Tallinn: Estonia’s capital of history and culture
When you first step into Tallinn, you feel as if time slows down. The Old Town of Tallinn is one of Europe’s best-preserved medieval centers and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Winding cobblestone streets, sturdy city walls, and towering spires create a time-traveling effect.
Founded by the Danes in the 13th century, Tallinn was originally named Reval and evolved into a vibrant port of the Hanseatic League. The city’s remarkable architecture continues to reflect the wealth of that time. Take St. Olaf’s Church, for example; celebrated for its Gothic style, it once held the title of the tallest building in Europe with its 159-meter spire in the 15th century. The city’s architecture and distinct character developed through its historical periods under Swedish and Russian rule. The streets illustrate this diverse cultural heritage through visible signs at every corner.
Estonia was an independent nation from 1918 until the Soviet Union gained control during World War II. In 1991, the Singing Revolution allowed Estonia to regain its independence through peaceful means, as thousands sang for freedom. On August 23, 1989, one end of the Baltic Way, a 600-kilometer human chain stretching from Tallinn to Vilnius, began right here in this city. Nearly two million people joined hands across three nations, sending a message of unity to the world. These pivotal moments have not only transformed Tallinn into a vibrant city but also into a living symbol of freedom.
Tallinn: A city where classical and modern art intertwine
The medieval charm of Tallinn remains intact, allowing visitors to explore a wide range of artistic and museum experiences. The Kumu Art Museum is the premier destination for discovering Estonian art, regarded as a national treasure. The museum showcases exceptional examples of Estonian art, spanning from classical to contemporary periods, and earned the European Museum of the Year status in 2008.
Art enthusiasts should visit the Kadriorg Art Museum, a distinctive example of Baroque architecture. The 18th-century palace showcases unique artworks from Europe and Russia. History buffs will find the Seaplane Harbour Museum to be a fascinating maritime museum, located in a spacious hangar, that displays its collection of historic ships and submarines, along with interactive exhibits.
The center of Tallinn resembles an open-air museum. Portions of the city walls still stand, topped with medieval towers such as Fat Margaret and Kiek in de Kök. Medieval legends continue to thrive in this city. The statue of Old Thomas atop the Town Hall remains one of Tallinn’s symbols, tied to the city’s medieval legends. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll discover numerous art galleries. Kalamaja and Telliskivi, in particular, stand out as vibrant hubs where Tallinn’s creative energy converges with street art, featuring striking graffiti throughout.
Talinn in popular culture
The medieval charm of Tallinn has established itself as a popular destination in international pop culture. The 2020 spy film Tenet, directed by Christopher Nolan, features one of its most intense scenes, filmed on the streets of Tallinn. The Linnahall building in Tallinn served as the Kyiv Opera House in the movie, while the Lasnamäe district highway became the site of an action-packed car chase. Tallinn also served as a filming location for Andrei Tarkovsky’s cult classic Stalker, where its old industrial sites were transformed into the film’s mysterious “Zone.”
Things to know before visiting Tallinn
Here are a few practical tips and apps to help make your time in Tallinn smoother:
Transportation
If you plan to use public transport like buses and trams, the pilet.ee mobile app allows you to purchase tickets easily. Tourists may also want to consider getting a Tallinn Card, which provides free entry to numerous museums and offers unlimited access to public transportation. You can download the app and obtain your card directly from there.
The local transportation service
Bolt, serves as a more popular alternative to Uber in Tallinn. Bolt offers electric scooter rentals through its platform, providing users with a comprehensive transportation solution.
Day trips
Tallinn is situated approximately 80 kilometers from Helsinki, with daily ferry services linking the cities for quick Nordic excursions.
Navigation and maps
Getting lost in Tallinn is unlikely, especially with Google Maps at your fingertips. However, if you don’t have internet access, it’s wise to download the city map in advance using an offline map app, just in case.
Language and communication
Installing the Google Translate app can be very helpful. You can use your phone’s camera to instantly translate signs or menus, making it much easier to navigate the city without language barriers.
