Valga: The Twin City on the Border

• HelloTere
  [teh-reh]
• GoodbyeHead aega
  [heh-ahd ah-eh-gah]
• YesJah
  [yah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [pah-loon]
• Thank youAitäh
  [eye-tah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandust
  [vah-bahn-doost]
• How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?
  [kwee-dahs sool lay-heb]
• Fine. And you?Hästi. Ja sinul?
  [hae-stee yah see-noohl]
• Do you speak English?Kas te räägite inglise keelt?
  [kahs teh rah-gee-teh 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-hah pah-loon]
• I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha
  [mah ay suh leeh-hah]
• Cheers!Terviseks!
  [tehr-vee-sehks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa sooviksin maksta, palun
  [mah soh-veek-seen mahks-tah pah-loon]

• Help!Appi!
  [ahp-pee]
• Go away!Mine minema!
  [mee-neh mee-neh-mah]
• Call the Police!Helistage politseile!
  [heh-lee-stah-geh poh-lee-tseh-ee-leh]
• Call a doctor!Helistage arstile!
  [heh-lee-stah-geh ahr-stee-leh]
• 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 pahl-yoo seh mahk-sahb]
• That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis
  [seh ohn lee-gah kah-lees]
• Can you lower the price?Kas saate hinda alandada?
  [kahs sah-teh hin-dah ah-lahn-dah-dah]

• What time is it?Mis kell on?
  [mees kell ohn]
• It's one o'clockOn üks
  [ohn yks]
• Half past (10)Pool (10)
  [pohl]
• MorningHommik
  [hohm-meek]
• AfternoonPärastlõuna
  [pah-rahs-tloh-nah]
• EveningÕhtu
  [ohk-too]
• YesterdayEile
  [eh-leh]
• TodayTäna
  [tah-nah]
• TomorrowHomme
  [hohm-meh]
• 1Üks
  [yks]
• 2Kaks
  [kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [kohlm]
• 4Neli
  [neh-lee]
• 5Viis
  [vees]
• 6Kuus
  [koos]
• 7Seitse
  [sayt-seh]
• 8Kaheksa
  [kah-hehk-sah]
• 9Üheksa
  [y-hehk-sah]
• 10Kümme
  [kooh-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 saate näidata mulle (kaardil)?
  [kahs sah-teh nah-ee-tah mool-leh kaahr-deel]
• When's the next (bus)?Millal on järgmine (buss)?
  [meel-lahl ohn yairg-mee-neh booss]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....le)
  [pee-leht leh]

Valga, located on the border between Estonia and Latvia, has a rich history dating back to at least the 13th century. The area was initially part of the Livonian Order, a branch of the Teutonic Knights, who established a stronghold in the region. Throughout the medieval period, Valga developed as a strategic military and trading post due to its advantageous position at the crossroads of important trade routes.

One of the most unique aspects of Valga’s history is its division between two countries. Following the Treaty of Riga in 1920, the town was split between Estonia and Latvia, creating Valga in Estonia and Valka in Latvia. This division has shaped the town's cultural and social fabric, fostering a unique blend of Estonian and Latvian influences. The border runs through the center of the town, where shared facilities and cooperation remain a testament to the town’s intertwined history.

World War II brought significant turmoil to Valga, as it did to much of Eastern Europe. The town was occupied by both Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union during the war, leading to widespread destruction and hardship. After the war, Valga became part of the Estonian SSR within the Soviet Union. The Soviet era saw major industrial developments and the construction of new infrastructure, but also brought repression and control from Moscow. The legacy of this period is still visible in the town's architecture and culture.

The collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991 marked a new chapter for Valga. Estonia regained its independence, and Valga underwent significant changes as the country transitioned to a market economy and democratic governance. EU membership in 2004 further integrated Valga into the broader European community. Today, Valga is a vibrant town that celebrates its rich history while looking towards the future. The town’s annual ‘Valga-Valka Twin Town’ festival is a celebration of its unique cross-border heritage and cooperation.

Valga is home to several cultural and historical landmarks that reflect its diverse past. The Valga Museum offers a comprehensive overview of the town’s history, from ancient times through the Soviet era to the present day. The St. John’s Church, dating back to the 13th century, is one of the oldest buildings in the town and a fine example of Gothic architecture. Additionally, the restored military barracks and monuments commemorate the town’s strategic importance over the centuries. Visitors can also explore the unique border marker that symbolizes the division and unity of Valga-Valka.

Valga is located in southern Estonia, near the Latvian border. The nearest international airport is Tartu Airport, approximately 80 kilometers away. From Tartu, you can take a bus or train to Valga, with the journey typically taking around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, you can fly into Riga International Airport in Latvia, which is about 150 kilometers from Valga. From Riga, buses and trains are available to Valga, with a travel time of around 2 to 3 hours.

Valga is a small town, and many attractions are within walking distance. For longer trips, local buses and taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Valga also has a train station with connections to Tartu and Riga, making it convenient for regional travel. Renting a car is another option for exploring the surrounding areas at your own pace.

The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Valga. However, it is advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available throughout the town, making it easy to withdraw cash if needed.

Valga is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, like any travel destination, it is advisable to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which is the general emergency number in Estonia. The local police station and medical facilities are available in Valga. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in the town where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress casually but neatly. Avoid overly revealing clothing, especially when visiting religious sites. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don’t eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Valga like a local, visit the Valga Museum to learn about the town's history. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area. Don’t miss the Valga-Valka twin town experience, where you can walk between Estonia and Latvia seamlessly. For a unique experience, explore the nature trails in the nearby Taheva Nature Park.