Travel guide to Estonia: What you must see, eat and visit

Khaleej Times

3 days ago

The rustic charm and medieval vibes were unmissable as I stood in the middle of Tallinn old town whose skyline is dominated by gothic spires and brick roofs. I instinctively asked our guide Roman if most people in the city were into agriculture. He was super quick in correcting me and said that it was indeed a very small percentage as most of Tallinn's economy is driven by a very robust technology sector. It was indeed a revelation to me that the Estonian capital has a thriving IT and fintech industry coupled with a bustling start up scene, which has seen the rise and growth of names like Skype, Bolt and TransferWise.
Well, Tallinn, the alluring capital of Estonia is truly a city of charming contrasts. While the city has evolved at an exponential rate since 1991, it has managed to retain its intrinsic character and old-world feel. Located about 70 km from Helsinki, this European capital is situated along the Gulf of Finland and is approximately half way between Stockholm and St Petersburg. Thus, it is no surprise that the city has both Nordic and Russian influences.
Stately Upper Town
One of the most popular ways to reach Tallinn is by a cruise from Helsinki, which makes it an interesting day trip from the Finnish capital. As you alight at the port of Estonia, which is incidentally one of the biggest in the Baltic Sea region, make your way to Tallinn's engaging old town which has been designated as a Unesco World Heritage site since 1997.
It is key to note that the old town of Tallinn, often considered to be one of Europe's best preserved medieval old towns, is divided into the upper town and lower ones. The upper town perched on Toompea hill is replete with watch towers, fortified walls and viewing platforms. At the entrance is the majestic Toompea, which is the main gate of Tallinn dating to the Swedish era. It leads to the 14th century Toompea Castle, a key symbol of Estonia and its history. Today, the Toompea Castle houses the Riigikogu or Estonian Parliament and can be visited on weekdays provided you book your tickets in advance.
Also located in the upper town is the renowned St Mary's Cathedral, which dates back to the 13th century. Known for its majestic baroque style bell tower, about 69 metres tall, the church has tombs of Swedish Kings and Queens who ruled Estonia from 1561 to 1710. On days when the weather is clear, it is a great idea to climb the tower to catch a spectacular view of the landscape in and around Tallinn.
One of the key landmarks in the upper town is the grandiose Alexander Nevsky Cathedral that was completed in 1900 when Estonia was under Russian rule. With five ornate onion domes, rich tile and Finnish granite work and an ensemble of 11 massive bells, this eastern Orthodox church was designed by architect Mikhail Preobrazhensky in the classic Russian revival style of architecture. Incidentally the largest of the 11 bells, weighs a whopping 15 tonnes.
Vibrant Lower Town
Located just next to Toompea is the Danish King's Garden which is believed to be the place where the flag of Denmark was born. Estonia was under the rule of the Danish from the 13th to 14th century and again for a brief period from the 16th to 17th century. Climb down a small flight of stairs from the gardens which leads you to the lower town which is the beating heart of Tallinn. The lower town is filled with antiquated buildings, winding streets and eclectic establishments. From the remains of the city's defensive walls to a lively market square, the lower town is characterised by its energetic vibe and bustling ambience.
Apart from boutique shops selling native artefacts like ceramics and souvenirs and cafes retailing local fare like seafood and of course marzipan, there are several structures that date back centuries and are still going strong even today. Case in point is the marzipan room of Café Maiasmokk that dates back to 1864. It is here that you can explore aesthetic marzipan figurines that were made decades ago and even follow the art of marzipan painting. Further, Tallinn Town Hall pharmacy located in the middle of the lower town is the oldest pharmacy in Europe and has been operational since 1422. Visit the tiny museum to view some antique medicine making apparatus, medicine bottles, labels, old documents and information on medieval healing methods. The painted ceiling rafters, warm interiors crafted in wood and glass cupboards all reflect life as it existed centuries ago.
The lower town also holds several secrets like narrow alleyways and cobbled pathways that are teeming with workshops and studios that are several hundred years old. Take time to explore St Catherine's passage which is a rather enigmatic medieval alleyway whose walls are clad with tomb stones from the Church of St Catherine of Alexandria. This Instagrammable alley is lined by artisan workshops who produce handcrafted items using textiles, glass and ceramics. Taking a stroll along the lower town's watchtowers, flower markets, lively restaurants and its main Town Hall square is an ideal way to soak in the local culture and unique vibe of Tallinn.
Multifaceted Sights
Whether you are interested in art, architecture history or culture, Tallinn is home to some insightful museums including the Tallinn city museum, Kadriorg Art Museum, Sea plane harbour and Estonian Open-Air Museum. If you are a fan of palaces do take time to visit the baroque Kadriorg Palace and the tranquil Kadriorg gardens.
Telliskivi Creative City is Tallinn's hip quarter filled with art galleries, shops, cafes and plenty of street art. This erstwhile industrial area is a community driven creative centre and home to a plethora of events, festivals and exhibitions. And for all of you seeking some coastal calm, head over to the Pirita District, which offers large stretches of pristine beaches with some breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea.