Estonia ...Land of Mystery Trivia Quiz

Answer: 1219

Tallinn was first mentioned in written sources in 1154 on the world map Tabula Rogeriana by the Arab cartographer Muhammad al-Idrisi. However, the city became a documented Danish stronghold in 1219, when King Valdemar II of Denmark captured the area during the Northern Crusades. This event marks the beginning of Tallinn's recorded urban development.

Answer: A pharmacy

Tallinn's Raeapteek, located at 11 Raekoja Plats, is one of Europe's oldest continuously operating pharmacies. While the exact opening year is uncertain, it was first mentioned in town records in 1422. The pharmacy has operated in the same building since then, making it a significant historical site in Tallinn. Over the centuries, it has been managed by various owners, including the Burchart family, who ran the pharmacy for over ten generations from 1582 to 1911.

Answer: St. Olaf's Church, Tallinn

St. Olaf's Church in Tallinn, Estonia, had a spire reaching approximately 159 meters, making it the tallest building in the world from 1549 to 1625 according to many historical sources. Other tall churches of the era - such as St. Mary's in Lübeck, Cologne Cathedral, and Lincoln Cathedral - were either shorter at that time or, in the case of Lincoln Cathedral, had collapsed before this period.

The church's slender Gothic spire was a remarkable architectural achievement and a symbol of Tallinn's prominence in the Baltic region.

Answer: Pirita River

The Pirita River flows into Tallinn Bay and is closely associated with Pirita Beach and the Pirita spa area. Its name sounds similar to pirit (pyrite, or "fool's gold"), offering a fun mnemonic hint for remembering the river. Historically, the river was important for local water supply and contributed to the settlement of Tallinn.

Answer: Hiiumaa

Hiiumaa is the closest large island to Tallinn and historically helped protect the city's maritime approaches. It is home to the Kõpu Lighthouse, one of the oldest in the world, which guided ships safely across the Gulf of Finland.

Answer: Peipsi

Lake Peipsi is the largest lake in Estonia and one of the biggest in Europe, covering about 3,555 square kilometers along the border with Russia. It's an important source of freshwater, fishing, and transport, and in winter it often freezes over, forming a natural ice road between the two countries.

Answer: Narva

Narva is Estonia's easternmost city, located right on the border with Russia along the Narva River. It's known for the impressive Hermann Castle, which faces Russia's Ivangorod Fortress across the river. The city has a strong Russian-speaking community and reflects a unique blend of Estonian and Russian cultural influences.

Answer: Soomaa

Soomaa is in southwestern Estonia, with forests, rivers, and diverse wildlife like birds, beavers, and elk. During seasonal floods, many trails and roads are submerged, and the landscape transforms, making canoeing the main way to explore the area, which gives the park its nickname "Land of Five Seasons."

Answer: Pärnu

Pärnu, located on the southwestern coast of Estonia along the Baltic Sea, is a popular seaside resort. In addition to beaches and sailing, it is known for its spa culture, historic promenade, and vibrant summer festivals.

Answer: Tallinn

Tallinn's Song Festival Grounds are home to the Estonian Song Festival, held every five years. The event is deeply rooted in Estonia's culture and was a symbol of unity during the country's independence movement, known as the "Singing Revolution."