Paide: The Heart of Estonia

• HelloTere
  [Teh-reh]
• GoodbyeHead aega
  [Heh-ad ah-eh-gah]
• YesJah
  [Yah]
• NoEi
  [Ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [Pah-lun]
• Thank youAitäh
  [Eye-tah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandust
  [Vah-bahn-doost]
• How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?
  [Kwee-dahs sool leh-heb]
• Fine. And you?Hästi. Ja sina?
  [Hah-stee. Yah see-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?
  [Kahs sah rah-ee-geed eeng-lee-seh kehlt]
• I don't understandMa ei saa aru
  [Mah ay sah ah-roo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa sooviksin menüüd näha, palun
  [Mah soh-veek-seen meh-nooood nah-ha, pah-lun]
• I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha
  [Mah ay suh leeh-hah]
• Cheers!Terviseks!
  [Tehr-vee-seks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa sooviksin maksta, palun
  [Mah soh-veek-seen mahk-stah, pah-lun]

• Help!Appi!
  [Ah-pee]
• Go away!Mine minema!
  [Mee-neh mee-neh-mah]
• Call the Police!Kutsuge politsei!
  [Koot-soo-geh poh-lee-tseh]
• Call a doctor!Kutsuge arst!
  [Koot-soo-geh ah-rst]
• I'm lostMa olen eksinud
  [Mah oh-lehn ehk-see-nood]
• I'm illMa olen haige
  [Mah oh-lehn hah-ee-geh]

• I'd like to buy...Ma tahaksin osta...
  [Mah tah-hahk-seen oh-stah...]
• I'm just lookingMa lihtsalt vaatan
  [Mah leekh-tsalt vah-tahn]
• How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?
  [Kwee palyoo seh mahks-ahb]
• That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis
  [Seh ohn leeh-gah kah-lees]
• Can you lower the price?Kas te saaksite hinda alandada?
  [Kahs teh sah-keet-seh hin-dah ah-lahn-dah-dah]

• What time is it?Mis kell on?
  [Mees kehl ohn]
• It's one o'clockOn üks
  [Ohn uks]
• Half past (10)Pool (10) üksa
  [Pohl (10) uks-ah]
• MorningHommik
  [Hohm-meek]
• AfternoonPärastlõuna
  [Pah-rahst-luh-nah]
• EveningÕhtu
  [Uht-too]
• YesterdayEile
  [Ay-leh]
• TodayTäna
  [Tah-nah]
• TomorrowHomme
  [Hohm-meh]
• 1Üks
  [Uks]
• 2Kaks
  [Kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [Kohlm]
• 4Neli
  [Neh-lee]
• 5Viis
  [Veese]
• 6Kuus
  [Koos]
• 7Seitse
  [Sayt-seh]
• 8Kaheksa
  [Kah-hek-sah]
• 9Üheksa
  [Oo-hek-sah]
• 10Kümme
  [Koom-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kus on...?
  [Koos ohn]
• What's the address?Mis on aadress?
  [Mees ohn ah-ah-dress]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kas te saaksite mulle näidata (kaardil)?
  [Kahs teh sah-keet-seh mool-leh nah-ee-tah (kahrd-eel)]
• When's the next (bus)?Millal on järgmine (buss)?
  [Meel-lahl ohn yairg-mee-neh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....-sse)
  [Pee-leht (...-seh)]

Paide, also known as Weißenstein in German, was founded in the 13th century during the Northern Crusades. The town's strategic location in central Estonia made it a vital point for the Livonian Order, a branch of the Teutonic Knights, who built the Paide Castle in 1265. The castle served as a defensive structure and a symbol of the Order's power in the region.

During the Livonian War (1558-1583), Paide became a contested site due to its strategic importance. The town and its castle were besieged and captured multiple times by various factions, including the Russians and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. The war significantly impacted Paide, leading to periods of destruction and rebuilding.

After the end of the Livonian War, Paide fell under Swedish rule. The town began to recover and rebuild, with the Swedish administration focusing on fortifying and modernizing the Paide Castle. This period also saw the establishment of new administrative structures and the introduction of Lutheranism as the main religion.

The Great Northern War (1700-1721) brought further turmoil to Paide. The town was once again a battleground, this time between the Swedish Empire and the Russian Tsardom. The war led to significant destruction, with the Paide Castle being heavily damaged. By the end of the war, Paide came under Russian control as part of the Treaty of Nystad in 1721.

The 19th century was a period of transformation for Paide, as it began to modernize under Russian rule. The town saw the establishment of new schools, administrative buildings, and infrastructure improvements. The period also marked the rise of Estonian national consciousness, with Paide playing a role in the cultural and educational movements that aimed to promote Estonian identity.

Paide, like the rest of Estonia, experienced significant changes in the 20th century. Following the declaration of Estonian independence in 1918, Paide became part of the newly established Republic of Estonia. The interwar period saw further modernization and development. However, this was interrupted by the Soviet occupation during World War II, followed by the Nazi occupation, and then reoccupation by Soviet forces in 1944.

During the Soviet era (1944-1991), Paide underwent industrialization and urbanization. The town's historical architecture was preserved amidst the construction of new residential and industrial areas. The Singing Revolution of the late 1980s was a pivotal moment, leading to Estonia's restoration of independence in 1991. Paide once again became part of an independent Estonia, embarking on a path of democratic governance and economic development.

In the 21st century, Paide has embraced its historical heritage while modernizing its infrastructure and economy. The town has become a cultural hub, hosting events such as the Paide Opinion Festival. Efforts have been made to preserve and restore historical sites, including the Paide Castle, which now serves as a museum and cultural venue. Paide continues to be a vibrant blend of history and modernity, reflecting the resilience and spirit of its people.

Paide is centrally located in Estonia, making it easily accessible from major cities like Tallinn and Tartu. The nearest major airport is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, approximately 90 kilometers away. From Tallinn, you can take a bus to Paide, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car and drive, which offers the flexibility to explore the surrounding countryside at your own pace.

Paide is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance. Local buses and taxis are available for getting around town. If you plan to explore the surrounding areas, renting a car is a convenient option. Bicycles are also available for rent, providing a pleasant way to explore the town and its scenic surroundings.

The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in Paide, including in restaurants, shops, and hotels. However, it's advisable to carry some cash for use in smaller establishments and markets. ATMs are available around the town for easy cash withdrawal.

Paide is generally a safe town for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions such as not leaving belongings unattended and being cautious in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but like in any other place, stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially at night.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Paide. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in town for over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. Casual wear is generally acceptable, but avoid overly revealing clothing, especially in religious or historical sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions when visiting churches or religious sites. Public Transport: Do validate your ticket when using public transport. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Tere' (hello). Handshakes are common in formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try the local cuisine, including traditional Estonian dishes like black bread and kama. Don't refuse invitations to share a meal, as it is considered polite to accept.

To experience Paide like a local, visit the local markets and small cafes where you can interact with residents. Participate in the town's festivals and events, such as the Paide Medieval Days, to get a sense of the local culture and history. Don't miss the Paide Castle and the Wittenstein Time Center for a unique historical experience. For outdoor enthusiasts, the nearby forests and lakes offer excellent hiking and nature-watching opportunities.