The Republic of Estonia is part of the historical and geographic region known as the Baltic States. This name comes from the sea of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, which is called the Baltic Sea. If all the geographical nuances are observed, then the answer to the question of which sea washes Estonia should sound like this: the Gulfs of Finland and Riga and the Baltic Sea itself.
Holidays on the islands
Estonia is located not only on the mainland. It includes many islands, the total number of which exceeds one and a half thousand. The largest and most famous among the tourist fraternity are Saaremaa, Muhu and Hiiumaa. There are many protected areas and natural attractions on the Estonian islands, which, thanks to the local climate, can be visited at any time of the year. The Estonian islands offer to get acquainted with a rich flora and fauna, most of which are found in the archipelagos. The islands in the Estonian sea serve as stops on the path of the annual migration of dozens of species of migratory birds, which allows ornithology fans to observe them in their natural habitat.
Many Estonian islands also keep architectural landmarks. Here you can see old medieval castles, remnants of fortress walls, windmills and buildings typical for local fishermen, as well as visit museums and craft exhibitions.
What are the seas in Estonia?
Interesting facts about the seas washing Estonia, which may come in handy on a trip:
- The average depth of the Gulf of Finland is 38 meters, and the Gulf of Riga - 26 meters, while the lowest mark is at levels 121 and 54 meters, respectively.
- The waters of the Gulf of Finland have a very low salt content. This is due to the large influx of fresh water, two-thirds of which is brought into the Neva Bay.
- The town of Kuressaare on the sharp Saaremaa is considered one of the largest in the water area of the Gulf of Riga.
- The western part of the Gulf of Finland is called the “throat”, and the eastern part is called the “peak”.
- The western coast of the Gulf of Riga is a nature conservation cultural zone and is called the Livsky coast.
- The Gulf of Finland invites fans of military history to make excursions to artificial islands. They are called forts, and the very first of them appeared at the beginning of the 18th century.
- Specially protected areas of the Gulf of Finland are the Kurgalsky and Lebyazhy nature reserves.
