What numbers should replace the asterisks? National parks and reserves of Estonia — the first acquaintance National parks of Estonia.

21.10.2019 Sport

Solve the examples and determine which numbers should replace the asterisks.

*** - probably disappeared(found in nature has not been confirmed in the last 50 years).

*** - endangered(the number of individuals has decreased to a critical level or the number of their locations has been reduced so much that they may disappear in the near future).

*** - declining in numbers and/or distribution.

*** - rare(natural low abundance, found in a limited area).

*** - indeterminate status(belong to one of the previous categories, but there is not enough information about their state in nature at the present time).

*** - recoverable and recoverable(the number and area of ​​distribution have begun to recover and are approaching a state where they will not need special conservation and restoration measures).

What numbers should replace the asterisks?

A) 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 B) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6

C) 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 D) 0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25

The picture shows a national park in Estonia, on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. It was founded on July 1, 1971 to protect the unique landscapes of the coast. This is the first national park in the USSR. There are many interesting objects here, it is a center of mass tourism and recreation.

To find out the name of this national park, write out the letters using the hint provided. BUT! Take not exactly the “indicated” letter, but the one next to it on the left.

ATTENTION! Correct answers highlighted bold font.

Grades 1-4

1. Many of our forest trees have staminate (male) catkins that produce a lot of pollen. Insects or the wind carry it to female flowers from which seeds develop by fertilization. What female (pistil) flowers or inflorescences are suitable for the male earrings shown in photo 1 (belong to a tree of the same species)?


  • Photo 2 - birch
  • Photo 3 - black alder
  • Photo 4 - aspen
  • Photo 5 - hazel
  • Photo 6 - willow
Comment on the answer: Alder, or rather black alder, had men's earrings. They look like male hazel earrings (hazels), but they are shorter and more like cylinders, and there are no such reddish thin unopened tips of earrings with flowers, as here in photo 1.

2. What fruits or seedlings correspond to the male earrings shown in photo 1 (belong to the same type of trees)?




  • Photo 2 - black alder
  • Photo 3 - warty birch
  • Photo 4 - hazel
  • Photo 5 - aspen
  • Photo 6 - willow
Comment on the answer: In photo 1, male aspen earrings, bird cherry earrings may look like them (they are also hairy), but aspen plump and hanging. Bird-cherry men's earrings are known to all as "willow earrings".

3. If male and female flowers grow on the same tree, then this is a monoecious tree. If only female flowers grow on a tree, and only male flowers grow on another, then these are dioecious trees. And then, in order to obtain seeds, male and female trees must grow side by side. Which of the photographs given in the previous question shows the fruits of a dioecious tree, seed or catkin?

  • Photo 1 - aspen
  • Photo 2 - black alder
  • Photo 3 - warty birch
  • Photo 4 - hazel
  • Photo 5 - aspen
  • Photo 6 - willow

4. In 2010, forests covered 2.2 million hectares, which is almost half of the land area of ​​Estonia. 81% of the entire forest area is occupied by forests in which the three most important tree species for our country predominate (I - 34%, II - 31% and III - 16%). What is the correct sequence?

1.
I - pine forests
II - birch forests
III - spruce forests

2.
I - birch forests
II - pine forests
III - spruce forests

3.
I - pine forests
II - spruce forests
III - birch forests

4.
I - spruce forests
II - pine forests
III - birch forests

Comment on the answer: Even ten years ago, the third option would have been correct, but now the area of ​​birch forests has rapidly increased due to fallow pastures, pastures and arable land, and besides, birch often prevails in clearings allocated for natural restoration.

5. 2014 has been declared the year of movement and sport in Estonia. More than 2,000 km of hiking and study trails have been built for hikers, most of which are maintained by the RMK (State Forest Management Centre). RMK opened the longest and most difficult trail for tourists last year. This:

  • Kividemaa Bicycle Trail (Kividemaa)
  • Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking trail
  • Oandu-Ikla hiking trail
  • Mõedaku quad bike trail
Comment on the answer: All these trails are active and accessible to tourists, information about them can be found on the website. But none of them was opened last year, and they are much shorter than the Aegviidu-Ähijärve trail opened in 2013, the length which is 627 km.

6. This year is international year Gulf of Finland. And the animal of the year was chosen in Estonia from among the mammals that live in the sea. What marine mammals live in the Baltic Sea?

  • Gray (long-faced) seal
  • ringed seal
  • diving seal
  • harbor seal
  • monk seal
  • Harbour porpoise

7. Forestry includes cutting down forests. Felling does not always mean clear cutting, where a mature forest is cut down and a new one is planted in its place. Before the forest is ripe for felling, it is common to carry out several thinnings in it to provide the trees with enough space and light. In the picture you see:

  • Cabin upgrade
  • Sanitary felling
  • Clarification felling
  • Thinning felling
  • Cutting-clutter cleaning

8. More than ten thousand hectares of forests need to be renewed annually in Estonia. To this end, 18.4 million tree seedlings were planted in state forests alone last year. Seedlings are grown both in pots and in open ground. In a nursery, it usually takes 2 years to grow a pine seedling and 4 years for spruce. If the seedlings are kept in the nursery longer, they root system it will grow too much, it will suffer during transplantation, and the plant will hurt for a long time after planting. Which photo shows plants that will be ready to be planted in the forest next spring?





  • Photo 1 - annual spruce
  • Photo 2 - 4-year-old firs
  • Photo 3 - 8-year-old young growth in the forest (with single pines)
  • Photo 4 - 3-year-old firs
  • Photo 5 - 2-year-old pines

9. Back in the fifties in Estonia, all forest work was carried out by hand, trees were taken out with the help of horses; forest measurements were also carried out manually. Working tools were protected and each part had its own name. This tool consists of eight parts, for example, toe, cheek, eye, heel.

  • bow saw
  • Axe
  • Measuring fork
  • Timber sled

10. This bird lives in large spruce and pine forests. And although people rarely met her, in Estonia in ancient times she was given many interesting names. Some came from her plumage - a swamp cock and the soul of a bachelor; others - a forest rattle, a forest bell - from its polyphony. She was respectfully called the Ant King for her eating habits. What is this bird with numerous names?

  • black woodpecker
  • Crow
  • green woodpecker
  • Capercaillie
  • black grouse
11. Previously, work was carried out taking into account the phase of the moon - some work could be done with a new moon, while others were more suitable for a full moon. They said, for example, that "... plant on a young moon, remove on an old one." What kind of work in the forest was recommended to be carried out on the moon shown in the picture?

  • Cut down bushes and clear the slopes of ditches.
  • Cut coniferous trees for construction and other needs.
  • Chop deciduous trees for construction and other needs.
  • Planting and sowing forest.
  • Prepare brooms and brooms.

Comment on the answer: In the illustration, the waning moon, and at this time in the forest it is recommended to carry out such work for which it is necessary that the juices do not move along the tree, and it would not tend to grow. Hardwoods are richer in juice and more watery, which is probably why they were recommended to be cut during the waning moon. These are widespread customs, but some local tradition may interpret some things differently.


12. Just a hundred years ago, most household items and work tools were made of wood. Houses, rakes, ax handles, ships and boats, crockery, toys were made of wood... The items shown in the picture were made in the village of Mustoja in Lääne-Virumaa and used there. What are these items?

  • Toys (fisherman in a boat).
  • Hanger
  • Floats for fishing nets.
  • Devices for twisting ropes and ropes.
  • Decorations sewn onto clothing through which string or waist lace passed.

13. The Estonian Ornithological Society has chosen the blue kingfisher as its bird of the year. Which of these photographs shows a kingfisher eating?






  • Photo 1 - spruce bark beetle
  • Photo 2 - acorns
  • Photo 3 - swimmer
  • Photo 4 - rowan
  • Photo 5 - pine sprouts
  • Photo 6 - small fish

14. Which photo shows a kingfisher's nest?




  • Photo 1
  • Photo 2
  • Photo 3
  • Photo 4
  • Photo 5

15. There are five national parks in Estonia. The picture shows the building of the center of one of our national parks, where the RMK information point is also located. This national park is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year. In addition to birds, this national park also protects the semi-natural communities (biocenosis) characteristic of Western Estonia and the cultural heritage of Väinamere. This national park is one of the most important stopping and nesting areas in Europe. waterfowl. What national park are you talking about?

  • Lahemaa National Park.
  • Karula National Park.
  • Matsalu National Park.
  • Soomaa National Park.
  • Vilsandi National Park.
16. Which picture shows the flowers of this year's tree?




  • Photo 1
  • Photo2
  • Photo 3
  • Photo 4
  • Photo 5
17. Which picture shows the fruits of this year's tree?
Botanists say about them that they are berry-like drupes.




  • Photo 1
  • Photo2
  • Photo 3
  • Photo 4
  • Photo 5

18. Which of the berries or berry-like fruits shown in the previous photos are poisonous?

  • Photo 1
  • Photo 2
  • Photo 3
  • Photo 4
  • Photo 5

19. Many have seen labyrinths freshly gnawed by bark beetles and ragies under the bark of trees. The larvae of these insects live in the thickness of the tree, where they gnaw through real tunnels. It is understandable, because these are the largest insect larvae, which, among other things, have a strange pink-purple-red color. The photo shows the moves they made in the rakite. What kind of insect is this?

  • Rhinoceros beetle
  • smelly wood borer
  • barbel beetle
  • Dead Head
  • armadillo beetle

20. In Estonia, there are 9 species of insectivorous plants of three genera that catch insects and other living creatures with sticky or hairy leaves, curling edges of leaves, or using other cunning tricks. In an unfavorable habitat, this helps plants to obtain additional nutrition. Which pictures show carnivorous plants in Estonia?





21. Last winter was a great crop of cones. By the spring of 2013, so many cones had been collected, and so many seeds had been obtained from them, that they should be enough to renew state forests for 10 years. Spruce seeds are stored in an airtight container in a refrigerator at a temperature of -18 to -20 degrees. Why was it necessary to harvest so many seeds at one time and spend so much energy on preserving them? Mark the correct answer(s).

  • Seed-rich spruce years are repeated every 5-6 years, and there are few cones in the interval.
  • When there are few cones, birds and insects eat even the little that is born, so in bad years it does not even make sense to collect these gnawed cones.
  • Sometimes spruces do not produce cones for up to 10 years in a row.
  • If necessary, spruce seeds can be purchased in any permitted region (Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Russia), but seeds collected at the place of growth for Estonian forests are the most suitable.

Grades 5-12

1. Many of our forest trees have staminate (male) catkins that produce a lot of pollen. Insects or wind transfer it to female flowers, from which seeds develop by fertilization. What female (pistil) flowers or inflorescences are suitable for the male earrings shown in photo 1 (belong to a tree of the same species)?


  • Photo 2 - birch
  • Photo 3 - black alder
  • Photo 4 - aspen
  • Photo 5 - hazel
  • Photo 6 - willow
2. What fruits or seedlings correspond to the male earrings shown in photo 1 (belong to the same type of trees)?




  • Photo 2 - black alder
  • Photo 3 - warty birch
  • Photo 4 - hazel
  • Photo 5 - aspen
  • Photo 6 - willow

3. If male and female flowers grow on the same tree, then this is a monoecious tree. If only female flowers grow on a tree, and only male flowers grow on another, then these are dioecious trees. And then, in order to obtain seeds, male and female trees must grow side by side. Which of the photographs given in the previous question shows the fruits of a dioecious tree, seed or catkin?

  • Photo 1 - aspen
  • Photo 2 - black alder
  • Photo 3 - warty birch
  • Photo 4 - hazel
  • Photo 5 - aspen
  • Photo 6 - willow
4. In 2010, forests covered 2.2 million hectares, which is almost half of the land area of ​​Estonia. 81% of the entire forest area is occupied by forests in which the three most important tree species for our country predominate (I - 34%, II - 31% and III - 16%). What is the correct sequence?

1.
I - pine forests
II - birch forests
III - spruce forests

2.
I - birch forests
II - pine forests
III - spruce forests

3.
I - pine forests
II - spruce forests
III - birch forests

4.
I - spruce forests
II - pine forests
III - birch forests

5. The Estonian Orchid Protection Club has chosen the Orchid of the Year for the fifth time this year. It received its Estonian name from the color of the inflorescence in the initial period of flowering, while the Latin name (as well as German and English) was given by the shape of the flower, which resembles a Roman warrior with a large helmet. Which picture shows this year's orchid?

  • Photo 1 - Broad-leaved Dreamcatcher
  • Photo 2 - dark orchis
  • Photo 3 - marsh napkin
  • Photo 4 - helmeted orchis
  • Photo 5 - burgundy dremlik
Comment on the answer: The flower of the helmet-bearing orchis is grayish at the beginning of flowering, since the buds and the outer side of the petals are gray. When the flowers open, pinkish-red petals begin to appear. The Latin name for the flower is Orchis militaris, because its shape resembled a helmeted Roman warrior.

6. 2014 has been declared the year of movement and sport in Estonia. More than 2,000 km of hiking and educational trails have been built for hikers, most of which are maintained by the RMK (State Forestry Centre). RMK opened the longest and most difficult trail for tourists last year. This:

  • Kividemaaa cycling trail (Kividemaa).
  • Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking trail.
  • Hiking trail Oandu - Ikla (Oandu - Ikla).
  • Mõedaku ATV track.

7. Forestry includes cutting down forests. Felling does not always mean clear cutting, where a mature forest is cut down and a new one is planted in its place. Before the forest is ripe for felling, it is common to carry out several maintenance fellings in order to provide the trees with enough space and light. In the picture you see:

  • Cabin upgrade
  • Sanitary felling
  • Clarification felling
  • Thinning felling
  • Cutting-clutter cleaning

8. More than ten thousand hectares of forests need to be renewed annually in Estonia. To this end, 18.4 million tree seedlings were planted in state forests alone last year. Seedlings are grown both in pots and in open ground. In a nursery, it usually takes 2 years to grow a pine seedling and 4 years for spruce. If the seedlings are kept in the nursery for longer, their root system will grow too much, suffer during transplantation, and the plant will be sick for a long time after planting. Which photo shows plants that will be ready to be planted in the forest next spring?






  • Photo 1
  • Photo 2
  • Photo 3
  • Photo 4
  • Photo 5
  • Photo 6

9. Back in the fifties in Estonia, all forest work was carried out by hand, trees were taken out with the help of horses; forest measurements were also carried out manually. Working tools were protected and each part had its own name. This tool consists of eight parts, for example, toe, cheek, eye, heel.

  • bow saw
  • Axe
  • Measuring fork
  • Timber sled
  • Full-meter (relascope) Bitterlich

10. Estonia, Finland and Russia declared 2014 the year of the Baltic Sea, patronized by the presidents of all three countries. In Estonia, the Gulf of Finland was the theme of Nature Conservation Month, and the ringed seal (pictured) was chosen as animal of the year. Which of the following phenomena represent the dangers and environmental problems of the Gulf of Finland?

  • Precipitation in the form of fertilizers and other chemicals, as well as sewage from settlements, which melt water, rivers and streams carry to the sea from fields and meadows.
  • The very salty water of the North Sea, which penetrates from time to time from the Danish Straits through part of the Baltic Sea into the Gulf of Finland.
  • Eutrophication - excessive amounts of nutrients enter the water, which leads to an intensive growth of algae, which cause an overproduction of organic matter, and all this upsets the balance of the marine ecosystem.
  • Growing algae consume too much oxygen, its content in the water is reduced and algae, fish, mollusks and other organisms living in the bottom space die.
  • With the ballast water of ships, alien species (for example, gobies, American ctenophores, Chinese woolly crabs) enter the sea, which multiply and become dangerous competitors to living organisms inhabiting the sea.
  • There is a great danger of oil pollution due to the busy traffic of tankers, merchant and passenger ships.
  • Over the decades, many toxic substances have entered the Baltic Sea: dioxins, heavy metals, etc., which accumulate in marine organisms, fish, and through them also enter human food.

Excursion around the Baltic. Soomaa National Park in Estonia. June 5th, 2014

We continue the story about Estonia.

Leaving Tallinn, we went to the southwest, to the national park "Soomaa", whose name translates as "Land of swamps". In general, if you look at the map of Estonia, you can find quite a large number of national parks, many of which will be forests and swamps. There is no point in laying a "scenic" car route through these parks - the road will pass through forests, no Swiss or Italian mountain ranges should be expected in Estonia.

Soomaa is probably the biggest the best place to watch swamps =)

We spent the night closest to the park, in a guest house converted from a farm, under the ridiculous name of Pynka Pukhketalu. The owner could not explain the meaning of the name: "Pinka and Pinka, I liked the way it sounds."

The place is as pastoral (I put in this word the meaning of "open spaces, fields, nostrils to the earth, and breathe in a full chest"), how dull. Large field surrounded by forests:

But there is a pond with tame carps and a paddock with tame sheep that come running for food, barely hearing footsteps.

The house itself inside was completely at our disposal, although it was designed for 20 people (about 10 rooms).

The owner came to us in the evening and began to chat with us, tell stories (quite funny) and talk about the relationship between Estonians, Finns and Latvians. Being aware that in Russia Estonians are laughed at as people of not the highest speed, he said that they have the same role played by the Finns, who come here to have a cultural holiday with alcohol and ladies, pretending to be macho, and when board the ship to the house, immediately turn into modest downtrodden family men. He was fluent in Russian, funny (but understandable) connecting, at times, several languages. For example, "Christmas" instead of "Christmas" or "Einsteins in oak trees" instead of "Einsteins in a square", as if hinting at the intellectual level of people. He told a lot of funny things about some of his guests from Europe, who were funny transformed after tasting Russian Estonian pleasures such as a sauna, after which stiff European girls began to run naked around the territory without hesitation =)

The next day, he agreed with his acquaintance, we drove to the meeting place and followed the van of this very acquaintance:

We arrived at a parking lot near the river.

We left our car here and were taken to another place upstream of the river, where we were given vests.

Yes, we were going to go boating down the river. Our guide Algis:

A little off topic, but probably the most decent photo of me was accidentally taken here:

Algis (in general, they have beautiful names. The previous one had the name Raivo) told us a little about the route and let us go on an independent voyage in pairs in kayaks.

This whole region every year meets the so-called fifth season, the time of the spill. During this period, the water can rise up to 5 meters, flooding all roads. Then, to the nearest land, where you can drive a car, you have to sail 10 kilometers by boat. Houses are built on hills, while the first floor is also raised above the ground.

In the old days, people used to wake up in the morning, their legs hang out of bed and step into the water. And they said: "Oh, the guest has come!" Water, that is. Houses were built with a door to the river, as during the flood it became "expensive".

If the place for building a house was chosen incorrectly, then the house quickly became uninhabitable and began to rot and fall apart.

But back to the walk along the river.

Almost the entire route (a short route will take about 1-1.5 hours, depending on how you row) nothing happens. You paddle lazily through the many bends in the river. Therefore, the promised rapids near the end, I was waiting with great impatience. The disappointment was caused by the fact that these "thresholds" turned out to be just a short-term acceleration of the current over 100 meters.

The perfect meditative entertainment.

You can feel like a gondolier, for example.

All in all, fun for once.

At the end of this most difficult route, we went to explore the swamps. Our "guide" arrived and showed with his hand where the path to the swamps begins: "Over there, behind the parking lot, behind the parking lot, that is.

The whole land is evenly flooded, you can’t get off the path. You feel like the hero of Ray Bradbury's "Thunder Came Out".

Suddenly the forest ends, and a plain with sparse trees stretches to the horizon.

An observation tower was built on the border of the two zones.

It should be noted that this plain is at least one and a half meters above ground level in the forest, or even two meters - we climbed it along a small ladder. Algis said that the swamp is growing upward, apparently, the bottom is overgrown with moss and grass, raising the water higher and higher.

Lakes in the middle of swamps were marked on the map, marked good for swimming, which means they are good for swimming.

Raivo said that the water here is so good that it is necessary to at least wash your face (it was cold for swimming, and somehow the prospect of jumping into the naturally black water in the middle of the swamps did not particularly arouse the desire. Suddenly, some Jozhin is sitting there. From the bazhen) . He said, "when you wash yourself, in the morning you look in the mirror - oh, who is this?" I washed myself, but later I recognized myself.

Having finished the walk (the ennobled area with paths is quite small, it takes half an hour to walk slowly, and without a path it is impossible to walk there, you will get bogged down), we left the park in the direction of the city of Pärnu. Just because Raivo recommended to have a bite to eat at the yacht club there.

It later became clear that Pärnu is the fourth largest city in Estonia with a population of about 40,000 people. You can estimate the size of the country's population. The third largest is Narva, there are about 60,000 people. The first in terms of population is, of course, Tallinn. There are 430 thousand people there. This is one and a half times less than, for example, in Barnaul. Pärnu is also the main resort town of Estonia.

Despite the fact that the yacht club is usually a rather pretentious place, we still ate here without going broke. It should be noted that prices in the Baltics as a whole are lower than European ones by a factor of one and a half, and even compared to the UK, everything costs a penny here. A good lunch per person will cost 500 rubles, for example.

The town itself is a village by a village, like some Butaki in the Chelyabinsk region. Unless the windows are plastic.

Suddenly a large building:

Your own little Geneva:

After lunch in Pärnu, we left Estonia and headed to Riga. The road all the time went along the sea, but the sea itself was almost invisible, there were always forest belts 50-100 meters before it. Only occasionally it was shown on turns or in clearings. In one place, however, a ramp was equipped and it was possible to go to the beach.

We arrived in Riga with the hope of good weather the next day, and this hope came true. About Riga in the next post.

Estonia is a maritime country in northern Europe. Its territory is almost half occupied by forests, and the total number of islands is more than two thousand. Tourism is well developed in Estonia. This is facilitated not only by the delightful nature, but also by the unique cultural heritage.

There are many national parks where visitors have the opportunity to observe the wildlife on their own. Most nature reserves are ready to provide their guests different kinds rest, depending on your preference. Comfortable hotels are better suited for family holidays, and tent campings will appeal to adventurous people.

Lovers of history and architecture will love the beautiful winding streets, castles and palaces of the Old Town. In particular, such as the Glen Castle, Maarjamägi and Toompea castles, as well as the Tallinn Town Hall. As souvenirs, linen and knitted handicrafts, colored glass products, as well as Kalev chocolate and the famous Old Tallinn liqueur are traditionally brought from Estonia.

The best hotels and hostels at affordable prices.

from 500 rubles/day

What to see in Estonia?

The most interesting and beautiful places, photos and a brief description.

The Old Town of Tallinn is the real heart of the capital. Thanks to the well-preserved medieval buildings, the historical center is included in the UNESCO list. special attention deserves the Town Hall Square and the Kiek in de Kök tower, which has now been turned into a museum.

Lahemaa Park is located on the northern coast of Estonia, an hour's drive from Tallinn. The park with a total area of ​​72.5 thousand hectares offers its visitors exciting walks or bike rides. And lovers of recreation with tents will find several equipped campsites in Lahemaa Park.

Jagala waterfall is located near the Gulf of Finland. The waterfall is about 8 meters high and about 50 meters wide. The waterfall is especially beautiful during severe winter frosts, when the water freezes, forming a huge ice wall.

Narva Castle was built at the end of the 8th century and played the role of the residence of the viceroy of the king of Denmark. Today, the Narva Fortress is one of the best examples of Estonian defensive structures of that time. There is a museum and various craft workshops.

The first nature reserve created in Estonia is Vilsandi Park. It consists of islands and reefs and is popular primarily for its numerous bird colonies. The tourist center of the park is located in an old barn, and former home the landowner turned into a hotel, which adds historical flavor to this place.

Since 1999, underground galleries, which were formed as a result of the development of sand deposits of the Piusa River, have become a reserve. This attraction can only be seen with a guide. The Piusa caves are the largest wintering ground for bats in Eastern Europe.

A very beautiful and equipped sandy beach is located just a 15-minute walk from the center of Pärnu, the summer capital of Estonia. The beach is surrounded by parks that perfectly protect vacationers from cold winds. There is also free parking, shops, hotels and various attractions for children.

One of the oldest operating lighthouses in Estonia is located on the island of Hiiumaa. This majestic building is not located on the shore itself, but on a hill in the nearby forest. The Kõpu lighthouse has an observation deck that offers beautiful views of the sea and the coastal landscape.

Located in the west of Estonia, the Matsalu National Park is one of the best bird watching spots in Europe. A sightseeing tour of the reserve can be made by bike, boat or on foot. There is also a hotel for visitors.

One of the most popular man-made parks in Estonia is Kadriorg. It was founded by Nicolo Michetti in 1719. The Swan Pond is one of the park's most popular attractions, and the former palace buildings now occupy the restoration rooms of the Estonian Art Museum.

The island of Saaremaa is famous for its meteor field. The largest meteorite impact crater is 110 meters in diameter and is the eighth largest meteorite crater on the planet. Best time to visit these places - July or August.

Kihnu Island is one of the most memorable places in Estonia. This small island of 16.4 km² is inhabited by the descendants of seal hunters, whose unique culture is protected by UNESCO. The best time to visit Kihnu is Midsummer, Christmas or St. Catherine.

This park, located in the southwestern part of Estonia, was created in 1993 to protect rivers, forest swamps and water meadows. Due to the unique microclimate, there is the so-called "fifth season" - the period of spring floods. The hiking trails Riisa, Kuuraniidu, Ingatsi and the Beaver Trail are especially popular.

Not far from Kopli Bay, a 15-minute drive from Tallinn, is the Estonian Open Air Museum Rocca al Mare. 14 museum farms will tell and show visitors how Estonian families of different incomes lived in the 18th-20th centuries. Some items made by local craftsmen are available for purchase.

The spa town of Narva-Jõesuu, the easternmost settlement in Estonia, is famous for its Herman Fortress, a well-preserved castle with a beautiful view from its walls. Two kilometers from Narva-Jõesuu is the only official beach for nudists.

The only functioning Orthodox convent in Estonia is located in the village of Kuremäe. It was founded in 1891 and has not ceased its activities since then. This a nice place famous for its healing water. You can also stay here for a few days in monastic cells and participate in the daily life of the monastery.

A very beautiful building built over 100 years ago - Taagepera Castle - is one of the most popular places for wedding ceremonies. There is a hotel and a restaurant here. quiet place conducive to leisurely relaxation.

The coast cliff of Väike-Taevaskoda and the cliff of Suur-Taevaskoda are located in the Ahja river valley in southern Estonia and are a very visited place in this country. Hiking trails and equipped picnic stops will make a walk along the river simply unforgettable.

The Valaste waterfall is considered a natural heritage and national symbol of Estonia. This is the highest Estonian waterfall, which the locals called the Red Tail for the special color that the water acquires in spring. There is a convenient observation deck here.

A wonderful view awaits visitors to Suur Munamägi, the highest peak in the Baltics. The observation tower offers a truly beautiful view of the hills and forests of Estonia. After reconstruction in 2005, the Suur-Munamägi observation tower was equipped with an elevator for greater comfort of visitors.

The town of Kuressaare is famous for its well-preserved medieval castle. Since the 14th century, the castle has been the residence of the Bishop of Saare-Läänema, which is how it got its name. This imposing building houses an art gallery, a museum and several workshops, while the castle's water moat is surrounded by green space.

Historically, it is believed that the long dark winters have contributed to the fact that the Estonians have formed as a nation, sparing on words. But at the same time, it was precisely this inner concentration of the Estonians that contributed to their long, calm reflections and flights of fantasy.

Taciturn Estonians love to sing in the choir, and it is choral music that has become a kind of hallmark of Estonia.
The Republic of Estonia borders on Russia and Latvia, and its maritime border with Finland runs in the Gulf of Finland. It is also washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea and the Gulf of Riga.

State symbols of Estonia

Flag- the official state symbol of the Republic of Estonia in 1918-1940. and again since 1990. It is a rectangular panel, consisting of three horizontal equal stripes: the top one is blue, the middle one is black and the bottom one is white. The standard flag size is 105 x 165 cm.

Coat of arms- exists in two forms: large and small state emblem. On big the state emblem in the golden field of the shield are three azure leopards (a marching lion looking right). The shield is bordered by a wreath of two crossed golden oak branches crossing at the bottom of the shield. Small the coat of arms is represented only by a shield.

The motif of the Estonian state emblem dates back to the 13th century, when the Danish king Valdemar II granted the city of Tallinn a coat of arms with three lions, similar to the coat of arms of the Danish kingdom. The same motif was later transferred to the emblem of the Estland province, approved by Empress Catherine II on October 4, 1788.

Brief description of modern Estonia

Political system- an independent democratic parliamentary republic.
head of state- President elected for 5 years.
Head of the government- Prime Minister.
Capital- Tallinn.
Largest cities- Tallinn, Tartu, Narva, Pärnu, Kohtla-Jarve.

Administrative division- 15 counties (maakonds), headed by county elders. 33 settlements have the status of cities.
Economy- the share of the service sector in Estonian GDP is 69%, industry - 29%, Agriculture- 3%. The main industries are the fuel and energy complex, the chemical industry, mechanical engineering, the textile industry, the pulp and paper and woodworking industries. Main industry Agriculture is animal husbandry of the meat and dairy direction and pig breeding (especially bacon). Crop production is mainly engaged in the production of feed for livestock, as well as the cultivation of industrial crops. Developed fishing.
Territory- 45,226 km².
Population– 1,286,540 people Estonians make up 68.7% of the population, Russians - 24.8%, Ukrainians - 1.7%, Belarusians - 1%, Finns - 0.6%.
Official language- Estonian. The Russian language is also widely spoken.
Currency- Euro.
traditional religion- Lutheranism.
Education- divided into basic, vocational and additional education. The educational system is based on a four-level system, including pre-school, primary, secondary and higher education. There is a wide network of schools and educational institutes. The Estonian educational system consists of state, municipal, public and private educational institutions.
Higher academic education in Estonia is divided into three levels: undergraduate, graduate and doctoral studies.

Estonian culture

Presumably, the culture of modern Estonians was somewhat influenced by ancient Russian culture. This is evidenced by ancient borrowings in the Estonian language from Russian, such as raamat book ⁄from “gramota”⁄ and leib ⁄bread⁄. One of the first mentions in The Tale of Bygone Years about the activities of Russian princes on the territory of modern Estonia is the campaign of Grand Duke Yaroslav Vladimirovich in 1030 against the Chud (as Estonia was called in ancient times) and the foundation of a city called Yuriev (now Tartu).
Estonians were also influenced to a considerable extent by German culture, since Livonia in 13th century. was captured by the Crusaders.
IN 1523. the Reformation movement reached Estonia (a mass religious and socio-political movement in Western and Central Europe XVI- start XVII centuries. aimed at reforming catholic christianity according to the Bible). Lutheranism, which attached great importance to public education, laid the foundation for Estonian literacy and the peasant school. IN 1739. first complete translation released bible into Estonian, translator Anton Thor Helle. Great importance for the cultural development of Estonia was the restoration in 1802 of the Imperial Yuriev University in Derpt(now Tartu). The university became a conductor of Western European ideas. Such well-known scientists as astronomer Friedrich Georg Wilhelm von Struve, biologist Carl Ernst von Baer, ​​surgeon Nikolai Pirogov studied and worked in Dorpat. The university became the cradle of the Estonian national awakening, especially after the abolition of serfdom.

One of the most famous cultural figures of this time was Johann Voldemar Jannsen. He began publishing a newspaper in Estonian, advocated the bourgeois development of Estonia, and promoted the purchase of farmsteads for ownership or their lease. He wrote the lyrics to the Estonian anthem Mu isamaa, mu õnn ja rõõm (Fatherland, my happiness and my joy).

Estonian Song Festival

A nationwide and national song festival in which various choirs and brass bands take part. The festival is held every five years on the territory of the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds. The organization of the holiday is carried out by a unit specially established for this purpose under the Ministry of Culture of Estonia. It is a UNESCO Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage.
The first song festival took place in 1869. in Tartu. In memory of this, a monument was erected in Tartu.

The first seven holidays were held during the time when Estonia was part of the Russian Empire, and until the 6th Song Festival they were held on various significant dates for the empire. The festival was organized by various Estonian dance and choir societies. The first five holidays were held in Tartu, then all holidays began to be held in Tallinn.
Johann Voldemar Jannsen was the initiator of Estonian song festivals.

Estonian culture of the 20th century

Literature

Artworks Eduard Vilde laid the foundations of the genre of the novel and critical realism.
Post-war transformations in society are depicted in the stories Hans Leberecht, Rudolf Sirge, Ernie Krusten, essay-journalistic prose Juhana Smuula, Egon Ranneth and etc.
A certain trace in modern Estonian literature was left by Jene Mihkelson, Nikolai Baturin, Madis Kyiv, Maimu Berg, Hulo Matthäus. From the youngest generation stands out Tõnu Õnnepalu, Erwin Õunapuu, Peeter Sauter, Tarmo Teder, Andrus Kivirähk, Kaur Kender, Sass Henno.

Architecture and painting

At the beginning of the XX century. Art Nouveau became popular in Estonian architecture. An example of this style is the building of the Estonia Theater in Tallinn (1865), the building of the Institute of Zoology and Geology of the University of Tartu, etc.
Famous painters were Ants Laikmaa, Nikolai Triik, Konrad Mägi, Kristjan Raud.

Music

In the music of the XX century. There were two main creative schools: Artur Kappa in Tallinn and Heino Ellera in Tartu. During the period of 1940-50s. there was an intensive development of choral music. Gustav Ernesaks And Eugen Kapp created choral songs and operas on national-historical themes. In the 1950s, the singer gained popularity.

G. Ots performed parts of operettas and operas, worked in different genres with great success. Particularly popular was his role Mister X in the film "Mr. X" (dir. Yuli Khmelnitsky) - a film adaptation of Kalman's operetta "Princess of the Circus". Ots showed his hero Etienne Verdier as a person of impeccable honor, dignity, courage, an aristocrat of the spirit, a man of fine and romantic spiritual organization. Ots's personal modesty, nobility, elegance and grace were so sincere that not a single negative review of him appeared either during his life or after his death.
The most famous contemporary Estonian composer is Arvo Pärt, who emigrated to Germany in 1980, the discoverer of the "handbell style".
Recognized as a world class conductor Eri Klas. World renowned conductor Neeme Jarvi, actively promoting Estonian music abroad, emigrated to the USA in 1980.

pop culture

In Estonia, jazz began to revive and rock music developed. The orchestra was successful Modern Fox who performed dance hits from the 1930s-1950s; in the field of Estonian pop music in the 1980s, the most popular performers themselves were Anne Veski, Mariu Länik, Ivo Linna, Gunnar Graps; rock groups "Ruya", "Rock Hotel", "Orange", "Vitamin", "Radar".
Modern popular artists: Maarja-Liis Ilus (Maarja), Tanel Padar, Ines, Chalice; groups A-rühm, Genialistid, Dagö, J.M.K.E., Kosmikud, Metsatöll, Sun, Smilers, Terminaator, Ultima Thule, Urban Symphony, Vanilla Ninja, Vennaskond.

"Orange"

IN 1955 Estonian television was created.

Contemporary Estonian cinema

In the 90s, the main themes of films were the understanding of history, the categories of freedom, the connection between power and the individual. Along with the aggravated social themes, there were tendencies to complicate the language and conventions: “On Rahu Street” (Roman Baskin, 1991), “In Awakening” (Yuri Sillart, 1989), “Only Crazy” (Arvo Iho, 1990). In the entertainment genre, the film "Fire Water" (Hardy Volmer, 1994) was created. Revealing the pain point of the era, the film "Georgica" (Sulev Keedus) was a success at many festivals. Spectator records were broken by the historical epic "Names on a marble board" directed by Elmo Nykanena based on the novel of the same name Albert Kivikas. The first Estonian film screened at the Cannes Film Festival was the 2007 drama Magnus; in the same year, the film "Class" received a number of international prizes.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Estonia

Tallinn Historic Center (Old Town)

The Old Town of Tallinn is conditionally divided into Lower And upper town (Vyshgoro e). The upper city, located on the hill of Toompea, was originally inhabited by the nobility, while merchants, artisans and other, less prosperous segments of the population settled in the Lower City. Vyshgorod was separated from the Lower City by a fortress wall, most of which has also been excellently preserved to this day. The fortress walls of the city are known from 1248., but the oldest surviving walls and towers belong to 14th century. There are 39 towers in total (preserved and not preserved), each of them has its own name and its own history. Let's talk about just a few of them.

Kuldjala Tower (XIV century)

The tower is five-storeyed, has a horseshoe shape, the inner part facing the city. The upper floors had defensive functions, while the lower ones were used as storage facilities.
The tower is well preserved and is currently used by the youth organization Kodulinn for exhibitions and lectures.

Köismäe Tower ("Rope Mountain Tower") (14th century)

The horseshoe-shaped tower is located in the western part of the fortress wall. Was built in 1360 g. and has been well preserved to this day. Since November 2003, performances and exhibitions have been held in the tower.
The tower got its name from a nearby rope weaving workshop.

Fat Margarita (XVI century)

The gun turret with 155 loopholes was built at the beginning XVI century. in front of the Great Sea Gate. It got its name for its impressive size: 25 m in diameter and 20 m in height. The tower received its current name in 1842, and before that it was simply called the New Tower.
From 1830 the tower was used as a prison. The extension was made in 1884-1885. In March 1917 the tower was burned down. In 1930, the Museum of History was set up in the empty tower. Currently, the tower has been restored, restored, it houses the Estonian Maritime Museum.

Burden Tower

Four-story horseshoe-shaped tower. The thickness of the outer wall is more than 2 m, the inner wall is 1 m thick. On the third floor there was a fireplace for guards of the city guard; at the very top there is an open area for patrol or shelling with narrow loopholes in the walls and loopholes.
The second floor can be reached from the city wall by stairs. Before 17th century there was a prison: an unlit room with small windows for air, in the walls of which iron rings were embedded. At the beginning of the twentieth century. the tower was used by the city as a powder store, so double locks were installed on the doors.

upper town

The first wooden fortification on the Toompea hill was presumably built in 11th century IN 1219 the settlement of Lindanise was captured by the Danish crusaders under the leadership of Valdemar II, after which the city received the name Revel, and Vyshgorod became the residence of foreign rulers. Toompea is divided into Big Settlement, Small Settlement and adjacent territories. IN 1229. The construction of the first stone castle Toompea in the western part of the Small Settlement was completed. 4 towers were built at its corners, including "Long German".

After the capture of Reval by the Russians during the Northern War, the castle was rebuilt. Instead of the eastern wall, by order of Catherine the Great, a baroque palace was built, a moat was filled in, one of the towers was destroyed. At present, the Estonian parliament, the Riigikogu, has settled in Toompea Castle.
Vyshgorod is home to one of the oldest churches in Estonia - the Dome Cathedral, built in the 13th century. The cathedral acquired its current appearance after numerous reconstructions. Many famous people were buried in the cathedral itself, such as Pontus Delagardie And Ivan Kruzershtern.

The Dome Cathedral

Lutheran Cathedral, located in the Old Town of Tallinn. Dedicated to the Holy Virgin Mary. Is one of oldest temples Tallinn, but has undergone many reconstructions. Previously, there was a wooden church on this site. 1219
The tower of the cathedral belongs to the Baroque era, and its annexed chapels belong to later architectural styles. Inside the temple there are burials of the XIII-XVIII centuries, as well as various noble coats of arms and epitaphs dedicated to famous people of that time and related to the XII-XX centuries.

lower town

The center of the Lower City is Town Hall Square, which is surrounded by built in 13th century. city ​​hall in the Gothic style and other buildings. One of the symbols of Tallinn, weather vane "Old Thomas", decorates the spire of the town hall with 1530

According to legend, every spring in medieval Tallinn in front of the Great Sea Gate in the "Parrot Garden" a celebration was held. The best shooters of the city competed on it in shooting from crossbows and bows. Whoever knocked down a colored wooden figurine of a parrot sitting on the top of a high pole became the king of shooters. Once at a tournament, when they had just lined up and pulled the bowstring, the parrot suddenly suddenly fell down, pierced by someone's arrow. The unknown shooter turned out to be an ordinary young man from Tallinn, a poor man named Toomas. The prankster was scolded and forced to put the target back in its original place. The news spread all over Tallinn, and Toomas' mother prepared for the worst... But the young man was not punished, but offered to become a city guard, which at that time was a great honor for the poor.

Subsequently, Toomas repeatedly showed heroism in battles. Livonian War and fully justified the trust placed in him. And in old age he let go of his luxurious mustache and became surprisingly similar to the brave warrior who towered on the tower of the Town Hall. Since then, the weather vane on the Town Hall has been called "Old Toomas".

Opposite the town hall is Town Hall Pharmacy. The first mention of it dates from 1422, it is one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe, operating in the same building since the beginning of the 15th century. It is also the oldest commercial institution and the oldest medical institution in Tallinn.

Arc Struve

The Struve geodetic arc was measured by Struve and employees of the Derpt (Tartu) and Pulkovo observatories (of which Struve was the director) for 40 years, from 1816 to 1855, over 2820 km from Fuglenes, near the North Cape in Norway to the village of Staraya Nekrasovka, Odessa region, near the Danube, which formed a meridian arc with an amplitude of 25° 20′08″.

Currently, arc points can be found in Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia (on the island of Gogland), Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Moldova and Ukraine.

Other sights of Estonia

Lahemaa National Park

Founded in 1971. (this is the first national park in the USSR) to protect the unique landscapes of the coast, about 50 km from Tallinn. The area of ​​the park is 72.5 thousand hectares (47.4 thousand hectares of land and 25.1 thousand hectares of the sea). Many picturesque bays, karst landscapes, areas of old agricultural development. Here is the Nõmmeveske waterfall and other interesting objects. Lahemaa is a center of mass tourism and recreation.

Kumu Museum

Art Museum in Tallinn. It is the largest in the Baltic region and one of the largest museums in Northern Europe. This is one of the four branches of the Estonian Art Museum.
Kumu has permanent collections and temporary exhibitions. The main collection covers Estonian art from the 18th century, includes works from the Soviet period (1941-1991), shows both socialist realism and official art. Temporary exhibitions present foreign and Estonian contemporary art.

Tallinn Zoo

Opened in 1939. The zoo's collection includes about 7753 individuals of 595 species/subspecies.

Pukhtitsky monastery

Orthodox convent of the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate.
Founded in 1891. The monastery has never been closed. Since the 1990s, it has had stauropegial status (a status that makes the monastery, monastery, etc. independent of the local diocesan authorities and directly subordinate to the patriarch or synod). Located in the village of Kuremäe (Ida-Viru County, Estonia). Pühtitsa means "holy place" in Estonian.

Soomaa

National park in Estonia, located in the border western part of Viljandi County. It was established in 1993 to protect wetlands, grasslands and forests. The name of the park in translation from Estonian means "country of swamps".

Estonian Open Air Museum

This is a life-size reconstruction of a rural/fishing village. 18th century., which has a church, an inn, a school, several mills, a fire station, twelve yards and sheds for nets. The museum covers an area of ​​72 hectares and includes 72 independent buildings. Located 8 km west of the center of Tallinn. Founded in 1957, represents 68 farmhouses united in twelve yards from the north, south and west of Estonia. Along with farms, singly and in groups, old public buildings are located in order to provide an overview of the Estonian national architecture of the last two centuries.

Church of St. Nicholas (Tallinn)

The former Lutheran church, which now houses a museum-concert hall. The building of the church is located in the Old Town of Tallinn. This temple, named after the patron saint of all sailors - St. Nicholas, was founded by German merchants in 13th century The Niguliste Museum is one of the four branches of the Estonian Art Museum.

Estonian History Museum

Founded by an apothecary Johann Burchardt VIII(1776-1838), who maintained a pharmacy known as the Town Hall Pharmacy (existing to this day). In 2011, a major reconstruction was completed in the museum. Maarjamägi Castle belongs to the historical museum. It was transferred to the museum in 1975 as a branch. The exposition of the branch covers the period from early XIX V.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (Tallinn)

Stauropegial Orthodox cathedral church run by the Estonian Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate (since May 1945). It is located in Tallinn, on the rise of Toompea (Vyshgorod).
Its construction was completed in 1900, the author of the project is the architect M. T. Preobrazhensky. Erected in memory of the miraculous rescue of Emperor Alexander III in a railway accident on October 17, 1888.

Kadriorg

Baroque palace and park ensemble in Tallinn. Ekaterinental (Katerintal in German "Katerina's Valley") got its name in honor of wife of Peter I - Catherine I. Estonians call this place Kadriorg.
During the Northern War (1700-1721) Estonia was annexed to Russia. Revel capitulated in the autumn of 1710, and already in December 1711, Peter I, together with Catherine, visited the city for the first time. The king liked the surroundings of Lasnamägi. From here, from the cliff, there was a view of the city and the harbor under construction. In 1714, Peter bought a part of their summer estate from the widow of Drenteln into state ownership. The surviving house of this estate was put in order and adapted for the residence of the king. This house is now known as Peter's house. The modest house was convenient for spending the night and viewing the picturesque surroundings, but the modesty of its size and design did not at all correspond to its purpose. The laying of a new palace and park ensemble was started on July 25, 1718 by order of Peter I. A park was laid out at the palace, ponds were dug out.

Lake Ülemiste

Lake near Tallinn. Is the source drinking water cities from the 14th century. Found in the lake different types fish, including eels, brought here in 1986.
According to Estonian legends, Lake Ülemiste arose from the tears of the girl Linda, who, sitting on a boulder, mourned her dead husband Kalev.
The legend of the elder from Yulemist is also widespread. He asks those whom he meets on his way: “Have Tallinn been completed yet?” If someone answers that they have completed the construction, then, according to legend, the Ülemiste lake will flood the city. For this reason, construction in Tallinn should not stop.

Naissaar Island

An island in the Gulf of Finland northwest of Tallinn. Due to the strategic position of the island on the approach to Tallinn, fortifications were built on it with 18th century., and in 1911 the island was turned into a “land dreadnought”, covering the Tallinn raid with its guns.
Until the Second World War, a commune of Estonian Swedes lived on the island, and during the Soviet period there was a military base, civilians were not allowed on it. Currently, the base on the island has been disbanded, and it can be visited to inspect the remains of military installations and a large number of shells of sea mines.

Tallinn Botanical Garden

It was founded on December 1, 1961 in Kloostrimetsa as an institute of the Academy of Sciences. In 1992 the Tallinn Botanical Garden joined the Association of Botanical Gardens of the Baltic States and in 1994 the International Botanical Gardens Conservation Organization. The following expositions are presented in the garden: "Tropical House", "Tropics", "Subtropics", "Desert", "Roses", "Tulips", "Rhododendrons", "Rock Garden", "Mixed Forest", "Coniferous Forest".

Monastery of Saint Birgitta

Former Catholic monastery in Tallinn. The church was built in 1436 The structure was a sacral late Gothic building typical of the Middle Ages. The complex was destroyed 1575 during the Livonian War. Only the western pediment of the monastery church, 35 m high, has survived, as well as fragments of the side walls.
The peculiarity of this convent consisted in the fact that male priests were allowed to live and conduct divine services in it. The monastic community did not exceed 85 people - 60 sisters and 25 brothers.
Nowadays, the ancient ruins of the monastery have become a unique attraction and a great place to relax. The object is a historical monument of architecture. Surrounded by majestic ruins and picturesque nature, open-air concerts are held and the Day of the Monastery is celebrated annually, accompanied by a fair. Excursions are held on the territory of the ruins of the complex.

Narva Castle

Medieval castle in the Estonian city of Narva on the banks of the Narva River, founded by the Danes in 13th century. During its history, the castle belonged to Denmark, the Livonian Order, Russia, Sweden and Estonia. During World War II it was badly damaged. Today the castle has been restored and houses the Narva Museum.
Opposite Herman's castle, on the other side of the Narova River, is the Russian Ivangorod fortress.

Jagala waterfall

This is a waterfall on the river of the same name. The height of the waterfall is about 8 m, and the width is about 50 m.

Karula National Park

Created to protect and represent the hilly landscapes rich in forests and lakes typical of Southern Estonia, as well as to protect and represent the local culture. It was established in 1979, first as a reserve, and in 1993 it was transformed into a national park. In ancient times, during the retreat of the continental glacier, numerous lakes formed at the foot of the Karula hills - 38 of them are located in the park. The largest of the local lakes - Jahyarv(176 ha), and the deepest - Savijärv(18 m).

Waterfall Valaste

The highest waterfall in Estonia (height 30.5 m) and the Baltic countries. In 1996, the commission of the Academy of Sciences announced natural heritage and the national symbol of Estonia. The waterfall was created by an artificial channel, organized to drain excess water from the fields. Water falls from a clint composed of sandstone and ancient Silurian limestones. In cold winters, the waterfall freezes.
Valaste is one of the most popular and most visited waterfalls in Estonia. An observation platform has been built for them.

Vilsandi National Park

It includes a part of the island of Vilsandi, a number of small islands to the west of the island of Saaremaa, as well as the Harilaid peninsula of the island of Saaremaa.
Was founded in 1910. Its area is 237.6 km². Maritime climate. Vilsandi is inhabited by 247 species of birds, about 80 species of fish.

Matsalu National Park

whooper swan

Founded in 1957. on the basis of an ornithological reserve and a hunting educational and experimental farm (originally as a reserve) for the protection of natural complexes and a diverse bird fauna (about 280 species, including more than 160 nesting ones). Ornithological research has been carried out on the modern territory of the park since 1870. The fauna of the park includes 280 species of birds, 49 species of fish, 47 species of mammals and 772 species of vascular plants. One of the most important migratory routes of migratory birds passes here. Waterfowl and marsh birds are especially numerous in the reserve. Whooper swan, northern ducks and sandpipers on migration. The mute swan nests in the reeds, grey goose, drakes of mallards and red-headed pochards molt. On grassy meadows river ducks arrange their nests, there are many waders. Eiders, tufted ducks, sheldons, mergansers, scoter, gulls and terns nest on the islands.

Kassari

An island in western Estonia. An Estonian cultural heritage site is located on the island, chapel of Kassari created in 18th century. It is the only functioning stone chapel with a thatched roof. The building was built in the form of a tower, in the Gothic style.

Haapsalu Castle

Bishop's castle with a cathedral, located in the center of the city of Haapsalu in western Estonia. Was founded in 13th century as the center of the Ezel-Vik bishopric. By existing legend, during the August full moon on inner wall chapel there is an image of the White Lady.

Lake Pühajärv (Holy Lake)

Considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Estonia.

Tourism in Estonia

In addition to visiting the sights of the country, in Estonia you can do outdoor activities: on foot and cycling, skydiving, windsurfing, rafting, sailing, geocaching, karting, golf, bowling, paintball, visit the attractions, and in winter ride on skiing And snowboarding, on sleigh And ice skating.

History of Estonia

Ancient Estonia

The life of people on the territory of modern Estonia became possible after the retreat of the glacier about 12 thousand years back. In the first millennium BC. e. the population of the territory of present-day Estonia passes to a settled way of life and builds the first fortified settlements. This period (I - the beginning of the II millennium BC) is known in archeology as the culture of stone burials.

In the picture: Bronze Age stone cemeteries in northern Estonia

Middle Ages

The first mentions of the cities of Tartu (Yuriev, Derpt) and Tallinn (Kolyvan, Lidna, Lindanis, Reval) appeared in XI And 12th century IN 1116 g. Novgorodians took the city of the Bear's Head (modern Otepya). At first 12th century. the Livonian Crusade began, which spread to the lands of Chud (Estonia): in 1202. began its conquest by the crusaders. Only in 1211. Chud defeated the crusaders on the river Yumera. IN 1212, according to the Novgorod Chronicle, Prince Mstislav made two successful campaigns against the Chud, capturing a large number of cattle in the first, and conquering the city of Bear's Head without an assault in the second.

Danish Estonia. Warband

IN 1219-1220 as a result of the Danish crusade, the Danes captured modern northern Estonia, but as a result of the uprising in 1223, it was liberated from the crusaders and the Danes. An alliance was concluded with the Novgorodians and Pskovians. By 1227, the German chivalry managed to take over the entire territory of modern Estonia. In the XIV century. Estonia belonged to the Teutonic Order. At the beginning of the XVI century. serfdom was finally established in Estonia. It was divided between Denmark, the Commonwealth, Russia, Sweden as a result of the Livonian War (1558-1583 ).

Swedish Estonia

IN 1570 on the lands of the Livonian Confederation the king Ivan IV the Terrible created Livonian kingdom led by the Danish prince, Duke Magnus, a vassal of the Russian kingdom. During the Livonian War, Russian troops approached the walls of Reval twice: in 1570 and 1577, but both times the siege ended in nothing. At first 17th century the struggle for the Baltic States between Sweden and the Commonwealth continued, and under the terms of the Altmark truce that completed it 1629 the entire Duchy of Livonia (which included modern southern Estonia and northern Latvia) went to Sweden. After the defeat in the war of 1643-1645. Denmark ceded control of Ösel and Sweden took possession of all of present-day Estonia. To end 17th century Sweden retained its position in Estonia.

Estonia within the Russian Empire (1721-1918)

At first 18th century the interests of the Russian Empire in the Baltic region collided with the interests of Sweden. The Northern War (1700-1721) ended with the capitulation of Sweden and the annexation of Estonia and Livonia (Latvia) to the Russian Empire in 1710, which was officially confirmed Treaty of Nystadt 1721 On the territory of modern northern Estonia, the Revel province was formed (since 1783, the Estland province), and modern southern Estonia, together with modern northern Latvia, formed Livland province. After the annexation of the Estonian lands to the Russian Empire, Peter I restored the rights of the German aristocracy, which they had lost under Swedish rule. By the end 18th century more than half of the Estonian population of the province can read. In 1802, the Derpt University founded in 1632, which was closed during the Great Northern War, reopened. In the same year, a reform was carried out that softened serfdom, ensured the property rights of peasants to movable property and created courts to resolve peasant issues. The abolition of serfdom in 1816 was an important step towards the liberation of Estonian peasants from German dependence, but several more decades passed before they received the right to acquire land as property.
IN 1914 140 career officers of Estonian nationality served in the ranks of the Russian army, about a hundred thousand Estonians participated in the battles of the First World War, and 2 thousand of them received officer ranks.

Estonia under German occupation

25 February 1918 German troops entered Revel, and by March 4, all Estonian lands were completely occupied by the Germans and included in the High Command Region of all German armed forces in the East.
By Peace to Brest the RSFSR renounced its rights to the Baltic regions occupied by Germany. The German occupation authorities did not recognize the independence of Estonia and established a military-occupation regime in the region, under which officers of the German army or Baltic Germans were appointed to key administrative positions. A military governorship was formed in the occupied territory.

War for independence

Estonian War of Independence during 1918-1920. Estonian and Western historians also call it the "War of Liberation". The defeat of Germany in the First World War put on the agenda the question of the evacuation of German troops from the occupied eastern lands. In 1918, units of the Soviet 7th Army, including the red Estonian regiments, occupied Narva, where the Estland Labor Commune was proclaimed on the same day. The Soviet offensive also developed from the southeast, from Pskov. Decrees of Soviet power began to operate on the territory occupied by the Red Army. But January 7th 1919. Estonian troops, reinforced by the Russian White Guards and Finnish volunteers, and with the active support of the English squadron, went on the offensive in the Narva direction, and a little later on the Pskov one. Units of the Red Army and detachments of the Estland Labor Commune were driven out of Estonia.
February 2 1920 between the RSFSR and the Republic of Estonia was concluded Yuryevsky peace treaty which both parties officially recognized each other. The border between the two countries was delimited. As a result, Estonia ended up with a rather vast territory with a predominance of the Russian population. These were mainly the areas of the Pechora Territory, the Peipsi and the territory east of the Narva River. According to the current, official position of Estonia, the Tartu Peace Treaty did not lose its legal force in 1940 with the cessation of the existence of the Republic of Estonia as an independent state, since the entry of Estonia into the USSR in modern Estonia is officially interpreted as an occupation. But the RSFSR became the first state to legally recognize the Republic of Estonia. And here is what he wrote former minister Provisional Government of Russia Guchkov Churchill: “Massive evictions of Russian citizens are being carried out from Estonia without explanation of reasons and even without warning ... Russian people in these provinces are powerless, defenseless and helpless. The peoples and governments of the young Baltic states are completely intoxicated with the wine of national independence and political freedom.”
Political life from 1920 to 1934 In Estonia, it was characterized by a multi-party system, an extravaganza of struggle between parties in parliament and rapidly changing governments (23 governments were replaced in 14 years).

1934 coup d'état

March 12 1934.K. Päts together with J. Laidoner, who again led the Estonian army, committed coup d'état. The military coup resulted in authoritarian rule and declared a state of emergency. The period called "Age of Silence". In accordance with the new constitution, the president, elected for 6 years (K. Päts), became the head of state. In 1938, "laggard camps" were created - camps for the forced labor of the unemployed. There was a prison regime, a 12-hour working day and punishment with rods. In "camps for idlers" they imprisoned for a period of 6 months to 3 years all "staggering without work and livelihood."

Accession of Estonia to the USSR

In March 1939. The USSR negotiated with England and France, realizing the real danger of the impending war. The USSR proposed measures for the joint prevention of Italian-German aggression against European countries and put forward on April 17, 1939 the following provisions obliging (USSR, England and France): to provide all kinds of assistance, including military, to Eastern European countries located between the Baltic and Black seas and bordering Soviet Union; conclude for a period of 5-10 years an agreement on mutual assistance, including military, in the event of aggression in Europe against any of the contracting states (USSR, England and France. After the Soviet leadership recognized the failure of negotiations with England and France, the USSR began negotiations with Germany.

August 23 1939 signed a non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union Molotov-Ribbentrop pact). According to the secret additional protocol on the delimitation of spheres of mutual interests in Eastern Europe in the event of a "territorial and political reorganization", it was envisaged that Estonia, Latvia, Finland, Eastern Poland and Bessarabia would be included in the sphere of interests of the USSR.

The Second World War

A significant part of the Estonians perceived the arrival of the German army as a liberation from the Soviet yoke and enthusiastically supported the occupation authorities. Collaboration organization formed "Omakaitse"("Self-defence"), which collaborated with the German occupation regime. Members of Omakaitse, the 3rd Estonian SS Volunteer Brigade, as well as police battalions participated in battles with partisans, executions of civilians, robberies, the destruction of entire villages in Belarus and the mass transfer of civilians to Germany. Soviet troops liberated Estonia in 1944., and power in Tallinn passed into the hands of the government of the Estonian SSR, which returned from evacuation.

Estonia within the USSR

September 29 1960 The Council of Europe adopted a resolution condemning the military occupation of the Baltic countries by the USSR. Since that time, anti-Soviet demonstrations began, including youth ones. During Gorbachev's perestroika, protests against the system became open and frequent. November 16 1988. The Supreme Soviet of the Estonian SSR declared the sovereignty of Estonia.

Estonian independence

January 12 1991 Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR Boris Yeltsin made a visit to Tallinn, during which he signed with the Chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Estonia Arnold Ruutel Fundamentals Treaty interstate relations RSFSR with the Republic of Estonia. In Article I of the Treaty, the parties recognized each other as independent states. 6 September 1991. The State Council of the USSR officially recognized the independence of Estonia.