Estonia is a small but fascinating country in Northern Europe with an intriguing history and culture. In this article, we have compiled 47 riddles about different aspects of Estonia, ranging from its geography and landmarks to its traditions and cuisine. Some are easy while others require deeper knowledge about the country. See how many you can get right!
Geography
Riddle 1
I’m a body of water that borders Estonia to the north. Stretching nearly 2,900 square kilometers, fishermen have worked my waters for centuries. What am I?
Answer:
The Gulf of Finland
Riddle 2
I’m an Estonian island in the Baltic Sea that served as a vital Soviet naval base during the Cold War. With my rocky beaches and lush inland forests, today I’m better known for my wildlife and nature trails. What island am I?
Answer:
Saaremaa
Riddle 3
I’m Estonia’s highest point, standing at 318 meters above sea level. Hikers enjoy stunning views from my lookout tower. What landmark am I?
Answer:
Suur Munamägi
History & Culture
Riddle 4
Built in the 13th century, I’m an Estonian castle that withstood many attacks over the centuries. Today I’m one of the best preserved medieval castles in Europe and a top tourist attraction. What famous castle am I?
Answer:
Hermann Castle
Riddle 5
I’m an Estonian museum that allows visitors to virtually experience life from the 1930s to the end of the Soviet occupation. Spread over 22,000 square meters, what museum am I?
Answer:
The Estonian Open Air Museum
Riddle 6
Dating back over 6,000 years, I’m an ancient structure built from stones on Saaremaa Island. What is this mysterious prehistoric site called?
Answer:
Kaali meteorite craters
Traditions
Riddle 7
I’m an Estonian midsummer festival dating back to the 13th century that takes place around the summer solstice. Bonfires, traditional foods, singing, and dancing are part of these celebrations. What festival am I?
Answer:
Jaanipäev – St. John’s Day Festival
Riddle 8
I’m a traditional Estonian sweater with a colorful woven pattern. Originally worn as everyday clothing, I’m now a symbol of Estonian heritage. What am I called?
Answer:
A Baltic sweater or võilill
Riddle 9
We’re ornately decorated sticks carried by children going house to house, reciting verses on Shrove Tuesday in exchange for sweets. What Estonian tradition are we referring to?
Answer:
Mardipäev – Shrovetide sticks
Cuisine
Riddle 10
I’m a sweet Estonian holiday bread made from rye flour, molasses and spices like gingerbread. My name literally means “ginger bread.” What am I called?
Answer:
Piparkoogid
Riddle 11
I’m a creamy Estonian soup made from vegetables like potatoes, carrots, onions and swedes. Often served around Christmas time, what soup am I?
Answer:
Mulgikapsas
Riddle 12
Salty yet sweet, I’m a traditional Estonian food made by layering black bread, meat and gelatin. I’m typically served cold. What dish am I?
Answer:
Vorstisalat – literally “sausage salad”
Nature & Wildlife
Riddle 13
I’m Estonia’s national flower, with blue or white petals growing in meadows and pastures. Representing purity, what lovely flower am I?
Answer:
Cornflower
Riddle 14
Standing guard on the Baltic shore, over 10% of my population lives in Estonia. In winter, I fly south but always return to nest. What bird am I?
Answer:
The barn swallow
Riddle 15
I’m the fastest land animal in Estonia, known for my keen eyesight and speed chasing prey across open plains. What swift creature am I?
Answer:
The European hare
Innovations
Riddle 16
Created by Estonian programmers, I’m an internet calling service launched in 2003 and acquired by Microsoft in 2011 for $8.5 billion. What app am I?
Answer:
Skype
Riddle 17
I’m an Estonian-made self driving delivery robot launched in 2016. With six wheels and a friendly face, I can deliver small packages right to your door. What robot am I?
Answer:
Starship Technologies delivery robot
Riddle 18
I began as an Estonian digital signature concept in 2002. Now I’m secure online software used globally to safely transact e-documents. What digital signing solution am I?
Answer:
DigiDoc
Cities
Riddle 19
With cobblestone streets, gabled houses, and Europe’s best preserved medieval old town, I’m Estonia’s capital and largest city. What city am I?
Answer:
Tallinn
Riddle 20
Once a prime trading center, I’m Estonia’s third largest city on the Baltic shore. My historic Hanseatic architecture makes me a top tourist destination today. What port city am I?
Answer:
Pärnu
Riddle 21
Located where the Emajõgi River meets Lake Peipsi, I’m considered Estonia’s “student capital” and home to Tartu University, one of the oldest in Northern Europe. What university hub am I?
Answer:
The city of Tartu
Sports & Games
Riddle 22
Invented by Estonians, I’m a creative non-contact team sport played on a grass field. Using a curved stick to pass and throw a ball toward goals, I’m popular across Northern Europe. What sport am I?
Answer:
Kiiking
Riddle 23
An Estonian decathlete, I won gold at the 2012 London Olympics and brought the sport of discus throw to international fame. Who am I?
Answer:
Gerd Kanter
Riddle 24
These Estonian auto racing brothers are one of the most successful rally driving pairs in WRC history, known for their aggressive speed and daring moves. Who are we?
Answer:
Markko and Ott Tänak
Literature & Theater
Riddle 25
I was an Estonian poet and children’s author who penned the most famous Christmas story in the country about village animals receiving sweet gifts. Who am I?
Answer:
Friedrich Reinhold Kreutzwald – author of “The Gifts of the Forest Animals”
Riddle 26
Built in 1913, I’m an elegant Estonian concert hall named one of the “great acoustical wonders of the world.” What iconic Tallinn landmark am I?
Answer:
Estonia Concert Hall
Riddle 27
Held since 1955, I’m an annual Estonian amateur theater festival bringing together thousands of performers and spectators. Name this lively celebration that occurs every summer.
Answer:
The Estonian Song and Dance Celebration
Movies & Entertainment
Riddle 28
An Estonian actor, I’m best known for playing characters like Freud, Van Gogh, and Winston Churchill on screen. Who am I?
Answer:
Lembit Ulfsak
Riddle 29
Directed by an Estonian, I’m an Oscar-nominated 2017 film following a man escaping the USSR by hiking across the border into Thailand. What movie am I?
Answer:
The Man Who Surprised Everyone
Riddle 30
I’m an Estonian stop-motion animated fantasy film released in 2014 that became the most expensive film ever produced in the country. Loosely inspired by folklore, what movie am I?
Answer:
Leiutajateküla Lotte
Facts & Firsts
Riddle 31
Named after a bird, I’m was the first Estonian-made piano produced in 1901. Nearly 1,400 of my artisan instruments were handcrafted through 1938. What am I called?
Answer:
The Lõõtspill, meaning “lyre”
Riddle 32
I was the first feature film made in Estonia released in 1913. Seen as launching the nation’s movie industry, I was a silent short inspired by an 1853 opera. What film am I?
Answer:
Laine’s Death
Riddle 33
Built in 1267, I was one of the first pharmacies in Medieval Europe, located in Tallinn’s historic town hall square. What was I called?
Answer:
The Town Hall Pharmacy (Raeapteek)
Government
Riddle 34
Located in Tallinn, I’m the official seat of the Estonian Parliament. Originally built as a palace in the late 18th century, what landmark building am I?
Answer:
Toompea Castle
Riddle 35
Passed in 1918, I was the first Estonian constitution establishing a parliamentary republic. Lasting only two years before Soviet occupation, what was I called?
Answer:
The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia
Riddle 36
Formed in 1918 shortly before Estonian independence, I was the first permanent national Estonian army. Though small in number, I helped defeat both German forces and Russians in the ensuing War of Independence. What was I called?
Answer:
The Estonian Defense League (Estonian: Kaitseliit)
Technology
Riddle 37
Used by over 125 million people worldwide, I’m secure Estonian internet software launched in 2010 for encrypting calls and messages. What private messenger app am I?
Answer:
Teleport Messenger
Riddle 38
I’m an Estonian technology university focused on IT, business, and engineering. Founded in 1992, I’m considered a leader in computer science education across Europe. What university am I?
Answer:
Tallinn University of Technology
Riddle 39
I’m a unique Estonian personal identification smart card issued to all citizens and residents. I enable secure e-voting, banking, travel, and much more. What am I called?
Answer:
The ID-card (Isikutunnistus)
Business & Industry
Riddle 40
Founded in 1924, I’m likely the oldest soap company in the world that’s still operating today. With iconic branding, I expanded across Northern Europe before WWII temporarily ended my run. What classic Estonian brand am I?
Answer:
Kalev Chocolate and Soap Factory
Riddle 41
Created by an Estonian entrepreneur, I’m an international tech company specializing in digital receipts and warranty solutions since 2008. What rapidly growing startup am I?
Answer:
RepairShopr by Uku Pärtelpoeg
Riddle 42
Made from shale rock since 1924, I’m an Estonian power plant fuel that provides nearly 90% of the nation’s heating and energy. What oil-like hydrocarbon substance am I?
Answer:
Põlevkivi oil shale
Economy & Money
Riddle 43
Officially adopted in 2011 when Estonia joined the Eurozone, I’m the primary currency used across the country today. What money am I?
Answer:
The Euro
Riddle 44
Launched in 1994, I was the forerunner to cryptocurrency created by an Estonian cyberpunk named Han Boey. Allowing fast borderless payments, what was I called?
Answer:
ecash
Riddle 45
Passed in 2000, I eliminated corporate tax on undistributed profits in Estonia – the first country in Europe to do this. Designed to spur business growth, what was I called?
Answer:
The Estonian Corporate Tax Reform
Language & Education
Riddle 46
The official language of Estonia, I belong to the Finnic branch of the Uralic languages. Closely related to Finnish and Hungarian, I feature 14 cases and lack grammatical gender. What language am I?
Answer:
The Estonian language
Riddle 47
Meaning “self education,” I was an informal Estonian grassroots movement in the mid-1800s promoting native culture and education when the country lacked sovereignty under Russian rule. What nationalist awakening was I?
Answer:
The estophilia phenomenon
Conclusion
How did you do with these riddles about the many interesting facets of Estonia? From its long history to cultural traditions, natural landscapes and innovations, this Northern European country offers much to discover. Learning a bit more about Estonia through these fun riddles hopefully piqued your interest to further explore its lesser known charms. Whether planning to visit someday or simply expanding your knowledge, may the puzzles and answers provide some meaningful insight into this unique destination.
