Estonian Towns
Estonian Towns
Narva
The city of Narva is located in Northeastern Estonia, on the border
between Estonia and Russia, 210 km from Tallinn and 150 km from St. Petersburg.
Every town has its own face which sets it apart from all other places. If you
have never seen the unique view of two ancient frontier fortresses facing each
other across a river, you should come to Narva to see the Hermann
Castle on the Estonian side, and the Ivangorod Castle
over on the Russian side.
If you have never before seen Swedish medieval
fortifications, in Narva you will find those which previously enclosed
the town, making it one of the most powerful fortresses in Europe.
If you are interested in history, you might visit the Narva
Museum, housed in the famous Tall Hermann Tower.
There you can acquaint yourself with displays about the history of Narva, its
pre - war architecture, and the household implements of its citizens.
If you are an art-lover, visit Narva Art Gallery, a
very cosy and pleasant place, located on the Gloria Bastion in
the former military barracks. The main exhibition area holds the art collection
of merchant named Lavretsov, and there are regular temporary exhibitions of art
from Estonia as well as from other countries.
If you would like to see an unique example of the industrial
architecture of the 19-th century, you can take a look at the buildings of the Kreenholm
factory. The factory, the biggest cotton enterprise in Estonia, is
located on Kreenholm Island, which divides the Narva river
into two arms.
If you wish to relax for a little while at the seaside, come to
Narva, which is only 14 km from the Gulf of Finland.
In the summer resort named Narva-Joesuu, you will
find a pine forest, fresh air, sea, watch the waves from glittering sand-dunes
on the 4 km beach and enjoy peace… Here you can choose between three health
spas and receive expert physical treatment from head to toe.
Tartu
For ages Tartu has been known as the city on the crossroads where
people from far and near meet. During the active days of the Hanseatic League
Tartu became a trading centre for merchants from east and west.
Tartu
is one of the oldest university towns in Europe. In 1632, Swedish King Gustavus
II Adolphus decided, on the earnest request of his teacher Johan Skytte, to
open Academia Gustaviana here which was the predecessor of the University of
Tartu. For centuries, the University of Tartu developed our town into an
internationally recognised place for the exchange of knowledge hosting
researchers and students from many countries of the world. This is why a
conference in Tartu is something relevant in its natural environment.
Tartu unites the countryside and the city, spirit and power in
academic peace. If you want to have a whale of a time, come here, mix with the
students and you willl feel the great Tartu Spirit that works like the elixir
of life.
Having arrived in Tartu, the River Emajхgi
marshlands on the river's upstream and lowstream - Lower-Pedja nature reserve
and marshland Emajхe Suursoo - are quite a sight for
the nature lover. The areas are notable for a very low habitant density, and
furthermore both of the marshlands are internationally important bird
sanctuaries.
On the way from Tartu to Elva, a little provincial town in the
south, the diverse nature offers you a chance to do some nature observation and
hiking. The town of Elva is surrounded by landscape reserves Vapramдgi, Vellavere, Vitipalu and Peedu which are known for their nature
trails of various lengths and types.
A Russian Old Believer's community is inhabiting the bank of the
Lake Peipsi on the Estonian side.
Pärnu
By
putting up in the summertime Pärnu, in the town of bright sun, salty sea,
invigorating western wind, enchanting boulevards, excellent swimming
opportunities, modern treatment facilities, music and friendly people, you can
shake off the shadows of the tomorrow from the countenance of today’s
generation, whatever the challenges posed today”. This was written in 1936. The
present spa town of Pärnu attracts the young by its beaches and the ruckus
of summer events, and the not so young by fresh air, mud baths, and peace and
quiet. There is something for everyone’s pleasure! Pärnu is a health
resort of international stature. Proof to this is the visitors arriving from
around fifty countries, and the following two honours bestowed upon it: in
2000, Pärnu joined the ESPA (European Spas Association) and in 2001
Pärnu flew the European Blue Flag at its beach.