Tallinn is a Baltic fairy tale
Last summer was all about fairytale and medieval destinations. I went to the magical Lake Bled and the enchanted Lake Bohinj in Slovenia, to Game of Thrones locations in Dubrovnik and the historic town of Kotor in Montenegro.
When I came to Tallinn, I wasn’t at all prepared for the intense medieval atmosphere. Entering the Old Town was like entering a fairytale; a small kingdom in the Baltics with tall thick city walls, narrow alleyways, and locals in traditional attire. I literally felt like I was back in the 13th century.
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THE GOTHIC TOWN SQUARE
After checking in at my charming Russian hotel, I went for a stroll down the cobblestone streets of the Old Town. Right around the corner from my hotel, I found the town square which is the heart of Tallinn. The tall, Gothic town hall in the middle is surrounded by traditional colorful houses and a number of restaurants, cafés and bars.
TALLINN’S MEDIEVAL RESTAURANTS
The medieval buildings and houses certainly added to the fairytale feel, but so did some of the restaurants. One of the more well-known places is Olde Hansa, located right next to the town hall. The restaurant comes with medieval menu cards and atmosphere, but prices are hefty. Personally, I preferred Kuldse Notsu Kõrts restaurant, which offers traditional Estonian meals, all prepared with fresh products from local farms.
I loved visiting local restaurants where the staff was dressed in traditional clothes and the interior was medieval. It turned my dinner into a whole experience! And even though it came across as touristy, I wasn’t put off by it, because the food was great and people were nice. The dressed-out locals, the themed restaurants and the colorful old houses brought a certain energy and charm to this Baltic city.
FAIRYTALE CITY WALLS AND TOWERS
My favorite thing about Tallinn was the city walls. They reminded me of the walls in Dubrovnik and I liked that you can walk on them and get a view of the town. Aside from the fact that the walls made Tallinn’s Old Town a UNESCO site in 1997, they are almost 800 years old and still in fairly good shape.
A few tips: You’ll get the best view from Viru gate, Kiek in de Kok and Hellemann tower. And another thing, the walls are split into sections so it’s not possible to walk around the entire city. You’ll need to pay an entrance fee of €3 every time you enter a new tower and walking passage.
CHURCHES & CASTLES
Tallinn’s Old Town is divided into two parts: the lower part (the center) and the upper part (Toompea Hill). If you want a panoramic view of the Old Town, its towers, steeples, and picturesque red-tiled roofs without climbing the city walls, you should go to Toompea.
Aside from the viewpoint, the upper part has another stunning feature → the beautiful Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Do you remember I showed you a Russian cathedral in Riga? Both that one and the Alexander Nevsky cathedral was built during the Russian oppression and they stand out from the rest of the city.
STUNNING SUNSETS & HAPPY ENDINGS
Tallinn is one of those cities that are best viewed from above. Aside from Toompea Hill, the walls and St. Olav’s church, I went on a balloon trip to enjoy the view – and the sunset of course. You know me, I can’t visit a place without watching the sunset.
I’m sure it would have been beautiful from one of the other viewpoints too, but really guys… Would you look at the view I had from the air! ↓
So what do you think? Would you visit Tallinn?
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breathtaking.
Thanks, Rafael!
Fairytale is an apt description! Such a lovely place to explore; I too would have been drawn to the city walls and would have loved to take a stroll overlooking the city. Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure, Wade. Tallinn is a great destination if you like that fairytale feel, and it’s small enough to explore on foot. A pretty good combination if you ask me 🙂
I love Tallinn! It’s an incredibly beautiful, well-preserved city. But don’t forget to go outside the city walls, too. There are a few excellent museums right outside, as well as the opera house, and a short tram ride takes you to the beautiful Kadriorg Park. I dined at Kuldse Notsu Kõrts, too! By far my favorite restaurant in Tallinn.
True! Although the Old Town was the highlight of my Tallinn trip, there’s much to see outside the walls, too. Next time, I’ll visit the Patarei prison. Have you been there?
Your pictures are gorgeous (as always)! I’ve never heard of this before, but I’m adding it to my bucket list now.
Aw, thanks Marissa! Tallinn is a great destination and is easily combined with a trip to Riga or Helsinki, too.
It does look like a fairy tale! I still have never seen an old European castle, definitely on my bucket list!
Oh, you have something in store! 🙂 There’s just something about the castles in Europe. I hope to visit many more in Central Europe this summer.
Some say fairytale is over used when describing Tallinn, but it is so true. The old town is beautiful. We loved our stay there during our Baltic Trip. We managed to pull ourselves away from the scenic old town for a few days and did some bike tours which were well worth it, visiting the regal Kardroirg district and the hipster Kalamaja district. Even found time to go visit the lush forests of Lahemma. A fantastic part of the world.
Definitely is! I really liked Kardroirg and Kalamaja, too, but the Old Town was my favorite. Would love to visit during winter – I think it changes the whole atmosphere.
Sunset looked absolutely incredible: I love all of the angles your photos are taken at too 🙂
Thanks, Sophie 🙂 That’s really sweet of you to say!
I love the fairy tale and medieval theme of this place, it looks so magical! I would love to visit here someday!
Right? I loved it, too 🙂
I loved Olde Hansa! I was only in Tallinn for a day, but I ended up eating there twice. They had a really tasty rose pudding that I’m still thinking about years later. 🙂
Yeah, it’s a super fun place with a great vibe! I was introduced to Olde Hansa through your blog actually, so thank you 😉
Tallinn really is a beautiful city, really looking forward to my next visit next month. 🙂
Oh, you’re visiting next month? I bet it’s extra charming in the winter.
Hi!
I promise you. It looks amazing in winter. There are fairylights everywere and a big christmas tree in the Raekoja Hill. Also there is a big bazaar in the december. Where they sell gingerbread and almonds with caramel (best thing ever). How I know? I’m an Estonian. 🙂
Sorry if there are any grammar mistakes.
Sounds magical! I’d love to see Tallinn covered in snow 🙂
Wow! Tallinn is truly picturesque and amazing! Stunning pictures, Miriam! When’s the best time of the year to visit it?
Thanks so much, Agness! I’d say every season is a great time to visit Tallinn. I imagine it’s extra magical in the winter 🙂
Good day Miriam,
What a great photo enriched post you have published here. I especially loved those sunset photos.
I wonder what kind of camera you are using for these shots?
Again than you very much for sharing such a beautiful pictures.
Thanks so much, Kumar! I use a Canon EOS 750D, but you can take just as sharp photos with a mirror-less camera. Olympus is a great option – and one I’m thinking about switching too because it’s lighter and not so bulky.
I’ve been to Australia and South East Asia, and have yet to visit Europe. I’ve always wanted to because of the history=, it looks so cool. Being from Canada, we do not have history like that. I always say, Europe has shoes that are older than my country….
Hi Nathan, you have something to look forward to then. Europe is so diverse. Do visit 🙂