Tallinn | Exploring Estonia

Nestled on the shores of the Baltic Sea is Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. It is a city where medieval history and a dynamic, digital-forward future live side by side. Its enchanting Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the best-preserved Hanseatic town centers in the world. It offers a labyrinth of cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and historic architecture. But beyond the ancient city walls, Tallinn is a bustling hub of innovation, earning it the nickname “the Silicon Valley of Europe”. This unique blend of old and new makes Tallinn a captivating destination for travelers.

Our Visits to Tallinn

Our earlier visits to Tallinn usually involved impulsive ferry trips from Stockholm. These trips often meant spending two nights on the ferry and around eight hours in the city. But there are exceptions, like the visit in the summer of 2024.Then we took a flight to the Estonian capital.

A Short History of Tallinn

To understand Tallinn’s character, it’s helpful to look at its history. This port city has been a significant location for centuries, influenced by various powers that shaped the Baltic region.

Tallinn’s story largely begins in the 13th century, when the Danes established a fortress on Toompea Hill. Under their rule, the city, then known as Reval, began to develop as a trading center within the Hanseatic League. German merchants played a notable role in its growth, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s architecture and culture.

Over time, Tallinn’s control shifted between different entities – Danish, Teutonic Knights, Swedish, and Russian. After periods of conflict and occupation during the World Wars, Estonia eventually gained its independence, with Tallinn becoming its capital. Each phase of its history has contributed to the city’s identity, visible in its varied architectural styles.

Things to Do and See in Tallinn

From its fairy-tale Old Town to its innovative spirit, Tallinn is a city that surprises and delights at every turn. The city is offering a truly unique and memorable European experience. Exploring Tallinn means engulfing the historical atmosphere, enjoying the magnificent views, and relaxing from the everyday stress.

Vanalinn

Tallinn’s Old Town, or Vanalinn, is the heart and soul of the Estonian capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This preserved area offers a journey through history.

Vanalinn has two distinct areas. The Lower Town was a hub for merchants and artisans. Here, you can wander its narrow, cobblestone streets, find hidden courtyards, and see medieval buildings. Raekoja Plats, the main square, anchors the Lower Town. City walls and ancient towers like Kiek in de Kök share tales of the past.

Above the Lower Town stands Toompea, the Upper Town, historically a seat of power. From Toompea Hill, enjoy views of the Old Town’s red-tiled roofs. Toompea holds landmarks like the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle, home to Estonia’s Parliament.

Lose yourself in its narrow, winding streets, discover hidden courtyards, and admire the beautifully preserved medieval buildings.

Toompea Castle

Toompea Castle, on Toompea Hill in Tallinn’s Old Town, is a site steeped in centuries of power. Originally a fortress dating back to the 9th century, its current appearance blends various architectural styles from different rulers. Today, this historic castle serves as the seat of the Riigikogu, the Estonian Parliament. Its pink Baroque facade, added in the 18th century, contrasts with older medieval sections and the early 20th-century parliament building, making it a unique symbol of Estonia’s enduring history and modern democracy.

Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, on Toompea Hill, shows Russian Revival architecture. Built from 1894 to 1900, its design, with onion domes and mosaics, symbolized imperial power. Today, it stands as a landmark and is the city’s largest Eastern Orthodox church.

Raekoja Plats

For centuries, the Town Hall Square has been the bustling center of the lower town. Surrounded by colorful merchant houses, the square is dominated by the Gothic Town Hall, the oldest in Northern Europe. In the summer, it’s filled with outdoor cafes, and in the winter, it hosts a magical Christmas market.

St. Olaf’s Church

St. Olaf’s Church, or Oleviste kirik, is a prominent landmark in Tallinn’s Old Town. Dating back to the 12th century, it was once a center for the Scandinavian community. For a period in the 16th century, its spire reached a height that likely made it the tallest building in the world, serving as a crucial navigational point for ships. Despite being struck by lightning multiple times and suffering fires throughout its history, it has been rebuilt. Today, this Gothic church remains an active Baptist congregation and offers visitors the chance to climb its tower for expansive views of the city.

Kadriorg Palace

Kadriorg Palace, in Tallinn’s Kadriorg Park, shows Petrine Baroque architecture. Russian Tsar Peter the Great commissioned it for his wife, Catherine I, with construction starting in 1718. This palace now holds the Kadriorg Art Museum, displaying foreign art. The palace and its park, with gardens and ponds, offer a peaceful escape.

Telliskivi

For a taste of modern Tallinn, head to this vibrant hub of creativity. Housed in a former industrial complex, Telliskivi is now home to independent shops, art galleries, studios, theaters, and a fantastic array of restaurants and cafes.

Lennusadam

Part of the Estonian Maritime Museum, the Seaplane Harbour is one of Europe’s most modern maritime museums, housed in a remarkable historic seaplane hangar. The main attractions include the 1930s submarine Lembit, the icebreaker Suur Tõll, and a full-scale replica of a Short 184 seaplane, alongside many interactive exhibits.

Estonian Open Air Museum

Located in the seaside Rocca al Mare district, this sprawling, forested museum recreates historic rural life in Estonia. It features a collection of 18th to 20th-century vernacular architecture, including farmsteads, a wooden chapel, a schoolhouse, and windmills, all brought from various parts of the country to create a life-sized village.

Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom

This museum is dedicated to the stories of Estonia during the periods of Soviet and Nazi occupation (1940-1991). Through personal accounts and artifacts, it explores themes of resistance, resilience, and the restoration of independence. The museum also manages the nearby KGB Prison Cells, which offer a sobering glimpse into the brutal reality of Soviet interrogation.

Estonian Maritime Museum

The Estonian Maritime Museum is housed within Fat Margaret Tower, a formidable 16th-century cannon tower at the entrance to the Old Town. The main exhibition tells the story of the nation’s seafaring history, from medieval trade to modern shipping.

Sports in Tallinn

Tallinn features a dynamic sports scene with teams across several disciplines. Football is highly popular, led by rival teams FC Flora Tallinn and FCI Levadia Tallinn. Both are multiple-title winners in the Meistriliiga. They play home games at the A. Le Coq Arena, Estonia’s largest football stadium. In basketball, BC Kalev/Cramo is the top professional team, consistently excelling in the Korvpalli Meistriliiga and competing in international events like the FIBA Europe Cup. For ice hockey, Tallinn HC (formerly HC Tallinn) is the leading club in the Eesti Meistriliiga.

Football in Tallinn

Football is arguably the most popular sport in Estonia, and Tallinn boasts two teams that dominate the Meistriliiga (Estonia’s top-tier league).

FC Flora Tallinn: As one of Estonia’s most successful football clubs, FC Flora Tallinn has secured numerous Meistriliiga titles and Estonian Cups. Home matches are played at the A. Le Coq Arena, Estonia’s premier football stadium with a capacity of over 14,000, ensuring an electric atmosphere for fans.
FCI Levadia Tallinn: Another highly decorated club, FCI Levadia Tallinn consistently challenges for league and cup honors. Like Flora, they also play in the A. Le Coq Arena for their home fixtures. Matches between FC Flora Tallinn and FCI Levadia Tallinn are known as the “Tallinn Derby,” offering intense rivalry and high-quality football that attracts significant local support.

Basketball in Tallinn

Basketball also commands a strong following in Tallinn, with one team standing out as a dominant force.

BC Kalev/Cramo: This is Tallinn’s top professional basketball team, consistently competing at the top of the Korvpalli Meistriliiga (Estonian Basketball League). BC Kalev/Cramo frequently participates in international competitions, including the FIBA Europe Cup, bringing high-level basketball to the city. Their home games are a major draw for basketball enthusiasts, showcasing elite talent and exciting gameplay.

Ice Hockey in Tallinn

Ice hockey is gaining popularity in Estonia, and Tallinn is home to the country’s most prominent club.

Tallinn HC (formerly HC Tallinn): While not as widely known internationally as the top football or basketball teams, Tallinn HC is the leading force in Estonian ice hockey. They compete in the Eesti Meistriliiga (Estonian Ice Hockey League) and have a strong fan base. Their matches offer fast-paced action and a passionate atmosphere for hockey enthusiasts.

Vanalinn, Old Town, Tallinn, Estonia, City Wall

How to Get to Tallinn

Getting to Tallinn is straightforward with multiple transport options. Flights arrive at Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL) from various European cities via airlines like Nordica, airBaltic, Lufthansa, and Ryanair. For those driving, car access is via major European routes like E67. An extensive bus network, including Lux Express and Ecolines, connects Tallinn to other Baltic and European cities. Ferries are a popular choice, with frequent services from Helsinki and overnight journeys from Stockholm. While domestic train services are good, international train connections are limited. Trains are mainly to Russia or require bus transfers from other European hubs.

By Plane

Tallinn is easily accessible by air through Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport (TLL). This modern airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center, making transfers quick and easy. It serves as a hub for Nordica (Estonia’s national airline) and airBaltic, and receives flights from numerous European cities via carriers like Lufthansa, SAS, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Finnair. Direct connections are available from major cities such as London, Frankfurt, Helsinki, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Riga, among others.

By Ferry

Given its coastal location on the Baltic Sea, ferry is a popular way to reach Tallinn, particularly from Finland and Sweden.

From Helsinki, Finland: Numerous daily ferry crossings are operated by companies like Tallink Silja, Viking Line, and Eckerö Line. The journey across the Gulf of Finland typically takes about 2 to 2.5 hours, making it a popular day trip or a convenient way to combine visits to both capitals.
From Stockholm, Sweden: Tallink Silja operates overnight ferries from Stockholm to Tallinn. These journeys usually take around 15-17 hours, offering cabin accommodation, restaurants, and entertainment onboard.

By Car

Driving to Tallinn is a viable option for those coming from neighboring countries. Major European routes connect to Estonia’s road network. From the south, E67 (Via Baltica) provides a direct link from Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia. Roads are generally well-maintained. Remember to check specific border crossing requirements and potential tolls. Parking is available in Tallinn, including several car parks around the Old Town.

By Bus

An extensive international bus network connects Tallinn to various European cities. Companies like Lux Express and Ecolines offer comfortable and frequent services from cities across the Baltics, Poland, Russia, and beyond. This is often an economical choice, especially for travelers coming from Riga, Vilnius, St. Petersburg, or Warsaw. The Tallinn Central Bus Station (Tallinna Bussijaam) is located a short distance from the city center, with good public transport connections.

By Train

While not as comprehensive as the bus network for international travel, train services connect Tallinn to some destinations. Elron operates domestic train services across Estonia. For international rail travel, connections primarily exist with Russia (e.g., to St. Petersburg, though these services may vary or be suspended due to geopolitical situations), but direct train links to other major European capitals are limited. Most international train travelers will likely combine a train journey with a bus connection at a transit hub like Riga.

Tallinn | Exploring Estonia

Our Visits to Tallinn

A Short History of Tallinn