Võru: Estonia's Hidden Gem of Nature and Culture

• HelloTere
  [teh-reh]
• GoodbyeHüvasti
  [hyu-vahs-tee]
• YesJah
  [yah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [pah-loon]
• Thank youAitäh
  [ai-taah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandust
  [vah-bahn-doost]
• How are you?Kuis sa olõd?
  [kwis sah o-lohd]
• Fine. And you?Häste. A sa?
  [ha-steh. ah sah]
• Do you speak English?Kas sa kõnõld angli kiilt?
  [kahs sah kuh-nold ahng-lee keelt]
• I don't understandMa ei saa aru
  [mah ay sah ah-roo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa tahtnuks menüt nätä, palun
  [mah tahk-noox meh-nyoot na-taah pah-loon]
• I don't eat meatMa ei süü kala
  [mah ay soo kah-lah]
• Cheers!Tervüseks!
  [ter-voo-seks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa tahaks maksta, palun
  [mah tah-hahks mahk-stah pah-loon]

• Help!Appi!
  [ahp-pee]
• Go away!Mine ää!
  [mee-neh ah]
• Call the Police!Helista politsei!
  [heh-lee-stah poh-lee-tseh-ee]
• Call a doctor!Helista arst!
  [heh-lee-stah ah-rst]
• I'm lostMa olen kadunud
  [mah oh-lehn kah-doo-nood]
• I'm illMa olen haige
  [mah oh-lehn hah-geh]

• I'd like to buy...Ma tahtnuks osta...
  [mah tahk-noox oh-stah]
• I'm just lookingMa vahsi õnnõ
  [mah vah-si ohn-noh]
• How much is it?Kuis pall'usõ tuu om?
  [kwis pahl-loo-soh too ohm]
• That's too expensiveTuu om liiga kallis
  [too ohm lee-gah kah-lees]
• Can you lower the price?Kas sa või hinda allapoole löüa?
  [kahs sah vo-ee hin-dah ahl-la-poh-leh luh-ah]

• What time is it?Mis kell om?
  [mees kell ohm]
• It's one o'clockOm üts kell
  [ohm uts kell]
• Half past (10)Pool (10ndaku)
  [pool (dah-koo)]
• MorningHomik
  [hoh-mihk]
• AfternoonPäiv
  [pah-eev]
• EveningÕdag
  [oh-dahg]
• YesterdayÕnnõpäiv
  [oh-nuh-payv]
• TodayTänäpäiv
  [tah-nah-payv]
• TomorrowHuilä
  [hwee-lah]
• 1Üts
  [oots]
• 2Kaks
  [kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [kolm]
• 4Neljä
  [nel-yah]
• 5Viis
  [vees]
• 6Kuus
  [koos]
• 7Seitsmän
  [sites-mahn]
• 8Kahksa
  [kahk-sah]
• 9Üheksä
  [oo-hek-sah]
• 10Kümme
  [koom-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kus om ...?
  [koos ohm]
• What's the address?Mis aadrõss om?
  [mees aah-druhs ohm]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kas sa või näütäda mullõ (kaardil)?
  [kahs sah voi na-too-tah-dah mool-loh (kah-rdihl)]
• When's the next (bus)?Kuimuudu või järgmäne (buss) tulõq?
  [kwee-moo-doo voi yairg-meh-neh (boos) tooluhk]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (q ...)
  [pee-leht (koo)]

Võru was founded on August 21, 1784, by order of Catherine II of Russia. The city was established as a part of her broader administrative and territorial reforms. Võru was strategically located at the crossroads of several important trade routes, which contributed to its early development and significance in the region.

In the late 18th century, Võru was designated as the administrative center of Võru County. This elevated its importance as a regional hub, attracting administrative, commercial, and social activities. The establishment of the county seat brought in government officials, merchants, and craftsmen, fostering the city's growth and development.

The 19th century saw the advent of industrialization in Võru. The construction of a railway in the late 1800s connected Võru to other parts of Estonia and the Russian Empire, facilitating the movement of goods and people. This period also saw the rise of local industries such as timber processing and manufacturing, which became vital to the local economy.

During the Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920), Võru played a significant role as a base for Estonian forces. The city was a strategic location for military operations against both Soviet and German forces. Following the war, Võru continued to develop as an important cultural and economic center in the newly independent Estonia.

Võru, like the rest of Estonia, experienced significant upheaval during the Soviet occupation and World War II. The city was occupied by Soviet forces in 1940, then by Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1944, and again by the Soviets until Estonia regained its independence in 1991. This period was marked by political repression, forced deportations, and the destruction of historical buildings.

Following Estonia's re-independence in 1991, Võru began to revive and modernize. The city invested in infrastructure, education, and cultural projects to restore its historical heritage and promote tourism. Võru has since become known for its vibrant cultural scene, including the annual Võru Folk Festival, which celebrates traditional Estonian music, dance, and crafts.

The Võru Folk Festival, established in 1995, is one of the city's most anticipated cultural events. It draws performers and visitors from across Estonia and beyond to celebrate traditional music, dance, and folk arts. The festival has become a symbol of Võru's commitment to preserving and promoting its rich cultural heritage.

Lake Tamula, located on the northern edge of Võru, has been an important natural and recreational site for the city. Historically, the lake supported local fishing communities and served as a water source. In recent years, the area around Lake Tamula has been developed into a popular recreational destination, featuring beaches, parks, and walking trails, enhancing the quality of life for residents and attracting tourists.

Võru is located in southeastern Estonia, approximately 250 kilometers from the capital city, Tallinn. The nearest major airport is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport. From Tallinn, you can take a bus or drive to Võru, which typically takes around 3.5 to 4 hours. Buses are frequent and comfortable, offering direct routes to Võru. Alternatively, you can take a train to Tartu and then a bus from Tartu to Võru, which is about a 1.5-hour journey.

Võru is a small town, making it easy to explore on foot. Local buses are available for longer distances within the town and its surroundings. Taxis are also readily available and relatively inexpensive. For those who prefer more flexibility, car rentals are available in Võru, providing a convenient option to explore the scenic countryside and nearby attractions.

The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Võru. ATMs are plentiful, and you can withdraw cash easily. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or rural areas where card payments might not be accepted.

Võru is generally a safe destination for tourists. The crime rate is low, but it's always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists in Võru, but maintaining vigilance is always a good practice.

In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. This number connects you to emergency services including police, fire, and medical services. Võru has a local police station and medical facilities that can handle various emergencies. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical issues. Pharmacies are available for purchasing over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather. In summer, light clothing is suitable, while in winter, warm clothing is essential. Avoid overly revealing attire. Religion: Do respect local customs and religious practices. Public Transport: Do be courteous and offer your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a friendly 'Tere' (hello) and a handshake. Eating & Drinking: Do try local dishes and accept food graciously. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Võru like a local, visit the local markets where you can buy fresh produce and traditional Estonian goods. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and willing to share stories about their town. Don't miss a walk around Lake Tamula for its scenic views. Visit the Võru County Museum to learn about the local history and culture. Enjoy local festivals, such as Võru Folk Music Festival, for an authentic cultural experience.