Location

Copyright - Toomas Volmer

Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is located in northern Europe, north-east of the Baltic Sea and only 40 miles south of Helsinki in Finland. Its name, derived from the Estonian for 'Danish Fort', is a reminder that the city was founded by the Danes at the beginning of the thirteenth century. Since that period political control has almost always been in the hands of foreigners however Medieval Tallinn regained its freedom after the break up of the Soviet Union. In the last fifteen years, Tallinn has made huge changes, developing into an important political and business centre as well as one of Northern Europe's most popular tourist destinations. Tallinn's charming old town-with its kilometres of winding cobblestone streets and storybook medieval houses remains one of the main attractions of the city.

 Weather

July and August are the warmest months, with daytime temperatures usually between 20 and 30 degrees C.

 Things to do

Various events and festivals take place throughout the year including concerts, traditional markets, film festivals and cultural events. Many take place outdoors during the summer months, where they are centered around the city’s parks and open spaces. Tallinn is home to the Estonian National Opera, many theatres and has an abundance of good restaurants, cafes, and bars.

 Places to Visit

Copyright - Jaak Nilson

The Old Town - Lower Town
At the heart of Tallinn is the Old Town, which was once enclosed by the city's impressive medieval walls. The Town Hall square has been the centre of life in Tallinn for the last seven centuries, and has become the focus of the Old Town Days festival, a modern version of a medieval carnival. The six-hundred year old Town Hall remains the only intact Gothic town hall in Northern Europe.  

The Old Town - Upper Town

• Toompea Castle is one of Estonia’s oldest and grandest architectural ensembles. Originally a wooden fortress, the castle was captured by the Danes during the 13th Century and remained under foreign rule until the Republic of Estonia was established in 1918. It is now the seat of the Estonian government.
• The Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin can also be found in Toompea, and is the main Lutheran church of Estonia. Originally thought to pre-date the Danish period of Estonia’s history, the church has evolved over time and had many additions to its architecture including a 15th Century dome and 17th century spire.
• Close to the Toompea Castle, the Danish King’s gardens are thought to be where the Danes established their flag in 1219, and the nearby viewing platforms at the top of the hill offer a panoramic view of the old town below.

The Latin Quarter

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  Copyright - Ain Avik
  The Dominican Monastery is one of Tallinn’s oldest buildings, dating back to 1246. It now houses a museum often used for special events including concerts.
• The Masters' Courtyard can be found in a quiet part of the Old Town, and is dedicated to craft shops, displaying handicrafts, jewellery and art exhibitions.
• St. Catherine's Passage connects Vene and Muurivahe streets, and since its restoration in 1995 has become the home of numerous arts and crafts studios, open to the public with artwork often spilling into the street.

Beyond the Old Town
St. Brigit’s Convent was established in 1407 by a group of wealthy Tallinn merchants, and was constructed in the late gothic architectural style, typical of Estonia at the time. Today, only the walls remain as much of the building was destroyed in 1577, but the convent remains popular due its green setting close to the river Pirta.