Hello everyone and welcome (back) to our blog. After a great kick-off of the #ContiEuropeanRoadshow in Latvia, the city of Tartu in Estonia is the next stop. In this post, I’d like to share both, a challenge at the border, and a personal highlight with you – this much is already said: I’ll definitely come back to Estonia!

The entry into Estonia is as relaxed as the drive through Poland and Latvia – I’m telling you about that in my article “Off to the Adventure: Goodbye Germany, Hello Europe!” The exit, on the other hand, is rather complicated, at least in my case: At the border to Latvia (next stop: Lithuania) there is no toll terminal to be seen far and wide. I am advised to make the booking online, but unfortunately, despite all my efforts, I do not get access. What now? Two Continental employees can help me because they are registered with the provider and can thus make the booking for me. Lucky! I honestly don’t know what I would have done without them….

Preparing the show truck for the customer event in Tartu. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

In between I had the opportunity to run along the river Emajõgi in Tartu – 8.75 kilometers in 39:27 minutes. I could have been faster, but I also want to see a little bit… In the city center there are already everywhere references to the year 2024, when Tartu will be European Capital of Culture. Estonia’s second largest city has pretty corners, that’s for sure!

In 2024, Tartu will be European Capital of Culture. Photo: Ronny Nittmann

Estonia is a beastly place

Away from the roads, an encounter of a different kind is possible, because Estonia has the highest brown bear population density in Europe – about 700 bears call it their home. I learn that they are being sighted more and more frequently. I am also lucky enough to see a bear from a distance, but unfortunately the distance is too great for a photo. However, the distance is very important, because bears can be up to 50 kilometers an hour fast – I personally am amazed! My tip: Enjoy the animals from a safe distance!

One thing is for sure: An absolute highlight of the roadshow so far and definitely a reason for me to visit Estonia again. I’m excited to see what else is waiting for me during the #ContiEuropeanRoadshow!

See you on the road,
your Ronny

Not so healthy, but very tasty: Tartu Burger. Photo: Ronny Nittmann