Estonian Shoreline

Whatever your theme, Estonia has the site for any production that requires scenic beauty. Unless your screenwriter needs the entire ocean for a setting, the country can perfectly accommodate your next blockbuster or film noir masterpiece.

  When Russian tsar Peter the Great decided to invade a country to gain access to Europe, Estonia was his first choice of land routes. To gain that access, he embarked upon the grisly carnage now known as the Great Northern War, albeit there was nothing “great” about that 21-year bloodbath–at least as far as Estonians were concerned. If “massacre” needed an example, you would need to look no further than the activities of Peter’s armies. Far from a modest man, Peter ordered his underlings–and that was everybody else–to refer to him as the “most excellent and great sovereign prince.” While the accuracy of the title he chose for himself still sparks debates, it is true that Peter’s quest to own the Estonian seaboard–or the “Window to Europe,” as he famously put it—made perfect sense to him at the time. It might still make sense had this Russian emperor been immortal (and at 6’ 8”, he doubtless saw himself as larger than life), but he died like an ordinary human in 1725. In addition to the invaders who died, Estonian shores are today accessible to nearly everyone, including 21^st century filmmakers. Although a “Braveheart” sequel or “Ivanhoe” remake would benefit from the scenery, the undeniable charm of the Estonian coastline should astonish location scouts for any movie, regardless of genre. Romantic or grisly, knee-slapping or terrifying, you can bring your production to Estonia. We’ll triple its emotional value, or you’ll get your money back. In fact, you’ll get it back in any case, up to 30%, through a generous cash rebate. Estonia’s long and shallow coast of 2,357 miles runs along the Baltic Sea, a magnificent shoreline replete with superb beaches, charming villages, and endless holiday resorts if your crew needs a reboot after days of working on the set. If a scene requires unspoiled settings or luxurious yacht marinas, you will not need a costly break to go to Thailand or Saint Tropez, as Estonia has it all–from beaches and lagoons dotted with James Bond-esque sailboats–to secluded coves for other Bonds to romance gorgeous women. Estonia also has stunning bays, most notably Narva and Pärnu. The first stretches a glorious 25 miles along the northern coast and is covered with ice from December to March. These bays are also Estonia’s most charming coastal fishing areas. Another spot that merits a closer look is Tagalaht, a bay on the northwestern coast of Saaremaa Island, between the Tagamõisa and Ninase peninsulas. During World War I, the bay was the main landing point for German troops during Operation Albion, and the last time we checked, that spot was still available for a full-scale war movie! And then there’s lovely Tallinn Bay, which you cannot miss, as all air or sea traffic to the capital city has to cross it. The Old Town of Tallinn is situated close to this sheltered bay, which makes the area a perfect spot for a period flick (Ang Lee, are you on Skyscanner already?). Whatever your theme, Estonia has the site for any production that requires scenic beauty. Unless your screenwriter needs the entire ocean for a setting, the country can perfectly accommodate your next blockbuster or film noir masterpiece.