Russians, Swedes, Danes, Poles and Lithuanians all fought over Estonia's capital - Tallinn - at one time or another. Situated on Estonia’s northern coast across the Gulf of Finland, Tallinn has always been a strategic industrial and cultural hub for the country. After gaining its independence in 1991 the city quickly became a popular destination for visitors from Helsinki and Stockholm. But in recent years travellers from all over Europe have started booking flights to Tallinn to discover for themselves just what makes this city so special.
Renowned for being one of the most well preserved cities in the world, Tallinn’s medieval Old Town acquired much-deserved Unesco status in 1997. The ancient stone arches delicately outline its cobbled streets, red-tile roofed houses and gothic churches. Wander through the Dominican Monastery, once a base for Scandinavian monks, and home to Estonia’s largest collection of stone medieval carvings. Walk a mile east of Old Town to Kadriorg Palace and Garden where cyclists, walkers and sun worshippers all congregate amid the horse chestnut and aromatic lilac trees. After a full day of exploring the city head to the luxurious sauna on the 26th floor of the Hotell Olumpia; soak your tired limbs in the plunge pool and look out at the magical city that has finally won you over.
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Like the rest of coastal Estonia, Tallinn has a temperate climate, with warm summers and severe winters. Temperatures range from a summer average of 20 degrees Celsius to an average in winter of minus seven degrees. Being on the Baltic Sea the city is subjected to sea breezes and humidity, and its northern latitude means long summer daylight hours (the longest summer day stretches to 19 hours) and dark winters when daylight lasts sometimes only six hours. The cold winter does not necessarily mean constant snow; in fact snowfalls are few and far between. When it falls it stays, however, and there tends to be a layer of snow on the ground constantly between December and March. Summertime brings unexpected rain showers, so an umbrella and light raincoat are recommended.
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Summer days are in the 20s (C) and the nights are chilly. Winter days are in the minus sixes with occasional snow. On the Baltic Sea, Tallinn has sea breezes and humidity, which can make the winters feel colder than the temperature. There is regular rainfall throughout the year, particularly in spring.
Tallinn’s northern latitude means long summer days and dark winters. The longest summer day has 19 hours of daylight, reduced to six hours on the shortest winter days.
Tallinn’s peak tourist season is May to September.
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Bus: number 2 Moigu-Reisisadam from the front of departure hall. Tickets cost 15.00 EEK and are sold by the driver in the bus and at R-Kiosk in the terminal. There are two taxi companies Tulika and Linna. For Tulika taxi, phone at the Taxi Center: (+372) 6 12 00 00, GSM short dial 1200. Linna taxi, (+372) 6 442 442, GSM short dial 1242. The taxi stop is at the front of the Arrival hall.
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The Old Town is best seen on foot. All sights and attractions are within the city walls and walking distance. For exploring Tallinn further, buses, trams, and trolleybuses offer quick and cheap service with routes that take you everywhere else from early morning to midnight.
Routetaxis are minibuses with a flat fare and fixed routes to the suburbs and will drop passengers anywhere along the route.
Taxis are reasonably priced, and fares go up a bit after 10pm.
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- Lace is a speciality of Estonia and you’ll find a lot for sale in Tallinn. Other local items to look out for include carved wood, leather, ceramics, wool jewelry and a huge amount of Communist “memorabilia” – including Stalin Russian dolls. Big open air markets are the best place to find a bargain.
- In the Old Town, take a walk past the wonderful Hessburger fast food restaurant. Nothing like the Golden Arches, this burger bar resembles a gigantic 1950s chrome caravan, with old-fashioned red bubble writing. It’s situated near the walls and makes a rather incongruous sight.
- There are viewing platforms on the top of Toompea Hill, which offer a great view of the town’s red-roofed houses.
- If you’re planning on visiting more than one museum, purchase a Tallinn card, which gives free entry to 40 museums, as well as free transport, free sightseeing tours, free spa visits, entrance to a nightclub and discounts in many restaurants and shops. You can buy a six, 24, 48 or 72 hour card from the tourist office.
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