Tallinn town hall square at Christmas ()
The streets of Tallinn are the place to go for a taste of a new and different culture, architecture and history. From the medieval Old Town to the stunning beach front, there is a rich cultural scene in this northern European country. Located on the Baltic Sea, the capital of Estonia boasts winding cobblestone streets, imposing church towers and a fascinating mix of modernity and history that create the perfect vacation destination.
Old Town Charm
Start your adventure in the Old Town. The 13th-century city plan is still intact, as are various churches, merchant houses, barns and warehouses from the Middle Ages. Start at the Kiek in de Kök Fortifications Museum, which was once a 15th-century defensive tower. The museum includes the namesake tower, Maiden’s Tower (Neitsitorn), Stable Tower (Tallitorn), Gate Tower (Väravatorn), the bastion passages and the Carved Stone Museum. The Kiek in de Kök tower was built in the 15th century, but today there are six floors of history that chronicle the city’s defense system. Don’t miss touring the bastion passages, which once concealed soldiers and their equipment. These passages were built in the 17th and 18th centuries and helped to monitor enemy mine activity.
Next up in the Old Town is St. Olaf’s Church, the city’s biggest medieval structure. It was named after a sainted Norwegian king, Olav II Haraldsson. It dates back to 1267 and is where the reformation started in Tallinn in the early 1500s. Its beautiful Gothic spire towers over the city at 406 feet. Fun fact: the spire was used as a radio tower for the Soviet KGB from 1944 to 1991! This is a great place to look out over the city, but first you have to climb up the 232 steps to the viewing platform.
Another beautiful religious structure in the area is the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. This stunning piece of architecture is a Russian Orthodox cathedral that was built in 1900 in the Russian Revival style on Toompea Hill. It is amazingly well kept and features four minor golden, onion-shaped domes and a grand cupola, as well as 11 bells, all of which were cast in St. Petersburg. The largest bell in the city is here and weighs 15 tons. Wander inside to experience a calming peace and quiet while you look at various mosaics and icons.
Futuristic Fun
Tallinn stretches much further than just the Old Town. Head to PROTO Invention Factory for a unique experience. This was a former submarine factory that is now a place to see amazing inventions come to life. This fantasy world will allow you to discover your inner scientist while experimenting with physical phenomenons. Launch a space shuttle or use air cannons to keep a ball afloat. Both children and adults will love this interactive factory.
After enjoying the invention factory, head to Fotografiska, the museum of photography. Here you’ll find the perfect blend of art, music, food and design. Linger over some of the world’s best photography, then grab a bite to eat at the restaurant on the sixth floor, which offers great views of the city. Discuss your favorite pieces while savoring food made by one of Estonia’s top chefs, Peeter Pihel. He utilizes his experience from Estonia, Sweden and France to create delicious, “honest” food.
Outdoor Entertainment
After enjoying the museum, it’s time to head outside. Kadriorg Park is a lovely palace and park with 173 acres that makes you feel like the bustling city is miles away. This beautiful palace was built in 1718 on orders of Tsar Peter I for his summer home. It features a lovely swan pond, lower and upper gardens, fountains and various museums on site, including the Estonian Art Museum. Interestingly enough, the architectural and design styles for the palace and grounds pull from various countries. Here you’ll see Italian terraces, Dutch canals, French-style road networks and Russian-inspired flowers, all in one location.
From royals to farmers, get the full scope of what Tallinn used to look like. Go from the palace to the Estonian Open Air Museum, located just outside of the city, for a stark comparison of what the commoners lived like. This outdoor museum has 14 farms showing the 18th through 20th century rural way of life. Take a horse and cart ride and go inside the school building from 1887. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, stop at the Kolu Inn. It was originally built in the 1840s and now serves up local dishes.
This charming city is the perfect place to learn about northern Europe’s culture, both past and present. Get lost in the winding streets of the Old Town, or rocket into the future at the invention factory. Whatever you decide to do with your time in Tallinn, make sure you’re learning and loving life. That’s what a good adventure is all about!
