I Took a Train to Estonia’s Border with Russia

In many of my past travels, I have found myself drawn to places that sit in between nations. And while researching where to go next in Estonia, I became more and more curious about border towns, places that exist at the edge of two worlds. Somehow, that curiosity has led me here, to Narva, a city in the far east of Estonia, right on the border with Russia, and one of the most Russian-speaking places in the European Union, with around 95% of residents speaking Russian. When I told a few locals in Tallinn that I was coming here, their reactions were mixed. Some seemed surprised, others questioned why. Maybe it's because of everything that has happened in recent years, or maybe it's because places like this are often misunderstood. So today, I'm taking a two-hour train across the country to see what life actually feels like on the edge. Good morning from Tallinn train station. So I am leaving the city today, unfortunately, heading east towards Narva, which is a city right at the border to Russia. And I am just curious to see what's out there further east we go. And I'm taking actually a fast train that will take me a couple of hours to head to my destination. And as you can see behind me, we've got several trains already. And it's so, so fun because I love me some train rides, if you know. And I had pre-booked my train ticket online previously. So yeah, I'd like to show you a bit the train station, because I think it's a straightforward train station that's very easy to navigate yourself around. So this is actually the main platform. And if you haven't got your ticket sorted out, they have got this ticketing counter next to Burger King. The company is actually called Elron Express. They do have a really efficient website. And over here, you've got the platform information. I think my train won't be until 11, which is about 45 minutes from now. So it had appeared to me that probably the first platform I saw was actually where my train will depart from. Because it directly says Nara, and it seems like there are seven platforms on this. You can easily navigate yourself around it without having, you know, like getting lost or anything. And it's, yeah, the train is very clean. And so far, my impression of Tallinn is the people have been humble, lovely and just kind. Probably it's not as openly warm as the Southern Europe or like the Baltics, sorry, the Balkans. Do not mix that. These are like different. But once you warm up to them, they are so, so very generous. So I love my observation so far about the Estonian. So as you can see, there is definitely a comfortable, not so big waiting room that has a bit of knickknacks. If you want to purchase some of this stuff before departing your train. And it's located directly next to the ticketing counter, as well as a few sittings behind me. But also right next to Burger King, if you feel like having a bit of fast food in between. So cute, you've got this praline. That is appointment to the Royal Danish Court. Chocolate pralines. It looks like something lovely for your loved ones. There's a lot of chocolate options here. Or a bit more like romantic version for your partner. There's also this kiosk that I probably would be more interested in purchasing like some sandwich to go. As you can see, my train is actually leaving at 11 at the very top. Over here, we've got two like similar kind of train that I'll be getting on later. But yeah, loving the platform already. I'm just going to walk to the end of it. Perhaps it will have a bit more space. So I think there is no reserved seat. You just have to pick one of the seats that works for you. Because obviously this is like a fast train, a couple of hours. And so far it's been so incredibly comfortable and spacious. And I think that's what I love about these populated countries. You don't have to fight your way around your seat. So this is my ticket that I have purchased online. And it says 16 Euros including VAT. I feel like whenever I travel to a new country and especially a country where people are so much more reserved. I'm so mindful to not make a scene with my vlogging. I'm trying to be so discreet. But even then, sometimes I feel like so self-conscious. I don't know, something about probably the cold wind. And just the nerve and excitement at the same time. I'm looking forward to arrival in a new destination. Whilst at the same time, it's still being countryside. I have given my seat to another lady who seemed to be needing it more. Because I think she was aiming for a seat for someone else. And I think it's just a small car. It seems to me that you can also purchase your train ticket on the train itself. And it may be ever so slightly expensive. Ever so slightly, but I don't think it will be that much. So if you think that's more convenient for you, I think that's also an option. I was just saying that how there's just endless amount of space and forwards. Lots of trees and just really sparsely populated houses. Probably villages that we have passed by. The snow is fully covered. It's certainly beautiful winter wandering. From Tallinn, Narva lies around 200km to the east. A journey just about 2 hours by train. It wasn't the most inspiring morning to look out the window as grey skies hung low across the landscape and everything felt a little subdued. However, sometimes those slower and quieter journeys can be their own kind of comfort. As we passed through a handful of small towns and stations along one of Estonia's oldest railway lines, I found myself simply observing. Fields, forests, houses, empty platforms. With nowhere else to be and nothing else to do. Eventually, the sun began to break through. And after 2 calm hours crossing the country, I was arriving at my final destination, Narva. Well, we finally made it to Narva after a couple of hours being on that train. At one point, it feels a bit muggy in terms of the air inside of that. But yeah, it was a straightforward journey. Nothing exciting. It was quite flat and everyone was just busy on their phone these days, aren't they? So there's not much, you know, to be had apart from overlooking the views. And especially with the complete covered snow landscape, it's actually beautiful. Welcome to Narva train station. There's actually a passport control if you plan to cross through Russia. The fresh air is lovely, having been just standing and sat on that train. And yeah, first look of Narva train station. I find it really interesting because today is Saturday. So you would see a lot of families and students in between that commute from Tallinn all the way to like eastern part of the country. And it's always fascinating to just witness and observe because I think I have seen and heard a lot more Russians spoken, obviously. Whereas in Tallinn, I've heard a lot more Estonians spoken with the younger generations. My God, I have finally made it. I was checked in by Alex Kee, which is the owner of this rustic apartment. But I love how it's so cozy. Typical Soviet kind of apartment that has not been redone. But there's this charming feeling to it. So I'm just quite chuffed. But even Alex Kee was asking, do you speak Russian? I mean, in Russian, yes and no. And I think often language barrier is the reason why probably I had not getting the opportunity to have some sort of interactions. So I'm so looking forward to actually be guided tomorrow and the day after in Narva because I had contacted my guide through Narva tourism and they were so excited. And yeah, I'd be looking forward to explore this part of the world because often when there's a place in the border, you always try to figure out how do they identify themselves. After checking into my apartment and taking a moment to settle in, I headed back out into the cold. Narva was quiet that afternoon. Snow covered the street and the city felt calm, almost suspended in winter silence. With only a few hours of daylight left, I wandered through the center, taking in my first impressions of this place I had been so curious about. But before anything else, there was one thing I've learned to prioritize when traveling alone. Food. So I made my way to the local supermarket to stock up for the next few days. It may seem like a small thing, but in a new city, buying groceries and unpacking your things can be the quickest way to feel grounded. So I just made a huge purchase for breakfast and potentially tonight's dinner because I thought I miss doing grocery shopping. Just feel a bit domestic. But I had spent 20 euros for that. And I'm just going to have a bit of snack to keep me going before heading back to the apartment. I had initially wanted to spend dinner somewhere in town, but for some reason I'm just so tired. So we definitely have Ludo in the UK. And I think it's a German supermarket. So the inside was not very much different to what you would find in some of the bigger cities probably in Estonia. So I've decided to actually get into a cafe for a hot drink because I just crave something comforting, warm and cozy. And I had ordered myself a hot chocolate with really cute cream decoration with a bit of flour. I am not usually a fan of hot chocolate, but for some reason I just feel like it. I don't want to have any caffeine at this hour. But yeah, I think I'm going to say thank you so much for watching today's episode. And I hope that you enjoyed my best attempt in capturing my travels. I can't wait to read your comments and also see you again next time. Bye!