Sunday, April 27 and Monday, April 28, 2025 - Tallinn, Estonia

Tallinn, the jewel of the Baltic Sea, has a history as vibrant as its medieval streets.  Rising from the mists of time, the city's story begins in 1050, as a beacon for settlers and traders.  By 1154, an Arab geographer marked Estonia's place in global history by marking Tallinn on his map.  The winds of conquest swept through Tallinn in 1219 when the city was seized by the Danish.  By 1285, Tallinn flourished, becoming a bustling hub for salt, furs and wine that connected East and West. 

Through centuries of Swedish and Russian rule, Tallinn endured wars, plagues, and upheaval.  Yet it has thrived as a symbol of resilience since 1530.  Independence came briefly in 1918 before Soviet occupation cast its shadow during World War II.  Today, Tallinn stands tall as a harmonious blend of medieval charm and modern vibrancy, echoing its enduring spirit through cobblestone streets and timeless architecture. Estonia was declared an independent democratic republic in February, 1918.  However, during World War II, the Soviet Union invaded and occupied Estonia and in 1940, illegally annexed the country.  Nazi Germany occupied Estonia in 1941, and the Soviet Army reoccupied the country in 1944.  The country regained its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Estonia is now ruled by a Parliamentary Republic, with a prime minister who is the head of government and in charge of the executive power in government.  The PM is nominated by the president and approved by parliament.  The president, who is the head of state, is elected by Parliament or electoral college for a five year period. Estonia joined the European Union and NATO in 2004.

Tallinn is a city that weaves a tapestry of medieval charm and modern allure.  Nestled on the shores of the Baltic Sea, its skyline is dominated by the majestic spires of Gothic churches and the imposing walls of a well-preserved medieval fortress.  As the sun rises over the city, the cobblestone streets of the old town come alive with a vibrant palette of colors echoing the rich history and cultural heritage that permeates every corner.

The city's architecture is a testament to its storied past with buildings that seem to have leaped from the pages of a fairy tale.  The town hall square is a hub of activity, with multiple markets selling a variety of goods, and frequent festivals held there that fill the air with laughter and music.  The colorful facades of the merchant houses, adorned with intricate details and ornate decorations,  add a splash of vibrancy to the scene.

Beyond the historic core Tallinn unfolds as a city of contrasts.  The sleek, modern skyscrapers of the business district stand in striking juxtaposition to the ancient walls, symbolizing the city's embrace of innovation and progress.   An art hub pulsates with creativity and features street art, galleries, and trendy cafes that attract visitors from around the world.

Nature also plays a significant role in Tallinn's charm.  The city is surrounded by lush forests and scenic coastal paths, offering breathtaking views of the sea.  A lovely park with its beautiful gardens and a stunning palace offer a serene oasis in the heart of the city, and provide a tranquil escape from the bustling streets. 

Tallinn's cultural scene is equally vibrant with a rich tradition of festivals and events.  The city hosts music and film festivals which showcase the city's dynamic spirit and its ability to blend tradition with modernity.  In the evenings, as the sun sets over the Baltic, Tallinn transforms into a city of enchantment.  The medieval walls and towers are bathed in a warm, golden light, creating a magical ambiance and a captivating atmosphere.  Simply wandering through the picturesque streets provides an opportunity to see history and modernity blended seamlessly which creates a truly unique and unforgettable experience.

For our tours today, Bob and I decided to split up, since he was interested in a walking tour of the city and it would have been to difficult for me, so I took a more panoramic drive of the area.  So, here is a summary of how we spent our two-day visit:

UPDATE:  We got up early this morning to prepare to go on our tours and after breakfast I checked my messages.  I had a voicemail from our daughter-in-law saying that our son had been taken by ambulance to the hospital.  We were ready to jump on the next plane and fly home immediately, however, after talking with medical personnel in ER and learning that our son is stable and resting comfortably we decided to wait until we had further information. Later in the day, Bob decided to take the shuttle into town to take a quick look.  We're not sure what our plans are at this time but we won't know any more until morning.

 Day 1:

Here's Bob to share a few photos and some brief thoughts about the short visit he made to town.

Today will be a short visit on my own.  Wandering around the Old Town is adventuresome and a little challenging because of the narrow pathways and cobblestone streets.   Tallinn Old Town is a remarkable historic site, renowned for its exceptional preservation and medieval charm.  It is one of the best-preserved medieval sites in Northern Europe and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997 due to its outstanding cultural value and intact medieval urban fabric.

The Old Town of Tallinn was primarily developed between the 13th and 16th centuries during which it flourished as a significant trading hub within the Hanseatic League.  Its original city plan from the 13th century remains remarkably intact, enclosed within the medieval defensive walls that once protected the city.  These fortifications, including towers and gates, are among the best preserved in Europe, showcasing the city's historic importance and military architecture. 

Despite suffering damage during World War II, particularly from Soviet bombing raids in 1944 that destroyed about 10% of the buildings and caused widespread fires, the Old Town has retained its medieval character and many original structures. Restoration efforts have ensured that the historic atmosphere continues to thrive, allowing visitors to experience a vivid sense of the past.

Tallinn Old Town is divided into two main parts: the Lower Old Town and Toompea Hill. The Lower Old Town was historically the center for merchants and craftsmen, while Toompea Hill was the seat of nobility and governance, a tradition that continues today as it houses the Estonian Parliament and government buildings.

The central square (Raekoja Plats)is the heart of the Old Town, dominated by the Gothic Tallinn Town Hall, the  oldest town hall in Northern Europe dating back to the 13th century. The square is surrounded by colorful historic houses from the 15th to 17th centuries and is a lively area filled with cafes, restaurants, and shops. The Town Hall Tower offers panoramic views of the cit

One of the most impressive surviving gates of the Old Town walls, Viru Gate was historically a main entrance for merchants bringing goods to the central market. Today, it serves as a grand introduction to the Old Town and leads visitors into the bustling Viru Street.

 

 

St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located on Toompea Hill, and is a striking example of Russian Revival architecture and an important cultural monument.

Walking through Tallinn Old Town is like stepping back in time. The cobblestone streets, medieval buildings, and fortified walls create a fairy-tale setting that is both enchanting and educational. The Old Town’s compact size allowed me to explore its labyrinth of streets comfortably and provided the opportunity to discover historic sites and quaint cafes along the way.

The city walls, some sections of which are accessible to the public, offered elevated walks with breathtaking views of the rooftops and spires. The narrow staircases and pointed-roof towers added to the medieval ambiance and provided unique vantage points for photos.

 

Tallinn Old Town stands out as a jewel of medieval Northern Europe, combining historical significance, architectural beauty, and cultural richness. Its well-preserved urban layout, fortified walls, and numerous landmarks offer a comprehensive window into the past.  The Old Town’s vibrant atmosphere, enhanced by its cafes and artisan workshops, ensures that it remains a living, breathing part of Estonia’s heritage rather than just a static museum piece.

Day 2:

UPDATE ON OUR SON:  He remains in the hospital but is stable and feeling good.  The physician team will see him in the morning to plan the next steps.  For now, however, he is stable and resting comfortably so we will continue the cruise. Bob went on his scheduled tour this morning and I will go out for a few minutes this afternoon but will keep my phone nearby.  Just anxious for him to be seen by physicians tomorrow morning.

 Bob's Tour:

We drove into the City Center and past Kedriorg Park, the main reactional area of Tallinn.  A photo stop was then made at the grounds where the popular Estonian Song Festival is held every five years. 

Afterwards we proceeded to visit the Old Town at the foot of the Tail Hermann Tower which was was an introduction to a guided walking tour aong the cobblestone lands and narrow alleys.  We passed medieval houses, towers and bastions en route to the Upper Town of Toompea Hill.

We proceeded past the oldest school in Estonia, which dates from 1319 before reaching the famous 13th century Dome Church, St. Mary's Cathedral, which dates from 1233 AD and features more than 100 coats of arms of former noble families.

We then proceeded to a scenic viewpoint for a panoramic view over Lower Town.  In the adjoining plaza there were a couple of shops selling amber and Russian artwork including nesting dolls and painted  boxes--interesting the prices were quite high compared to similar art objects that we had purchased in the past in Russia.

Tallinn is a vibrant city, with its medieval old town bursting in colorful charm.  Cobblestone streets weave past ancient walls and towers, while the Kadriorg quarter shines with baroque elegance.  This enchanting city blends history, art, and culture, creating a kaleidoscope of experiences amidst its picturesque landscapes.

We were thrilled to have the opportunity to revisit this lovely city.  We were here approximately 15 years ago, and we were anxious to view the changes.  Since our last visit it has evolved from a quaint, charming village with cobblestone streets into a thriving, modern city with sleek architecture.  The unique feature of this amazing town is that it has managed to create a modern city while maintaining its traditional charm. We are happy we had the opportunity to see how the city has evolved over recent years.  We were fortunate to have an overnight visit here so we had time for additional exploration.  After our very enjoyable visit to this charming city, it's now time to sail to our next destination, Stockholm, Sweden which is always a fun place to visit.  We will enjoy another evening event for World Cruisers there and it will include music by ABBA so Bob is very excited!!