For school trips with a difference, Estonia is an unusual and extremely interesting country. Relatively new on to the tourist scene, Estonia is quickly making its cultural mark on modern-day Europe. Only gaining its independence twenty years ago, the Russian legacy is still very apparent and is an intricate part of the heart of Estonia. The smallest of the Baltic States, this picturesque eastern European gem has a wealth of history and heritage to explore on school trips.
Estonia is full of stunning scenery, ranging from the lush forests and marshlands to crystal clear coastline waters and quaint seaside towns. There are also imposing castles and an abundance of stunning architecture. Despite its historic oppression Estonia is moving into the 21st century at top speed. Students will get the opportunity to consider the effects of its interesting history on present day attitudes and Estonia's place in Europe today. Students will find it easy to converse with locals here as English is widely spoken and people are very happy to engage with tourists and exchange stories, answer questions and recommend places to visit.
A Taste of Modern Tallinn
Tallinn is a fusion of medieval influence with a contemporary and cosmopolitan feel. You can visit 500 year old churches in the morning and spend the afternoon browsing cutting edge 21st century art exhibitions. You can wander the cobbled streets exploring ancient traditional crafts and workshops or hang out in the trendy Rotterdam Quarter and soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the modern and thriving café culture so prevalent here. The 15th century town is beautifully clean and well looked after, with many of the breathtaking buildings surviving here being testament to the Soviet rule.
School trips can include on the itinerary exploration of the Tsarist legacies left in this fascinating city. The Russian Palace, designed in Baroque style, is a prime example of the architecture synonymous with the Russian occupation here. Students can visit the Toompea Castle, which is a fine example of Baroque and Medieval architecture fused to exemplify the luxurious, extravagant Russian tastes. This castle is the traditional seat of power in Estonia and a stone's throw from here is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the 19th century Orthodox cathedral that dominates Lossi Plats.
Kiek-in-de-kok is one of Tallinn's tallest cannon towers. The name actually means 'Peep into the Kitchen' and was named after the lonely soldiers who used to peer into the houses of the people in the town below. This tower was famously resilient and, although it was attacked many times, it still stands. There are nine cannon balls that remain embedded in its walls, leaving a legacy of times gone by. Today it houses an interesting museum that maps the development of this fascinating city.
Well known for its contribution to the European musical scene, Estonia provides opportunities for students to take in one of the many outdoor performances held in the city - either at The Song Festival Grounds or at one of the seafront venues that often host acclaimed artists and bands.
Estonia is a beautiful but unusual destination for school trips and yet is no less fascinating than many other well-known European countries. Its relatively new embarkation onto the tourist scene is part of its intimate charm and makes it a very relaxed and easy place to visit.
Angela Bowden works for STS (School Travel Service), the UK's largest educational travel company, providing school trips for secondary schools, primary schools and colleges. School trips with STS can encompass art/design, foreign languages, history, science/nature, geography and more, to worldwide destinations.
