I recently visited Estonia’s capital Tallinn, during a 10 day Baltic cruise. This picturesque and dynamic destination, situated on the shore of the Gulf of Finland on the Baltic Sea, offers a multitude of attractions for history buffs, art enthusiasts, and casual travelers alike. Tallinn is a city that beautifully blends medieval charm with modern vibrancy while celebrating its cultural heritage.
The history of Tallinn is marked by its strategic location which made it a significant hub for trade and commerce. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area was settled by hunters and fishermen as early as 3000 BCE. By the 10th century, a fortress was established on Toompea Hill, and the settlement began to grow. Over the centuries, Tallinn became a vital member of the Hanseatic League, a commercial and defensive confederation of merchant guilds and market towns in Northwestern and Central Europe, which helped to establish its importance as a major trading center in the region. During the 20th century, the city was part of an independent Estonia, followed by both Soviet and German occupation. After World War II, Estonia was under Soviet control until 1991 when it regained independence.
Today, Tallinn is a vibrant European capital on the cutting edge of technology. It is often dubbed the “Silicon Valley of Europe,” due to it being the birthplace of numerous international high-tech companies, including Skype. In 2017, Tallinn was listed among the top 10 digital cities in the world, and in 2022 it was listed among the top 10 medium sized European cities of the future. Today, it is the headquarters of the European Union’s IT agency, and to the NATO Cyber Defense Center of Excellence.
Here are some must-visit sites that should be on every traveler’s itinerary when exploring Tallinn.
Tallinn Old Town
Tallinn’s stunningly beautiful Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a preserved medieval enclave filled with cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and enchanting architecture. The center of the Old Town is the bustling Town Hall Square, named for the medieval Town Hall that sits on the south side. Surrounding the square are colorful merchant buildings and numerous outdoor cafes. A labyrinth of narrow alleyways feed from the square, and are lined with merchant houses, historic churches, and ancient fortifications.
Viru Gate and Town Wall – We entered the Old Town from its east side, through the striking Viru Gate. The Viru Gate is part of the medieval fortification originally built in the 14th century, and part of a larger defensive wall that protected Tallinn from invaders. Today, only two round towers and a short section of the wall remain, but they stand as a testament to Tallinn’s rich history and architectural heritage. Walking along the town wall offers a unique perspective of Tallinn’s historic defenses, with the towers open to the public for exploration.
St. Olaf’s Church – St. Olaf’s Church was built in the 12th century as a Roman Catholic church, and was the center of Tallinn’s Scandinavian community before Denmark conquered Tallinn in 1219. It is dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway. The spire has been reconstructed numerous times due to fires. At one point, the spire reached over 520 feet, making it one of the tallest structures in medieval Europe. Another interesting fact is that during Soviet rule (1944 to 1991), the church’s spire was used as a radio tower and surveillance point. During the Protestant Reformation, it became a Lutheran Church, and today it is a Baptist church.
Niguliste Museum – The Niguliste Museum is located within St. Nicholas Church, built in the 13th century. The original church was consecrated to the patron saint of merchants and seafarers. Visitors can view late medieval altarpieces, and ecclesiastical art. The prosperity of merchants during the Hanseatic period is expressed in the numerous works of art. One of the most noteworthy is Bernt Notke’s Dance of Death painting. Visitors can take an elevator to the tower for breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings.
Toompea Hill
Rising above the western edge of the Old Town, Toompea Hill is home to significant landmarks and offers breathtaking views over Tallinn. The hill was once heavily fortified due to its defensible location overlooking the surrounding area.
Toompea Castle – Now the seat of the Estonian Parliament, Toompea Castle has a history that stretches back to the 9th century. The historic fortress has played a central role in the country’s governance for centuries, with significant developments occurring during the medieval period. The current castle’s architecture reflects a mixture of medieval, baroque, and modern styles which contribute to its unique and imposing presence in Tallinn’s skyline. On the southwestern corner of the castle is the Pikk Hermann tower, built in 1371. It is 150 feet tall and 215 steps lead to its top, where the blue, black and white colored Estonian national flag is perched.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral – On Toompea Hil sits Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, renowned for its ornate Russian Orthodox design including 11 bells and five onion domes, making it one of the most prominent and visually striking landmarks in Tallinn. The cathedral was completed in 1900 during the period of Russian rule. Its grandiose interior includes intricate mosaics, ceiling frescoes, and gilded carved wooden iconostases. Despite its beauty, the cathedral has been a point of contention for some Estonians, as it symbolizes a period of foreign dominance.
Kadriorg
One of Tallinn’s more upscale neighborhoods is Kadriorg located east of the Old Town. During its heyday, the area was a seaside spa destination. The area is filled with large villas, simple wooden houses and expansive picturesque parks.
Kadriorg Park – The 173 acre Kadriorg Park is perfect for leisurely strolls, with beautifully landscaped gardens, fountains, and ponds. Construction was started in 1718 on the order of Russian tsar Peter the Great. The park includes the Kadriorg Palace and art museum, a number of gardens including a Japanese garden, and the Kumu Art Museum.
Kadriorg Palace – Kadriorg Palace was commissioned by Russian Tsar Peter the Great in 1718 for his wife Catherine I and used as a summer palace. Designed by Italian architect Nicola Michetti, the palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture, especially as seen in the main hall. The palace now houses the Kadriorg Art Museum of Estonia’s foreign collection, including western European and Russian art from the 16th to the 20th century.
Kumu Art Museum – The Kumu Art Museum is the main building of the Art Museum of Estonia. The word Kumu is a combination of the Estonian words kunst and muuseum (meaning art and museum). The museum is housed in a contemporary, circular shaped building designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori. It is one of the largest and most impressive art museums in the Baltics. The museum includes Estonian art from the 18th century to present day, including contemporary art.
Kalamaja
North of the Old Town is the Kalamaja district which extends to the Tallinn harbor area. The area began as a medieval fishing village, followed by industrial uses and today it has a vibrant mixture of both old and modern buildings. The area is known for its well preserved historic wooden houses.
Telliskivi Creative City – Telliskivi Creative City is a former industrial complex that has been transformed into a vibrant, modern cultural hub featuring businesses, art studios and galleries, theaters, boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. Colorful street art adorns many of the buildings. Fotografiska is a contemporary modern international photo museum where you can discover world-class photography and dynamic and unique exhibitions. Telliskivi hosts many cultural events including the Ma ei saa aru art festival, the Jazzkaar music festival, Tallinn Music Week and many others.
Balti Jaama Turg – Adjacent to the Telliskivi district is the bustling market known as Balti Jaama Turg, offering fresh produce, local delicacies, and artisanal goods. The market includes 300 shops and merchants selling groceries, bakery items, home and interior goods, handicrafts, clothing, antiques, pet stores, and more. The market’s atmosphere reflects the blend of old and new that characterizes Tallinn, with a mix of traditional stalls and contemporary and international food vendors.
Seaplane Harbour – Seaplane Harbour is a maritime museum located along the Kalamaja waterfront. Part of the Estonian Maritime Museum, it is housed within a former seaplane hangar. The museum offers interactive exhibits and historical displays. The main attraction is the Lembit, a submarine launched in 1936, and the only surviving warship of the pre-war Estonian Navy. Other items of interest include a Short Type 184 seaplane, and various maritime artifacts.