Trying to decide between Estonia, The Czech Republic, and Denmark, help?
Hello everybody. Next summer I am staying 6 weeks in Europe through an exchange program, but I'm having a hard time deciding on which country I would like to go to. I have it narrowed down to 3 right now: The Czech Republic, Denmark, and Estonia. I would like to know what you think of all of these places. As far as I am concerned, they are all equal in my mind right now, so I'm really torn.
Now, I know Estonia probably won't get a fair representation, so if possible, could you try to explain the pros and cons of all 3 countries (including Estonia)? I've milked this issue to death and I'm just trying to get a fresh set of eyes on it.
Thanks a lot. -Peter
Let me elaborate. I am going to be living with a family, however I'm not sure where because that depends on what families are available. I would not be there simply as a tourist, but more as a participant in daily life because I would be living with a family. Money is no particular concern.
Peter
Portland 10/5/09
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I've been to all three, and like all of them. If I had to choose, Denmark and Copenhagen would be my one choice for diversity of sites (great city and nice countryside).
But the CZ has all of that, too with Prague and wonderful out of town sites.
Estonia doesn't have that "big city" vibe like the other two do. But you can do a quick trip over there to Tallin by overnight ferry from Stockholm or cheap airline like Air Estonia from several places, (check lycheapo.com to check out Estonia.
If money is a concern, Denmark is the most expensive, followed by the CZ and then Estonia.
Will you be staying in a city or out in the hinterlands? Tallinn is wonderful, but in six weeks you would likely have seen everything at least a dozen times. I assume you will have time to travel around some? Estonia is nice, but it's a bit far from any major European sights, although Helsinki is just a 2 hour ferry ride away. The Czech Republic or Denmark would give you more options for things to do and see.
Hello Peter. If you will be in one country for six weeks, I recommend gong to Denmark. If you will be at Copenhagen, you could also visit Sweden.
I would go for the Czech Republic on this one, simply based on how wonderful of a country it is and you would have the most to do here of the 3 choices. And geographically speaking, it's so easy to get to other big cities via train.
Denmark is beautiful but I feel like it lacks on frankly, things to do. I was in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense backpacking, and was ready to go within 5 days. Denmark just didn't quite meet my expectations, personally.
As for Estonia, I hear it's beautiful there as well, but after talking to some Spanish guys I met in Stockholm who were studying in Finland, they had already explored both countries and had wished they had chosen a school in Germany or Austria because they were 1) bored, and 2) very far from other countries/were tired of having to fly everywhere instead of the ease of trains. Now I know it seems trite to go off of what others said about it when I personally didn't experience Estonia, but given my travel experiences and how many others I met said the same thing... go for the Czech Republic.
Danielle has a good point. Even though CZ is still out a ways, it's easier to reach other locations by train from there than the other two choices.