Estonia is a country of contrasts. Such pristine and untouched nature is found in only a few places in Europe. A few hundred metres off the highway you can find yourself in virgin forest, where wolves, bears, and lynx roam free.
A large proportion of our nation’s land is designated as natural protection areas. At the same time, Estonia is on the vanguard of technological development. We invented the
world famous free internet telephone service, Skype.
Wireless internet is available even on buses and trains. On small farms deep
in the forest news of the world arrives via internet, there’s no need to drive to town to buy the newspaper. On a child’s first day of school he carries a bouquet of asters for his teacher along with his book of ABCs. But there’ll also be a mobile telephone in his pocket. For every 100 Estonians there are 120 mobile telephones! To our eastern neighbours the Russians and our southern neighbours the Latvians an Estonian is
thought to be calm and slow to act. But to our northern neighbours the Finns we are a fast act which is tough to follow! When Latvians start to tell jokes, it’s often at the expense of Estonians. But what might appear a guarded and suspicious Estonian is quite the opposite, once you get acquainted with him.
Get acquainted with our small, beautiful, and interesting land!
Find out more: http://www.businessinestonia.com
Culture in Estonia - Something for EveryoneMartin Koch
Modern Estonian culture has been shaped by centuries of occupation by other nations,
something which is evidenced in its language, architecture and the country’s thousands of folk songs... In the last thousand years, Estonia has been ruled by Germany, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland. Despite Estonia’s independence today, each nation has left its mark.
Today’s culture is the distillation of centuries of history which can be traced through its song festivals, poetry, literature and national epics. It can also be seen all around, from the ancient architecture of a drying barn to modern glass structures, and from the pattern on a knitted glove to interactive creations on the internet.
Find out more: http:www.businessinestonia.com
New intriguing summer edition of Life in Estonia magazine is out and available! Besides the latest insights on new business developments, it offers a refreshing diverse perspective on Estonian culture and more importantly - sheds light on a game changing revolution called the Global Estonians.
The developments in e-Estonia continue to WOW the world. New bold ideas are introduced and the traditional "ways-of-doing" get constantly challenged and upgraded by this small Nordic country. Get up to date with Taavi Kotka, the CIO of Estonia, as he explains the revolutionary government plan to give out e-residence permits to anyone around the world. Can you guess who are the two well-known men to be given the first e-citizenships and would you like to get one?
Indrek Pällo from Enterprise Estonia presents the new Estonian Business Ambassador Network. This global business family is created to become a valuable asset for entrepreneurs and help exporters make market entry smoother around the world.
Like every summer, The President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, has invited an international group of people referred as Friends of Estonia for a special gathering in Tallinn. Exciting projects like GrabCAD, TransferWise and Teleport Inc are being discussed. Find out more what makes the visit so special.
Estonia has recently witnessed something of a beer revolution and the summer issue devotes seven full pages on the fresh tastes in Estonian beer brewing. Also, it presents season fitting means of transportation with Renard Speed Shop motorcycles and Velonia´s urban bicycles. Variable fashion and design news are in. Acknowledged recycle designer Reer Aus explains why it’s important for her to rethink the industry and move behind the pretty slogans.
Students from all partner schools supervised by their Geography, History, Religion, Music, Mother Tongue, Civic, Sport, Biology, Art, English and ICT teachers. Responsible: Szkola Podstawowa nr.1 im. Wojska Polskiego w Gniewkowie, Gniewkowo, Poland. http://europeanmultiguide.info/Booklet_result.html; https://www.facebook.com/europeanmultiguide/photos/
Estonia ranks 1st in the Tax Competitiveness IndexMartin Koch
According to a survey conducted by Tax Foundation (based in Washington DC) Estonia has the most competitive tax system in OECD.
The foundation analyzed over 40 variables related to tax policy, divided them into five categories and ranked all the OECD member states according to their scores in each category. Estonia ranked 1st in Corporate Tax Rank and Property Taxes Rank, as well as came second in Individual Taxes Rank.
Culture in Estonia - Something for EveryoneMartin Koch
Modern Estonian culture has been shaped by centuries of occupation by other nations,
something which is evidenced in its language, architecture and the country’s thousands of folk songs... In the last thousand years, Estonia has been ruled by Germany, Russia, Denmark, Sweden, and Poland. Despite Estonia’s independence today, each nation has left its mark.
Today’s culture is the distillation of centuries of history which can be traced through its song festivals, poetry, literature and national epics. It can also be seen all around, from the ancient architecture of a drying barn to modern glass structures, and from the pattern on a knitted glove to interactive creations on the internet.
Find out more: http:www.businessinestonia.com
New intriguing summer edition of Life in Estonia magazine is out and available! Besides the latest insights on new business developments, it offers a refreshing diverse perspective on Estonian culture and more importantly - sheds light on a game changing revolution called the Global Estonians.
The developments in e-Estonia continue to WOW the world. New bold ideas are introduced and the traditional "ways-of-doing" get constantly challenged and upgraded by this small Nordic country. Get up to date with Taavi Kotka, the CIO of Estonia, as he explains the revolutionary government plan to give out e-residence permits to anyone around the world. Can you guess who are the two well-known men to be given the first e-citizenships and would you like to get one?
Indrek Pällo from Enterprise Estonia presents the new Estonian Business Ambassador Network. This global business family is created to become a valuable asset for entrepreneurs and help exporters make market entry smoother around the world.
Like every summer, The President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves, has invited an international group of people referred as Friends of Estonia for a special gathering in Tallinn. Exciting projects like GrabCAD, TransferWise and Teleport Inc are being discussed. Find out more what makes the visit so special.
Estonia has recently witnessed something of a beer revolution and the summer issue devotes seven full pages on the fresh tastes in Estonian beer brewing. Also, it presents season fitting means of transportation with Renard Speed Shop motorcycles and Velonia´s urban bicycles. Variable fashion and design news are in. Acknowledged recycle designer Reer Aus explains why it’s important for her to rethink the industry and move behind the pretty slogans.
Students from all partner schools supervised by their Geography, History, Religion, Music, Mother Tongue, Civic, Sport, Biology, Art, English and ICT teachers. Responsible: Szkola Podstawowa nr.1 im. Wojska Polskiego w Gniewkowie, Gniewkowo, Poland. http://europeanmultiguide.info/Booklet_result.html; https://www.facebook.com/europeanmultiguide/photos/
Estonia ranks 1st in the Tax Competitiveness IndexMartin Koch
According to a survey conducted by Tax Foundation (based in Washington DC) Estonia has the most competitive tax system in OECD.
The foundation analyzed over 40 variables related to tax policy, divided them into five categories and ranked all the OECD member states according to their scores in each category. Estonia ranked 1st in Corporate Tax Rank and Property Taxes Rank, as well as came second in Individual Taxes Rank.
Moving to another country can be a little challenging. Finding out where to live, how to manage with the necessary paperwork, where to go out and how to get by in general, usually takes a little research. To welcome all the newcomers and help them settle in smoothly, Estonian Investment Agency has published a special handbook "Destination: Estonia – Relocation Guide".
The online book is also a useful tool for all the employers looking to hire foreign specialists to work in Estonia. It covers all the basic subjects from formalities to free time gathered into a beautiful publication with additional links and sources to make relocating to Estonia easy for everyone.
Welcome to Estonia!
BDO has prepared an interesting publication – Doing Business in Estonia 2014. The publication provides a comprehensive overview about Estonia – the entrepreneurial landscape and macroeconomics.
This publication has been prepared by BDO Estonia specialists. Its aim is to provide the essential background information of setting up and running a business in this country.
It is of use to anyone who is thinking of establishing a business in this country as a separate entity, as a branch of a foreign company or as a subsidiary of an existing foreign company. It also covers the essential background tax information for individuals considering coming to work or live permanently in this country.
This publication covers the most common forms of business entity and the taxation aspects of running or working for such a business. For individual taxpayers, the important taxes to which individuals are likely to be subject are dealt with in some detail. They have endeavored to include the most important issues, but it is not feasible to discuss every subject in comprehensive detail withing this format.
Estonia - Future Facing Financial CenterMartin Koch
With a total population of 1.3 million and a GDP of 17.4 billion euro, Estonia
is a relatively small Nordic country with outstanding economic freedom,
remarkable and rapid development, and a stable economy that implements
e-solutions. As it is for a smaller fish, the key to survival for a smaller country lies in
the ability to swim faster and adapt quickly to a changing environment.
Estonia has put notable effort into developing a competitive and stable
business environment. The outcomes of these endeavors is demonstrated
in numerous facts, figures, and global indices.
The Estonian economy rests upon a solid foundation, with the rule of law strongly
bolstered and enforced by an independent and efficient judicial system. A simplified
tax system with flat rates and low indirect taxation, a competitive banking sector,
openness to foreign investment, and a historically liberal trade regime all
support the resilient and well-functioning economy.
Find out more: www.businessinestonia.com
Estonians are e-believers. We are proud to be pioneers and leaders in e-government. We have developed and implemented innovative solutions that improve the lives of millions, and we intend to develop more.
In Estonia we can see a version of the interconnected and computerized future that is inextricably a part of the fundamental operations of society: 25% of the electorate votes online, nearly 100% of prescriptions and tax returns are done online, as is almost all banking. Estonians have given 140 million digital signatures, and last December, Estonian and Finnish PMs signed the first international treaty digitally. Adding to this near 100% broadband coverage and countrywide Wi-Fi, Estonia is one of the most wired countries in the world.
As a country so dependent on digital solutions, the whole of ICT infrastructure must
be regarded as an “ecosystem” in which everything is interconnected. It functions as
a whole, thus it needs to be defended as a whole. The more digitized we are, the more
vulnerable we are. It is therefore crucial to understand that cyber security is not just a matter of blocking the bad things a cyber attack can do; it is one of protecting all the good things that cyber insecurity can prevent us from doing – in other words, cyber security should not be seen as an additional cost but as an enabler, guarding our entire digital way of life.
Find out more: www.businessinestonia.com
Life in Estonia, Einter 2013/2014Winter issue of Life in Estonia focuses on Biotech and Functional Food. Readers can find out how Estonia contributes to life-changing genetics and how our food industry combines nature with science.
The cover story is with Katre Kõvask, the dynamic leader of Premia Foods telling about the past, present and the future of the corporation. Premia is a publicly traded company active mainly in three business segments: ice creams, frozen fishery products and frozen food.
Tartu, the second largest city of Estonia is called a Town of Good Bacteria. Turn to page 16 to find out why. Estonian Biocentre is also located in Tartu and with the help of genes its scientist have established the origins of Native Americans and Aboriginal Australians.
It is a known truth that Japanese market is hard to enter. Nevertheless, an Estonian company JOIK, specialized in natural cosmetics, caught the eye of a Japanese Plaza chain. Now Japan has become its largest export country followed by Finland, Norway, Latvia and Sweden.
There is also an article about Metamed, a company that rescues wealthy patients from the randomness of the medical system. The founders of Metamed believe that the current medical system ignores scientific breakthroughs and discoveries, offering patients one-size-fits-all and often unsuitable treatment.
Hairy and noisy members of a punk band usually do not perform together with chic high fashion models for the Vogue magazine, do they? Well, it did happen with Estonian shock band called Winny Puhh. Read their story on pages 61-63.
Moreover, the winter issue gives its readers an exclusive selection of Estonian top restaurants; recommendations of different events to participate this season and an art portfolio of an intriguing Estonian photographer, Peeter Laurits.
Find out more: http://www.businessinestonia.com
http://www.businessinestonia.com
During the last 20 years, Estonia has developed a complete, well functioning, and secure e-state. For citizens of Estonia, e-services have become routine: e-elections, e-taxes, e-police, e-healthcare, e-banking, and e-school. The “e” prefix for services has almost become trite in the sense that it is truly standard. Most Estonians would not even consider doing things the old fashioned way by physically visiting an office.
The e-state gives people freedom – to spend time in the forest, countryside, in our countless bogs, or even in Tallinn’s famous Old Town which rests beside the modern city. Almost any activity can be taken care of with a few clicks via the internet.
These modern city office buildings are increasingly used by IT companies which seek an innovative, highly-educated, cost-effective workforce. One example of many: From its development centre in Tallinn, Skype creates a large part of the software used by its loyal customer base of 500 million people.
Thanks to its small size, Estonia is an ideal place for testing new solutions. The implementation and feedback processes move very quickly. Many solutions engineered in Estonia have been later exported, including e-elections, e-school, and m-parking (the “m” means “mobile”). It may also be of interest that Estonia is the only nation in the world which has survived a full-on cyber attack, emerging unscathed by mounting a vigorous self-defence.
Find out more: http://www.businessinestonia.com
Kseniya Leshchenko: Shared development support service model as the way to ma...Lviv Startup Club
Kseniya Leshchenko: Shared development support service model as the way to make small projects with small budgets profitable for the company (UA)
Kyiv PMDay 2024 Summer
Website – www.pmday.org
Youtube – https://www.youtube.com/startuplviv
FB – https://www.facebook.com/pmdayconference
What is the TDS Return Filing Due Date for FY 2024-25.pdfseoforlegalpillers
It is crucial for the taxpayers to understand about the TDS Return Filing Due Date, so that they can fulfill your TDS obligations efficiently. Taxpayers can avoid penalties by sticking to the deadlines and by accurate filing of TDS. Timely filing of TDS will make sure about the availability of tax credits. You can also seek the professional guidance of experts like Legal Pillers for timely filing of the TDS Return.
Business Valuation Principles for EntrepreneursBen Wann
This insightful presentation is designed to equip entrepreneurs with the essential knowledge and tools needed to accurately value their businesses. Understanding business valuation is crucial for making informed decisions, whether you're seeking investment, planning to sell, or simply want to gauge your company's worth.
[Note: This is a partial preview. To download this presentation, visit:
https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations]
Sustainability has become an increasingly critical topic as the world recognizes the need to protect our planet and its resources for future generations. Sustainability means meeting our current needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. It involves long-term planning and consideration of the consequences of our actions. The goal is to create strategies that ensure the long-term viability of People, Planet, and Profit.
Leading companies such as Nike, Toyota, and Siemens are prioritizing sustainable innovation in their business models, setting an example for others to follow. In this Sustainability training presentation, you will learn key concepts, principles, and practices of sustainability applicable across industries. This training aims to create awareness and educate employees, senior executives, consultants, and other key stakeholders, including investors, policymakers, and supply chain partners, on the importance and implementation of sustainability.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1. Develop a comprehensive understanding of the fundamental principles and concepts that form the foundation of sustainability within corporate environments.
2. Explore the sustainability implementation model, focusing on effective measures and reporting strategies to track and communicate sustainability efforts.
3. Identify and define best practices and critical success factors essential for achieving sustainability goals within organizations.
CONTENTS
1. Introduction and Key Concepts of Sustainability
2. Principles and Practices of Sustainability
3. Measures and Reporting in Sustainability
4. Sustainability Implementation & Best Practices
To download the complete presentation, visit: https://www.oeconsulting.com.sg/training-presentations
What are the main advantages of using HR recruiter services.pdfHumanResourceDimensi1
HR recruiter services offer top talents to companies according to their specific needs. They handle all recruitment tasks from job posting to onboarding and help companies concentrate on their business growth. With their expertise and years of experience, they streamline the hiring process and save time and resources for the company.
Enterprise Excellence is Inclusive Excellence.pdfKaiNexus
Enterprise excellence and inclusive excellence are closely linked, and real-world challenges have shown that both are essential to the success of any organization. To achieve enterprise excellence, organizations must focus on improving their operations and processes while creating an inclusive environment that engages everyone. In this interactive session, the facilitator will highlight commonly established business practices and how they limit our ability to engage everyone every day. More importantly, though, participants will likely gain increased awareness of what we can do differently to maximize enterprise excellence through deliberate inclusion.
What is Enterprise Excellence?
Enterprise Excellence is a holistic approach that's aimed at achieving world-class performance across all aspects of the organization.
What might I learn?
A way to engage all in creating Inclusive Excellence. Lessons from the US military and their parallels to the story of Harry Potter. How belt systems and CI teams can destroy inclusive practices. How leadership language invites people to the party. There are three things leaders can do to engage everyone every day: maximizing psychological safety to create environments where folks learn, contribute, and challenge the status quo.
Who might benefit? Anyone and everyone leading folks from the shop floor to top floor.
Dr. William Harvey is a seasoned Operations Leader with extensive experience in chemical processing, manufacturing, and operations management. At Michelman, he currently oversees multiple sites, leading teams in strategic planning and coaching/practicing continuous improvement. William is set to start his eighth year of teaching at the University of Cincinnati where he teaches marketing, finance, and management. William holds various certifications in change management, quality, leadership, operational excellence, team building, and DiSC, among others.
Cracking the Workplace Discipline Code Main.pptxWorkforce Group
Cultivating and maintaining discipline within teams is a critical differentiator for successful organisations.
Forward-thinking leaders and business managers understand the impact that discipline has on organisational success. A disciplined workforce operates with clarity, focus, and a shared understanding of expectations, ultimately driving better results, optimising productivity, and facilitating seamless collaboration.
Although discipline is not a one-size-fits-all approach, it can help create a work environment that encourages personal growth and accountability rather than solely relying on punitive measures.
In this deck, you will learn the significance of workplace discipline for organisational success. You’ll also learn
• Four (4) workplace discipline methods you should consider
• The best and most practical approach to implementing workplace discipline.
• Three (3) key tips to maintain a disciplined workplace.
Improving profitability for small businessBen Wann
In this comprehensive presentation, we will explore strategies and practical tips for enhancing profitability in small businesses. Tailored to meet the unique challenges faced by small enterprises, this session covers various aspects that directly impact the bottom line. Attendees will learn how to optimize operational efficiency, manage expenses, and increase revenue through innovative marketing and customer engagement techniques.
Memorandum Of Association Constitution of Company.pptseri bangash
www.seribangash.com
A Memorandum of Association (MOA) is a legal document that outlines the fundamental principles and objectives upon which a company operates. It serves as the company's charter or constitution and defines the scope of its activities. Here's a detailed note on the MOA:
Contents of Memorandum of Association:
Name Clause: This clause states the name of the company, which should end with words like "Limited" or "Ltd." for a public limited company and "Private Limited" or "Pvt. Ltd." for a private limited company.
https://seribangash.com/article-of-association-is-legal-doc-of-company/
Registered Office Clause: It specifies the location where the company's registered office is situated. This office is where all official communications and notices are sent.
Objective Clause: This clause delineates the main objectives for which the company is formed. It's important to define these objectives clearly, as the company cannot undertake activities beyond those mentioned in this clause.
www.seribangash.com
Liability Clause: It outlines the extent of liability of the company's members. In the case of companies limited by shares, the liability of members is limited to the amount unpaid on their shares. For companies limited by guarantee, members' liability is limited to the amount they undertake to contribute if the company is wound up.
https://seribangash.com/promotors-is-person-conceived-formation-company/
Capital Clause: This clause specifies the authorized capital of the company, i.e., the maximum amount of share capital the company is authorized to issue. It also mentions the division of this capital into shares and their respective nominal value.
Association Clause: It simply states that the subscribers wish to form a company and agree to become members of it, in accordance with the terms of the MOA.
Importance of Memorandum of Association:
Legal Requirement: The MOA is a legal requirement for the formation of a company. It must be filed with the Registrar of Companies during the incorporation process.
Constitutional Document: It serves as the company's constitutional document, defining its scope, powers, and limitations.
Protection of Members: It protects the interests of the company's members by clearly defining the objectives and limiting their liability.
External Communication: It provides clarity to external parties, such as investors, creditors, and regulatory authorities, regarding the company's objectives and powers.
https://seribangash.com/difference-public-and-private-company-law/
Binding Authority: The company and its members are bound by the provisions of the MOA. Any action taken beyond its scope may be considered ultra vires (beyond the powers) of the company and therefore void.
Amendment of MOA:
While the MOA lays down the company's fundamental principles, it is not entirely immutable. It can be amended, but only under specific circumstances and in compliance with legal procedures. Amendments typically require shareholder
RMD24 | Debunking the non-endemic revenue myth Marvin Vacquier Droop | First ...BBPMedia1
Marvin neemt je in deze presentatie mee in de voordelen van non-endemic advertising op retail media netwerken. Hij brengt ook de uitdagingen in beeld die de markt op dit moment heeft op het gebied van retail media voor niet-leveranciers.
Retail media wordt gezien als het nieuwe advertising-medium en ook mediabureaus richten massaal retail media-afdelingen op. Merken die niet in de betreffende winkel liggen staan ook nog niet in de rij om op de retail media netwerken te adverteren. Marvin belicht de uitdagingen die er zijn om echt aansluiting te vinden op die markt van non-endemic advertising.
Falcon stands out as a top-tier P2P Invoice Discounting platform in India, bridging esteemed blue-chip companies and eager investors. Our goal is to transform the investment landscape in India by establishing a comprehensive destination for borrowers and investors with diverse profiles and needs, all while minimizing risk. What sets Falcon apart is the elimination of intermediaries such as commercial banks and depository institutions, allowing investors to enjoy higher yields.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP TRAINING.ppt for graduating class (1).ppt
Estonia - Where Medieval Meets Modern
1. An Introduction to Estonia
Where Medieval
Meets Modern
www.visitestonia.com
An Introduction to Estonia
1
2. Estonia – WiFi in
the Forest
Estonia is a country of contrasts. Such pristine
A large proportion of our nation’s land is desigand untouched nature is found in only a few
nated as natural protection areas. At the same
places in Europe. A few
time, Estonia is on the vanhundred metres off the
guard of technological de“...if you leave something imporhighway you can find yourtant behind in a remote corner of velopment. We invented the
self in virgin forest, where Estonia, it isn’t a problem. You can world famous free internet
retrieve it on the very same day.” telephone service, Skype.
wolves, bears, and lynx
roam free.
Wireless internet is available
even on buses and trains. On small farms deep
in the forest news of the world arrives via internet, there’s no need to drive to town to buy the
newspaper. On a child’s first day of school he
carries a bouquet of asters for his teacher along
with his book of ABCs. But there’ll also be a mobile telephone in his pocket. For every 100 Estonians there are 120 mobile telephones!
To our eastern neighbours the Russians and our
southern neighbours the Latvians an Estonian is
thought to be calm and slow to act. But to our
northern neighbours the Finns we are a fast act
which is tough to follow! When Latvians start to
tell jokes, it’s often at the expense of Estonians.
But what might appear a guarded and suspicious
Estonian is quite the opposite, once you get acquainted with him.
Get acquainted with our small, beautiful, and
interesting land!
Connected to the world
2
An Introduction to Estonia
Tallinn’s medieval Old Town
Modern cities in medieval
clothing
You only have to step out of your Tallinn hotel in
the early morning, step onto the small, meandering streets paved in granite and let the ancient
city walls and red-stoned roofs carry you back to
centuries past. From here and there emanates
the sweet smell of the baker’s fresh bread and
somewhere in the distance is the sound of the
morning’s first tram.
In the Old Town Square you’ll find Europe’s
oldest operating pharmacy, founded in 1422
and still open for business today. City alderman
in ill health once came here to purchase dried
frogs’ legs, worm skin, and the blood of a black
cat. Today the pharmacy sells more traditional
remedies but marzipan made the old-fashioned
way is still for sale, a product made on a large
scale in both Tallinn and Lübeck, both cities first
appearing in historical records in 1806.
Old Town Days, which take place at the beginning of June in the old Hanseatic city of Tallinn,
With the morning’s sunrise, the nation’s flag is
are a shining example
hoisted above Tall Herthat the darkness of the
“From here and there emanates the
mann tower and city resisweet smell of the baker’s fresh bread, middle ages was actually
dents bustle across the
and somewhere in the distance is the quite colourful – visually,
Old Town Square on their
sound of the morning’s first tram.”
audibly, and with respect
way to work.
to tastes. Tournaments of
In this very same Old Town Square the world’s
knights, sword swallowers, fairs and presentafirst Christmas tree stood in 1441. The tree was
tions. Somewhere the bagpipes are played and
set on fire and people danced vigorously around
maidens in long dresses and tied bodices invite
it. In modern times the Old Town fir is bathed
you to try on a felt hat, and a smith dressed
in cosy candlelight and the bustle of the annual
in leather has just completed a massive chanChristmas market where cheerful merchants
delier.
peddle a variety of Christmas fare.
An Introduction to Estonia
3
3. Visitors from every nation find something familiar in Tallinn. The Irish find dark beer, the Italians pizza restaurants and the Russians taverns
where the waiter’s shirt is worn outside the belt
to cover his trousers and vodka flows in a thin
icy stream. Those from the dark continent will
find a man from Mozambique at a wok, chilli
pepper and garlic in hand.
The culture of today’s Tallinn consists of
international names in its interpreters, film
directors and artists. Tallinn is home to the
The Old Town Days on the Old Town Square
In the middle ages the guards blew the bugle at
nine in the evening and the gates on both the
city and its pubs were closed. In modern times,
Tallinn’s nightlife is just getting started at that
hour. Restaurants, bars, and nightclubs teem
with life. A visitor from abroad will find our beer
inexpensive, our nightclubs modern, and service
fast and friendly. You can pay for most things
with a credit card. If you
“...He’s held the post since want to surf the internet,
1530 and is the most
a wireless signal is availrecognized man in the
able in almost every cafe
entire city.”
and pub.
One helmeted, long-moustachioed Tallinner still
remains unmentioned. His name is Vana Toomas
(Old Thomas) and he’s the official guardian of
the city and may be found at the top of the City
Hall’s weathervane in the Old Town Square.
He’s held the post since 1530 and is the most
recognised man in the entire city.
In Tallinn, it’s worth visiting the modern art museum, KUMU, built into a limestone terrace. Or
travel to the city’s edge to the Rocca al Mare
Open Air Museum and marvel at the construction skills of the Estonian farmer, who centuries
ago, with nothing but the naked eye, achieved
proportions in his chimneyless home as if he’d
studied the golden ratio in a university.
And of course visit the palace in Kadriorg (Katherine’s Valley) which Tsar Peter the Great commissioned for Katherine the Second.
Something very Estonian can be found if you
happen to visit during the Song Festival. Imagine twenty-five-thousand people together at one
The modern look of Tallinn
“...twenty-five-thousand people together at one
time on stage with the audience singing along.
For the most popular events, singers number
around one-hundred-thousand.”
Detail on the facade of the House of the
Brotherhood of Black Heads
Baltic region’s most prominent film festival, Dark
Nights, known locally as PÖFF. Jazzkaar, our jazz
festival, the Birgitta Cloister’s opera festival and
Tallinn International Organ Festival are also well
known.
Tallinn’s ‘Old Thomas’ (Vana Toomas)
weathervane
4
An Introduction to Estonia
The conductor Neeme Järvi was born in Tallinn,
as were many who’ve worked as chief conductors
in the world’s well-known symphony orchestras.
One of modern music’s most recognised names,
Arvo Pärt, is from an Estonian small town called
Paide. And if you happen to see a very familiar
face on the streets, you’re not mistaken – supermodel Carmen Kass is also an Estonian girl.
Estonian Song Festival on Tallinn Song Festival Grounds
An Introduction to Estonia
5
4. and academic heroes are shampooed by students in Toomemäe Park. So it is with Karl Ernst
von Baer, the discoverer of mammalian ovum,
and Kristjan Jaak Peterson, the first Estonian
poet. Everyone here gets his treatment.
time on stage with the audience singing along.
For the most popular events, the singers number
around one-hundred-thousand. So many souls
united in celebration foster a spirit and trigger
emotions that most of us will never experience
again in our lives, unless of course you return for
another song festival.
Estonia has a few other ”capital” cities in addition to Tallinn. Our winter capital is Otepää,
where the World Cup Cross-Country Skiing
Championship is
„ … melodies which haunt your held and where
memory, become familiar and Estonians scream
come to represent the romantic themselves voiceand sun-warmed Estonian
less cheering on
summer capital of Pärnu!”
their country’s skiers. And to release
the stresses of life, you’ll find that some skiers
have built saunas right into the snowdrifts.
With the beginning of summer, the title of ‘capital’ moves 130 kilometres west to Pärnu, where
the buzzing of honeybees fills avenues which lead
to the beach, lined on both sides by linden trees.
In Pärnu, you can attend to your health in spas,
A summer day beside Pärnu beach
6
An Introduction to Estonia
Tartu cafes have always been a meeting point
and a place to rest legs for intellectuals as well
as the regular folk of Tartu.
Worth a visit in Tartu is the Estonian Folk Museum, a storehouse of Estonian culture, or the
botanical garden, where 6,500 plant species can
be found in one small part of Estonia.
In Tartu, you can board a gorbellied barge which
smells of pine tar and will carry you east on the
Emajõgi (“Mother River” literally) as far as Estonia’s biggest lake, Peipsi.
Skiing fans in Otepää
or listen to swing or jazz in the chic Jugendstil
milieu of Ammende Villa. Cafes and nightclubs
are numerous in Pärnu, and the Pärnu assembly
hall, home to grand parties and dining, is unlike
any other in Estonia.
With the peaceful rhythms of Tartu come good
thoughts, which is why the city refers to itself as
the “City of Good Thoughts.”
The main building of the University of Tartu
“Student traditions are carried from the
university to the city’s streets and take
place everywhere in the city.”
The cultural meeting place in Pärnu is the Modern Art Museum where every year the Pärnu
International Documentary and Anthropology
Film Festival takes place. The festival and Pärnu
are a natural combination. This is also true of
the music festival which is held in memory of
a favourite Estonian composer, Raimond Valgre.
Valgre’s melancholy songs offer melodies which
haunt your memory, become familiar and come
to represent the romantic and sun-warmed Estonian summer capital of Pärnu.
One-hundred-eighty kilometres from Tallinn is
the city of Tartu, Estonia’s centre of science and
education since 1632, when Swedish King Gustav II Adolf built the University of Tartu. Today
the university still remains the face and function
of Tartu. Student traditions are carried from the
university to the city’s streets and take place
everywhere in the city. Tartu residents are not
annoyed when the bronze heads of their cultural
Tartu’s famous statue of the kissing students in front of Tartu Town Hall
An Introduction to Estonia
7
5. In southern Estonia, there is no trace of limestone. Here the bedrock is sandstone. When
travelling by boat on the Ahja river one is carried past Taevaskoja (literally “home of the sky”).
Here the river’s current has carved a deep bed in
the sandstone with about 20-metre yellow and
red-toned walls towering above. This is the product of tens of thousands of years of the river’s
work since the end of the ice age. Those who
have seen the Colorado river at the Grand Canyon will find something familiar in Taevaskoja.
From here it is not far to the Piusa sand caves,
a veritable underground cathedral where in the
high arches will winter seven species of bats
which zoologists estimate to number around
3,000.
At dusk on a warm August night candles are lit
on the island at the Leigo farm in southern Estonia’s hill country. You can lie down on a hayfield and listen to music until the moment arrives
when there is no longer a difference between
the lights on the water and the stars in the August sky.
Limestone cliffs are characteristic of northern Estonia
Small but diverse
An Introduction to Estonia
In the southeast corner of Estonia is the Setu
Kingdom, where from time to time a new king,
God’s viceregent on earth, is chosen, as well as
a brewmeister, vodka maker and other essential positions. During the holidays, the Setus sing
form the “cake” of limestone, millions of years
in the making. Along the rocky coast shine the
white houses of sea captains in Käsmu village.
From the verandas of these houses wives once
gazed out to sea, each looking for a familiar sail.
In 1930, there were 62 sea captains for every
100 families in Käsmu village.
In Estonia, there are no long distances, though it
is by no means an uninteresting landscape: and
how different the landscapes can be! A village in
the north may have one face and a southern one
quite another, not to mention islands in the west
or villages in the east along Peipsi
Architecture enthusiasts will enjoy
lake. And the contrasts don’t stop “In 1930 there were
touring fascinating manor houses.
with appearances, either. Customs
62 sea captains for
The old manor houses, at one time
and traditions in different corners every 100 families in
the living quarters of Baltic GerKäsmu village.”
of Estonia can offer unexpected
mans, number in the thousands in
surprises.
Estonia. Housekeepers once ran between the
Along north Estonia’s coast you can walk for tens
kitchen and the dining room and peasant boys
of kilometres. On one side is the sea, and to the
went with pitchforks to bring in the hay while the
other a high, unbroken limestone cliff which rises
lord of the manor sat comfortably with his mornin places 56 meters above sea level. In springing coffee. Now the manor houses are exclusive
time, water spills 30.5 meters over Valaste Falls,
hotels, restaurants, conference locations, as well
and from the highest terrace it’s possible to see
as school houses. The manor house pearls of Esthe strata of greys, yellows and greens which
tonia make quite a long list.
8
Setu men
Concert on the shore of Lake Leigo
An Introduction to Estonia
9
6. around the Orthodox church, men wearing high
boots, women weighted down with kilos of silver
around their necks.
houses are identical to those on the Sweden’s
small Seacrow Island, if you recollect the stories
of Astrid Lindgren.
On Kihnu island the local women ride motorcycles with sidecars, their brightly coloured, striped
national folk costumes flapping in the wind.
Where else could you possibly see this? On Kihnu in winter the sound of looms at work can be
heard, because during
On the western Esto“On Kihnu island the local women ride
wintertime the Kihnu
nian islands, Muhumaa,
motorcycles with sidecars, their brightly woman will make severSaaremaa, Hiiumaa, are coloured, striped national folk costumes
al new striped skirts for
thatched-roof log houses,
flapping in the wind.”
herself. If she weaves
moss-covered stone walls
using a lot of the colour
along village lanes and fishing boats left to meet
red, her life is full of song and joy. If she weaves
their final days. The homes of Koguva, Muhu Iswith more blue and black, she has been worrying
land’s most naturally preserved coastal village,
about the goings-on in her house. If you want to
are surrounded by two-hundred-year-old stone
please a Kihnu woman, take her fabric to make
walls reaching heights of two metres.
an apron with a traditional pattern. Kihnu womWhen you step off the ferryboat on to Vormsi
en have soft spots in their hearts for aprons.
Island you may be convinced you’ve landed
Kihnu’s unique folk culture is found on the
in Sweden. The white-framed windows on red
UNESCO world heritage list.
Afterwards, the Setus set a rich table on their
relatives’ graves. Those who happen to take part
in Setu folk parties feel discomforting regret that
they were not born Setu, but also endless joy
when they have found a friend among the Setus.
Traditional Estonian homestead
Land of Forests and
Boulders
The local women of the Kihnu island
10
An Introduction to Estonia
tree, or a forest lake – old acquaintances to be
visited again and again.
If you turn off from the highway, you only need
Our home is the forest, sings an Estonian at night
to take a few steps along an elevated plank trail
by the fire. He is right, of course, as half of Estoand you are quickly surrounded by soft sphagnia is forested. If you travel from the city in any
num moss. Dwarf pines rise in the distance as far
direction, wherever you turn you are surrounded
as the eye can see. Light reflects off bog pools
by forest. A horizon without forest can only be
scattered between marsh tussocks, mirroring
found in towns or by the sea.
blue sky and passing white
“Estonians are so connected to
Estonia leads Europe in great their land that most everyone has clouds. A Pied Wagtail, the
boulders and enormous stones. a favourite boulder, a giant tree, or small agile bird, runs along
We are third in the number of a forest lake—old acquaintances to the trail swinging its long
be visited again and again.”
bogs and second in the number
tail, and somewhere in the
of plant species (seventy-six!)
distance is the barely audicontained in a single square metre of meadow
ble trill of the Meadowlark.
grasslands. And were we to count the number of
In the first half of summer, mothers of Estonian
meteorites which have fallen on Estonia...
households send their families to the forest to
Estonians are so connected to their land that
gather chanterelles, wild strawberries, and bluemost everyone has a favourite boulder, a giant
berries. Closer to autumn, lingonberries and
An Introduction to Estonia
11
7. One knows where to reduce speeds on forest
roads, because nearly always deer, elk and rabbit
are seen. Occasionally a wild boar and its large
family will cross the road, piglets following one
another single file like tiny striped railcars behind
a large locomotive. Sometimes, when you sit on
an elevated observation platform to watch the
pigs pass, a bear and her cubs will approach a
feeding trough, eat a light meal and move on.
There is the occasional day where not a single forest resident is seen. On these days, rare
events can be read from paths in the grass and
tracks in the snow: Who has followed whom,
who got away, who got a tasty mouthful or went
without.
Spring and autumn, the seasons of bird migration, bring the west coast of Estonia busloads
of storm-jacket-wearing-, binocular- and cam-
era toting men and women. On Estonia’s west
coast, the Matsalu Nature Reserve is a paradise
for migratory birds. Estonia is at the heart of the
flyway for tens of millions of birds. Estonia’s own
migratory birds also begin their journey south.
Storks gather in flocks in the hayfields and their
trumpet-like call carries far into the forest.
Colourful autumn in Soomaa
cranberries are gathered in the bogs. From forest
and meadow the Estonian woman also gathers
healing plants for the making of tea for the family during darker seasons.
At this time of year a boat trip in Soomaa is a
special thrill. It’s especially nice to travel by a
haabjas—a boat carved from a thick-trunked aspen. Balance comes in handy in this instance.
The four seasons make Estonian nature versatile:
summer with its lush verdure, autumn’s passionate display of colour, winter’s snow and frost
and spring’s budding nature and birdsong.
But there is a fifth season. This
peculiar phenomenon shows itself
only in the western Estonian region of Soomaa and never at the
same time every year. This is the flood season.
The waters from the melting snow are unable
to drain and the river rises from its bed into the
meadows, on to the roads and the farmyards.
Where once was hay or potato fields are now
“high seas” and the village woman travels across
her yard to the barn in a skiff in order to feed
the pigs and the chickens. This can last a week.
Sometimes longer.
“The four seasons
make Estonian
nature versatile.”
12
An Introduction to Estonia
Even the bears find Estonia’s roads uncrowded
An encounter with the Ural Owl
An Introduction to Estonia
13
8. ished in the modern health centre, one can visit
Saaremaa Opera Days in the castle’s courtyard
or wander through ancient coastal villages. Or
sample the islanders’ home-brewed beer with
its hidden kick. It’s recommended to somewhat
limit the sampling.
Pärnu is famous for its health centres, shallow
waters, white sand beaches and beautiful parks.
You can easily recognise someone who’s spent
a few days in Pärnu, no matter where he’s from,
since he’ll be noticeably tanned and happier.
There is something similar about the resort
towns of Haapsalu, Kuressaare and Pärnu: all
three seem to belong to the 19th century. There
are tree-lined beach promenades, assembly
halls, seashell-shaped bandstands, residential areas full of historic wooden homes and endless
cosy cafes and noble restaurants.
Enjoying a spa treatment
And they have one more thing in common:
for over a hundred years they have valued the
healthy qualities of mud. First the visitor lies
down and warm mud is spread over the body.
Next, wrapped in warm towels, the guest lies in
a warm, damp cocoon, with no earthly thoughts
or worries. The mud bath
Spas and water centres,
“The mud bath is an extremely relaxing is an extremely relaxing inski trails, the seashore and
invention. You get up, wash yourself, vention. You get up, wash
quiet forest roads await
yourself and you are a
and you are a new person.”
the guest in Estonia who
new person.
has come to rest and nourish body and spirit.
The sauna was a holy place for ancient EstoniForty modern water centres for a country of alans. In modern times, it has become a place to
most 1.4 million people is just enough so that
every city may have one. The water centres are
big and small, some with many guests and some
quite exclusive; some are ultra-modern and others retro, carrying an air of the Soviet period.
The Calm of the Forest,
Healing Mud, and the
Sauna
Haapsalu, Kuressaare and Pärnu have long been
known as resort towns. The first mud clinic in
Haapsalu opened its doors in 1825 and from
that time on it has attracted visitors from around
the world who appreciate the mud bath, including Russian Tsars.
The city of Kuressaare has long been like a foreign land, even for Estonians themselves, since
it’s situated on Estonia’s largest island and requires a half-hour ferry trip from the mainland.
When a session of water treatments are fin-
14
An Introduction to Estonia
Taste the colours of nature
relax and rejuvenate. There are all kinds of saunas in Estonia. In every good Estonian tourism
farm there is a traditional sauna, where guests
slap their bodies with a birch branch to improve
circulation. The temperature in these saunas can
reach 120 degrees Celsius and the experience is
said to protect against 99 different diseases. The
guest, having poured ice-cold water on himself,
leaves feeling strong, happy and healthy.
more scarce in the modern world – much like
polar bears, rain forests and Usuri tigers. But
there is still silence in Estonia, and you don’t
have to go far to find it. And if you lose the sense
of time during your holiday, you don’t need to
do anything but open your laptop on the sauna
bench and review your return tickets. Or book
new ones for a few weeks later.
Especially pleasant is the archaic smoke sauna,
where an open fire burns a half day and smoke
sneaks out through gaps in the windows and
door. Here, the hot stones grow ripe like tomatoes.
Spas and water centres are not the only places
where a tourist can relax in Estonia. There are
beaches and forest lakes where water and sun
can be enjoyed while never seeing another soul.
And the forests are full of hiking trails which become ski trails once the snow falls.
Narva-Jõesuu, also known as the Northern
Riviera, has been an important resort town for
decades with its almost eight kilometres of sand
beaches and curing pine forests.
The sauna – a holy place
What else can Estonia offer its guests? Silence.
Silence is a natural resource which is becoming
Enjoy the silence
An Introduction to Estonia
15