Baltic Getaway: city trip to Talinn

When did you last go on an adventure? I invite you to experience a different kind of vacation, to immerse yourself in the land of fairy tales. Let's travel back to a unique place where time seems to have simply stopped… Welcome to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, the northernmost country of the Baltic States.

This city, placed at the same latitude as Stockholm, seems to wave from the eastern side of the Baltic. So much so that cruise operators in Scandinavia have deemed it essential to include Tallinn in their circuit. Know that the history of this region has been marked by upheavals: a city belonging to the Hanseatic League by the end of the Middle Ages, then under Danish and then German domination, it gained its independence at the end of World War I. For a long time under Soviet rule, it regained its sovereignty with the fall of the Eastern Bloc. How about transporting yourself to this destination for an unusual city trip?

Welcome to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, the northernmost country of the Baltic States.

Firstly, if I recommend Tallinn, it is because its historic center has an incomparable, unique charm. Since 1984, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Generally, the old town of Tallinn is divided between the lower town encircled by walls and the upper town perched on the Toompea hill.

Regarding the lower town, if there is a must-see, it is the walls that encircle the medieval part. Just imagine! In total, Tallinn boasts no fewer than 26 watchtowers. Within the walls, head towards Raekoja Square which serves as a central landmark during your excursion. Do not miss the Gothic-style town hall. There, you will admire the multicolored dragon-shaped gargoyles. Not far from there, you will discover Raeapteek, a little gem. This shop, dating back to 1422, corresponds to the oldest pharmacy in the city. Then venture into the maze of cobbled streets Lai and Pikk, and take the opportunity to meet the locals during a gourmet break at Maiasmokk café. Finish your journey by the Saint Catherine's passage where you will have the leisure to admire craft workshops. Take the opportunity to bring back authentic items, especially textiles.  

Set sail for the upper town. Let's climb Toompea hill now, which is the neuralgic heart of the city's political and economic life. Let's start our tour at the Kiek in de Kök museum! Indeed, you will observe torture instruments and also galleries that were arranged during World War II as air raid shelters. If you are traveling with family, this is an unforgettable experience and your teenagers will come out satisfied! Do not miss the Aleksander Nevski Orthodox Cathedral. Discover its bulbous domes, icons, and mosaics. Opposite, make a stop in front of the Parliament which resembles a big pink cake. Finally, the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewpoints are excellent vantage points. Arm yourself with your camera because you will take quality photos there.

Let us now climb the Toompea hill, which corresponds to the nerve center of the political and economic life of the city.

NB: For those who have more time, why not organize an excursion to Kadriorg. You will find yourself immersed in the era of Peter the Great. The tsar had this Nordic baroque palace built for his wife in 1718. Do not miss out on its exquisite gardens.