August, 2024

I’m on a trip with G Adventures exploring the Baltic countries. We started in Lithuania. That post is here, 5 Weeks in Northern Europe: A Journey Through Lithuania Latvia & Estonia
then on to Latvia. That post is here. Traveling Through Northern Europe: Latvia Highlights and now we’re on to Estonia.

Estonia

The Bus took us to the ferry. 27 minutes to Muhu island then on to Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island. Our destination was the lovely farm accommodation of Jurna Recreation Farm, just outside the biggest town on the island, Kuresaare.

Saaremaa Island

After a fantastic breakfast spread, we took a day trip to a soap maker. She explained her process and how she ended up in Saaremaa. Next was a Kaali crater, a lake created by a meteorite over 7,000 years ago. Kaali Lake is considered sacred and there are lots of stories and legends about it. Then on to a medieval church and The Panga cliffs. Saaremaa’s location between Germany and Russia made it a battleground. It has been occupied by Crusaders, Swedes and Polish-Lithuanians besides the multiple incursions of Germans and Russians. The 20th century wasn’t any easier. The Baltic countries never celebrated the end of WW2. They went right into Russian occupation, which wasn’t much better than war.

Dinner at Jurna was a traditional Estonian meal. Delicious and filling.

The next day 3 of us rented a bike and spent the day cycling around the area.. Our first stop was Kuresaare castle. Next we rode the bike path, down towards the sea to a bird watching tower. We kept going despite my concern that the way back would be long. I’m not used to that much cycling. We rode through Navca and on to a beach to put our feet in the Baltic sea.

The ride back to Jurna wasn’t as bad as I thought though I was VERY happy to see our destination! About 30 km. We earned another delicious meal prepared by our hosts.

Tallinn

Next morning back on the bus, ferry and into Tallinn. Our hotel was on the edge of the old city so everything was easily walkable. After 3 nights of traditional food, though hearty and delicious, we opted for Mexican. Fajitas hit the spot

The first place we visited was the palace. Kadriorg Palace is an 18th-century Baroque palace Both the Estonian and the German name for the palace means “Catherine’s valley”. It was built in 1718–1725  and now houses a museum of various forms of art. The palace is beautiful but the gardens were a highlight for me. We wandered back towards town and took a streetcar to Balti Jaam market then back to Old town.

Over the next couple days I think I walked every street in Old Tallinn. It’s not that big but it’s beautiful and there’s a lot to see. The Russian embassy had a police guard watching 24 hours a day. Across the street is a store selling Ukranian products plus supplying information about the atrocities committed in the war. There were Ukranian flags everywhere in all three Baltic countries.

A highlight was walking atop the walls that surround the city. Climbing the towers is fun and the exhibits are great. The views are magnificent! You can go under it as well and the museum is really interesting.

The next day we boarded the ferry bound for Helsinki. Finland is country number 80 for me!! Wow!

Copilot?