna tradition.

 

Tartu is the second largest city of Estonia and has an impressive old quarter featuring the oldest church in Estonia, the red bricked St. John’s Church.

 

A step back in time can be experienced in the Setu villages. Here visitors find wooden huts and small, neatly kept farmyards.

 

Northern Estonia features Lahemaa National Park, one of Estonia’s most popular nature reserves. It offers numerous hiking trails along the coast, through forests and wetlands.

 

Con-ex Tours in Estonia

 

Tartu

Tartu is an old Hansa and university town, the centre of science, economy and culture in South Estonia. Tartu is situated at the river Emajogi, 186 km southeast of Tallinn. The most important sights of Tartu are the Town Hall, the main buildings of Tartu University,  the monument to the Swedish Kin Gustav II Adolf – the founder of the university – and the ruins of St. John’s Church from the 14^th century. The most beautiful part of the town is Toomemagi. The Cathedral houses include the ruins of the 13th century Bishop’s Castle and University History Museum. In the park is the Tahetorn Observatory, the Angel’s Bridge and the Devil’s Bridge, the old building of the Department of Anatomy, clinics and several other

monuments. The gunpowder cellar now houses a restaurant.

 

Pärnu Tour

The city is known as the Estonian summer capital and is the 4^th largest city in Estonia. During the tour in the Baltic seaside resort, participants will see the oldest building in Pärnu – the Red Tower, which is the only remains of the medieval fortification system. The Bastions, a part of the moat – Vallikaar – and the Tallinn gate date back to the 17th century. View the newly renovated 17-19^th century houses, warehouses and schools during the walk along the main shopping street. On the way to the beach, the tour passes the beautiful example of Art Nouveau architecture – the Ammende Villa.

 

Rakvere

The town of Rakvere is situated 98 km from Tallinn in Northern Estonia and with its 19,000 inhabitants it offers visitors a

glimpse of the Estonian variety of a small, provincial town. The most famous attraction is the ancient Tarvanpea Castle Ruins – a fortification first mentioned back in 1226. The castle has had numerous powerful owners including Swedish, Polish and Danish Monarchies, the Livonian Order and the Russian Tsars. Other sights in Takvere are the Orthodox Church of the Nativiy of Theotokos, the old wooden houses and Tarva kuju –Tarva sculpture.

 

Voru

On the shore of the beautiful Lake Tamula is the city of Voru. The city was established in 1784 according to the wish of the Russian Empress Catherine II and by the order of Count G. Browne, the Governor General of Riga.

The city is unique for its simple, rectangular, crossing streets. Some of the sights in Voru are: Voru Orthodox Church – a Baroque completed in 1804 – Memorial for the “ESTONIA” shipwreck and St. Catherine’s Church to mention a few.

 

Otepää

Hills, valleys, lakes, brook and woodland – Otepää has it all. The area is a popular leisure destination in winter because of its skiing centre and in summer guests visit here for nature and sport like boating, hiking, tennis, swimming and many other outdoors activities. It is also the birthplace of the Estonian flag and the story can be found in the Museum of the Estonian Flag.

 

Saaremaa

Estonia’s largest island is Saaremaa – a scenic island with a rich historical heritage and beautiful natural resources makes it a popular destination for Estonians and foreigners. Kaali meteorite craters is a place where it is believed that a meteorite fell to the earth 700 B.C. and created a crater 16 metes deep and 1110 meters in diameter.

Kuresaare is the largest town on Saaremaa – a small and cosy town perfect for walking tours. The Town Hall from 1670 with its exhibition gallery and the Kuressaare Episcopal Castle are among the most important sights in the town.

Saaremaa is for many the epitome of maritime atmosphere, nature and relaxation.