Tallinn, the Estonian capital, is a port city and as all strategic settlements go, it’s had its share of masters and has been fought over for good reason. From the medieval Danes, the Soviet Empire and now the European Union, the moderately sized city has still remained true to itself.
The medieval town faces north into the Gulf of Finland, and the picturesque skyline offers the romance and mystery of Old Europe without the crowds – for the moment. Estonia is part of the EU now and UNESCO’s given the historic center a stamp of recognition, which should ensure Tallinn a speedy rise to the top of the Baltic tourist totem.
This new rise in popularity has made way for a rise in the service industry as well. Accommodation ranges from hostel to five star hotel, a big jump from what you would have found during the Soviet era. There is also a plethora of historical sights dotted around the city’s eight districts to keep the history buff and the shutterbug amused indefinitely.
Highlights
Kiek-In-De-Kok: the story of Tallinn is told in this Cannon Tower with maps and artifacts, as well as some more immediate souvenirs of Russian cannon balls embedded in the bricks.
St Olav Church: believe it or not, this was once the tallest building in the world. Such ambition was possibly to provide a reference point for sailors, more recently it was taken advantage of by the KGB for radio communication.
Toompea: this district houses many buildings from the Russian era, including the excellent example of Orthodox architecture, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Kadriorg Park: aside from the manmade structures to be admired, this sprawling woodland is a great place for a bike ride, a walk or a picnic.
KUMU: also in the Kadriorg district is the brand spankin’ new Modern Art Museum of Estonia, which if the evolution of rest of the city is anything to judge by, will certainly become one of the main cultural attractions in the future.