Page 335 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

SHOPPING IN EST ONIA 333

souvenirs. In Tallinn, traditional
items, such as hand-knitted
mittens and socks, lace,
ceramics, amber, leather-bound
books, silver ware and objects
carved out of limestone, are
widely available. Kihnu Island
(see p105) is famed for its
colourful and elaborately
patterned handmade rugs,
as well as thick woollen
fishermen’s jumpers made
by the island’s inhabitants.
In southeastern Estonia,
home to the Setu people
(see p124), one can purchase
authentic examples of the
embroidered shawls and ornate
Fashionable clothes and accessories displayed at the Kaubamaja store in Tallinn jewellery that are unique to
their culture. The Setu were also
gifts and a fascinating range but they offer little for the the only people in Estonia to
of handicrafts, including discerning shopper. commonly use pottery, which is
colourful ceramics, stained Supermarkets, such as sold in several ceramics shops.
glass and woodcarvings. Selver and Rimi, are extremely Today, pottery fairs peddle their
common throughout Estonia. wares in the main Setu towns.
These enormous hyper markets The use of dolomite is unique
Department Stores and sell just about every thing one to Saaremaa Island (see pp96–9).
Shopping Malls
can think of, from everyday Dolomite is used to make a
The country’s best department household items to an wide range of souvenirs, such
stores, such as Stockmann extensive range of alcoholic as carved ashtrays and pestles
and Kaubamaja (see p335), drinks, chocolates, cigarettes and mortars. Muhu Island is
are in Tallinn, although and music. famous for its embroidered
Kaubamaja has opened a handmade slippers and bright
huge department store in orange knitwear. Pärnu (see
Tartu. Shopping malls are far Regional Specialities pp102–3) is known for its linen
more prevalent and are Visitors can buy a number of and the most popular souvenirs
springing up in town centres popular local products from all in the coastal resort of Haapsalu
and suburbs all around the over Estonia. The country has a (see pp92–3) are hand-woven
country at a phenomenal rate. stunning selection of regional and beautifully patterned
Malls are good for essentials, specialities that make ideal white shawls.

Beautifully crafted cane baskets on sale in a local market