A vibrant and diverse town.

Experience Tallinn

Tallinn is the capital and most populous city of Estonia. Situated on the Baltic Sea, it’s known for its well-preserved medieval Old Town, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

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For us Tallinn has been nice at:

About the City

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. The city has a rich history dating back to the 13th century, with its well-preserved Old Town featuring medieval walls and historic buildings. Beyond its historic charm, Tallinn is a modern hub for technology and innovation, often called the “Silicon Valley of Europe.” It’s home to a thriving tech scene, including the birthplace of Skype, and has a strong cultural presence with numerous museums and festivals.

A curiosity from Tallinn’s past involves marzipan. Found in the city’s historic Town Hall Pharmacy, the sweet confection was originally sold not as a treat, but as a medicine. It was believed to be an effective remedy for various ailments, particularly those of the heart.

What we liked of the town:

The main square

The heart of Tallinn’s Old Town, the Raekoja plats, was undoubtedly our favorite spot on the entire trip. We were captivated by the main square’s vibrant energy and historic charm. Surrounded by stunning medieval buildings and the imposing Town Hall, it felt like stepping back in time. We spent hours just soaking in the atmosphere, whether it was enjoying a coffee at a cafe, browsing the market stalls, or simply watching the world go by. It was the perfect place to feel the pulse of the city and create lasting memories.

The Church of the Holy Spirit

The Church of the Holy Spirit, tucked away just off the main square, was a delightful surprise. Its white exterior and ornate wooden clock are beautiful, but what truly made our visit special was the live music. The sacred space filled with the sounds of a live performance created a serene and captivating atmosphere. It was a wonderful and unexpected moment of peace and beauty in the middle of our busy day.

St. Catherine’s Passage

Katariina käik, also known as St. Catherine’s Passage, was a highlight of our trip to Tallinn. We found this narrow, medieval alley to be incredibly nice, and we especially loved the architecture. The cobbled lane is lined with historic buildings and the remaining parts of St. Catherine’s Church, creating a beautiful atmosphere. The buttressed archways that span the alley are particularly striking and give the passage a very unique and historic feel.

 

St. Nicholas’ Church

St. Nicholas’ Church was a remarkable stop on our trip. We were very impressed by the church itself, but we also particularly noticed the beautiful and well-maintained flower boxes of the library across the street. Made creatively with wood and old book covers, they were a charming and unique detail. We were also a bit surprised to see so many libraries throughout the town, all of which seemed to be well-cared for and full of character.

The artisan courtyard’s

We really enjoyed our time at Meistrite Hoov in Tallinn, even though we didn’t participate in any of the activities. It was a lovely, tranquil spot to simply walk through and admire. The artisan courtyard’s charming atmosphere, with its quaint shops and workshops, made it a peaceful and very pleasant place to visit. We were content just to take in the surroundings and appreciate the craftsmanship on display.

PROTO

For families traveling with children, we highly recommend a visit to PROTO Invention Factory. It’s a fantastic place that combines history with interactive exhibits and virtual reality, making it both fun and educational. Kids can get hands-on with incredible inventions and learn about science and technology in a truly engaging way. It’s a great option for a day of discovery and adventure that the whole family will enjoy.

Toompea Hill

We’d also highly recommend visiting Toompea Hill. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is a stunning example of Orthodox architecture, with its detailed domes and vibrant colors. From the top of the hill, the Patkuli Viewing Platform offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city. The walk up the short, steep Lühike jalg street to the gate at the top felt very similar to our journey to the church in Rocamadour. The cobbled path and the anticipation of reaching the top created a sense of familiarity that we really enjoyed.

Keila Waterfall

We also highly recommend taking a trip to see Keila Waterfall and the nearby Keila-Joa Castle, known as Schloss Fall. The waterfall is a beautiful natural sight, offering a peaceful and scenic escape from the city. Just a short walk away, the castle is a stunning example of historic architecture, and its restoration has been very well done. The combination of the natural beauty of the waterfall and the grandeur of the castle makes for a perfect excursion.

Tilgu Harbor

The small beach near the Tilgu Harbor Yacht Club is picturesque and has a certain charm. The setting is quite nice, but we were disappointed by the condition of the water and the shore. Unfortunately, the water was dirty and had an unpleasant smell, and the beach itself was not very clean. While the view and location are lovely, the lack of cleanliness was a letdown.

The ruins of the Moscow 1980 Olympics sailing events main building

We really wanted to explore the ruins of the main building from the 1980 Moscow Olympics sailing events. Unfortunately, we found that the inside was not open to the public. We were able to get to the top to admire the view, which had the sea in front and the town behind. However, the experience was disappointing, as the viewing area was almost completely enclosed by a fence and covered in graffiti. For us, it wasn’t worth the effort.

With our motorhome

In Tallinn, we had a great experience parking our motorhome behind the Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia, which is close to the Tallink business center and the fish market. The parking here is a paid service, but it’s very convenient, offering all the necessary amenities. We also enjoyed our stay at the Tilgu Sadam marina parking. It’s a fantastic spot where you can stay for free right by the sea. Waking up to the sound of the waves and the view of the water was a highlight of our trip. Another excellent spot we found was a free parking area in Pärnu, located near the Raeküla observation tower. What made this place even better was a little kiosk in the parking lot that served some delicious sandwiches. It was the perfect snack after visiting the tower. If you’re planning to visit Keila waterfall, we have a tip for you about parking. We recommend using the parking area in the forest near the road, as the one closer to the Keila-Joa Hydroelectric Power Plant is quite small and can be difficult to maneuver in. The forest lot is much more spacious and gives you a bit more freedom.