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Why is Tallinn so Popular?

05 Feb
Cruise to Tallinn

The Old Town

Tallinn, the capital city of Estonia, is a historic and charming destination that offers a unique blend of medieval and modern attractions. This vibrant city is steeped in history and full of fascinating stories and interesting facts that make it a must-visit destination. Here are just a few of the many interesting things that make Tallinn one of the most captivating cities in Europe.

  1. Tallinn is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Europe. The Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts stunning cobblestone streets, picturesque buildings, and historical landmarks that date back to the 13th century.
  2. Tallinn was a major trading hub in the Hanseatic League, a powerful medieval trade organization that dominated northern Europe. This era of prosperity left a lasting impact on the city, with many of its historic buildings and public spaces still reflecting its former grandeur.
  3. Tallinn is home to one of the world’s oldest pharmacies, the Old Town Apothecary. Founded in 1422, it has been continuously operating for over 600 years, making it a unique and fascinating destination for visitors.
  4. The city is also known for its many towers, with the most famous being the iconic Toompea Castle. The castle, which dates back to the 13th century, was once the seat of the Estonian government and today serves as the country’s parliament.
  5. Tallinn has a thriving technology scene, earning it the nickname “Silicon Valley of the North.” The city is home to many tech startups, as well as international companies such as Skype and TransferWise, making it a hub of innovation and creativity.

In conclusion, Tallinn is a city that offers a unique blend of history, culture, and modern innovation. Whether you’re interested in exploring its rich medieval heritage or discovering the city’s cutting-edge tech scene, Tallinn is a destination that is sure to captivate and inspire. So why not plan a trip and discover its many interesting facts for yourself!

Visit Tallinn, a Beautiful Northern City

07 Jan

Visit Tallinn

Estonia is a country in Northern Europe’s Baltic region.

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. It is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. It is known for its beautiful old town, which is home to numerous historic landmarks and attractions.

Tallinn is also known for its natural beauty. You can visit Tallinn by ferry because the city is located on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. 

Visit Old Tallinn

One of the most iconic landmarks in Tallinn is the Old Town. It is home to numerous historic buildings and attractions. The old town is a well-preserved example of medieval architecture, with narrow cobblestone streets, red-tiled roofs, and tall spires. Visitors can explore the old town and see its charming squares, markets, and churches, such as the Tallinn Town Hall and the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The old town is also home to several museums and galleries, such as the Estonian History Museum and the Kumu Art Museum.

Tallinn Town Hall

The Tallinn Town Hall, which was built in the 14th century is one of the oldest town halls in Europe. The town hall is a stunning example of Gothic architecture, with its towering spires and intricate stone carvings. It is now home to the Tallinn City Museum, which displays the history and culture of the city. When you visit Tallinn, you can tour the town hall and see its grand halls, chapels, and courtyards, and learn about the history of Tallinn.

Tallinn Cathedral

Another popular attraction during your visit Tallinn is the Tallinn Cathedral, which is the oldest and largest cathedral in Estonia. The cathedral was built in the 13th century and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions over the centuries. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture, with its soaring spires and intricate stone carvings. WhenVisitors can tour the cathedral and see its beautiful interior, which is adorned with stained glass windows and intricate frescoes.

In addition to its historic landmarks, Tallinn is also home to several museums and cultural centers that showcase the city’s history and culture. The Estonian History Museum is a popular attraction, with exhibits on the history of Estonia and the surrounding region. The Estonian Art Museum is another popular museum, with a collection of Estonian and international art. The Tallinn City Museum is a popular destination for those interested in the history of the city, with exhibits on the city’s past and present.

Visit Tallinn, known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene

Another popular attraction is the Kadriorg Palace, which is a beautiful Baroque palace built in the early 18th century. The palace is surrounded by gardens and parkland. It is now home to the Kadriorg Art Museum with a collection of Russian and Estonian art. Visitors can see its beautiful interiors, frescoes, tapestries, and chandeliers.

The city is home to numerous bars, restaurants, theatres, galleries, and music venues. It is also home to several festivals and events throughout the year. The most popular are the Tallinn Music Week and the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival. There are also many cultural events and traditions, such as the Tallinn Christmas Market.

Overall, visit Tallinn, a beautiful and vibrant city with a rich history and cultural heritage. It offers a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors, from its historic landmarks and museums to its vibrant nightlife and cultural scene. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or entertainment, visit Tallinn, the best preserved Medieval city.

A Day Cruise to Tallinn

17 Dec

A Day in Estonia While on a Cruise to Tallinn

If you’re on a cruise to Tallinn and only have a day to spare in this charming city, you can still make the most of your time by carefully planning for your one-day itinerary.

With Tallinn being both the cultural and financial hub of the country, there’s no lack of things to do in this excellent part of the country.

Cruise to Tallinn

Places to visit

Even when you’re short on time during your cruise to Tallinn, be sure to visit the Old Town:

  • Viru Gate and Town Hall Square: Start your tour of the Old Town at the Viru Gate, then work toward the center of Old Town all the way to the Town Hall Square (part of Lower Town). Go into the Town Hall and be treated to a museum extensively detailing the history of this fascinating city. Take pictures of the large vane set at the tower of the Tallinn Town Hall, too. Or climb the tower for a scenic view of the city.
  • Freedom Square: Still a part of Old Town (Upper Town), this historic place is right next to St. John’s Church and the city’s famous underground shopping center. Freedom Square is also called Victory Square, and it is where the Independence War Victory Column is located.
  • Toompea Hill: Perched at the top of Upper Town is Toompea Hill. This limestone hill is already covered with buildings, but once you reach it, you’ll find a good view of Lower Town from this vantage point. It also features Toompea Castle, which is a medieval fortress and has several churches, such as the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
  • St. Catherine’s Passage:  After Toompea Hill, you can head back toward the Old Town center all the way to St. Catherine’s Passage. Here, you’ll find a number of guild shops selling artisanal goods and handmade products such as clothes, baskets, and purses. You can also take a breather and enjoy a snack in one of the cafes in this historic neighborhood.
Visit Tallinn, Estonia

The Old Town, Tallinn

After the Old Town, you can move on to the Kadriorg Palace and the park around it, which was commissioned by the Russian Czar, Peter the Great. The Kadriorg district is actually considered the most beautiful part of the city. Here, you can also visit the Kadriorg Art Museum, which features foreign art from the past.

You can then head on to Kalamaja, which is known as Estonia’s hipster haven, and the hub of Tallinn nightlife. With the large student population in the area, it’s no wonder people consider it to be the hippest part of the city. Here, you’ll also find the trendiest bars and best restaurants in the city.

Baltic Cruise to Tallinn

5 Similarities and Differences between Helsinki and Tallinn

26 Feb

Find 5 Similarities and Differences between the two cities

When you’re on a Baltic cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn, it’s a journey in more than one way. There is not much of the Baltic Sea between the two cities but it doesn’t mean there aren’t remarkable differences. What’s distinct about these two cities is also often what makes them so worthwhile to visit.

Baltic Cruise, Visit Helsinki

The Languages

Finnish and Estonian belong to the Finnic branch of the Uralic language family. Believe it or not, they are not very mutually intelligible and are more distant in relation than Spanish and Portuguese or Swedish and Norwegian. A speaker of one language can recognize some words of the other enough to understand the context and converse with simple sentences. The grammar is similar, but you will find many false cognates, also known as “false friends.” Estonian also has many loanwords from German, Swedish and Russian. Thus, it is a good idea to learn some basic phrases of the other language. Another interesting aspect is that many Estonians speak some degree of Finnish, especially in Tallinn. If you cannot speak either language, don’t worry; a majority of people in both cities speak English.

Tourist Highlights in Helsinki and Tallinn

Common tourist attractions in Helsinki include walking trails, religious and other architectural sites, festivals, and the central market square. Tallinn used to have a marketplace at Town Hall Square but it is now a popular spot for events. Both cities have several beaches. While you’re on a cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn, be sure to check out their main squares.

Architectural Features

The architecture in Helsinki is modern with a Neoclassical influence. It also boasts the largest number of Art Nouveau buildings. Tallinn has buildings with Baroque, Gothic and Renaissance architecture. It often juxtaposes the preserved old-style buildings alongside new ones. The charms of the architectural styles in both cities are unique and make for some fabulous photos.

Cultural Distinctions

Along with the differences in architecture are those in culture. The culture in Helsinki is younger and more modern, with a dense population. Tallinn is more traditional, indigenous European, and with a small population. Since Estonian culture is older, the language has undergone more changes. Finns are among the best English speakers in Europe and the youth are probably more fluent in English than Finnish. On a cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn, you will notice fewer people speaking English, especially if you visit small towns where there are more elders.

Traditions

What about their traditions? Finns are famous for their love of coffee and the countryside while Estonians enjoy the arts, social events, and rustic food. Both enjoy wooden saunas, and both celebrate the Christian holiday of Christmas along with pagan Yule time traditions including a Yule goat, mulled wine, and a feast. In case you’re wondering: yes, it is possible to go on a cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn during the winter to revel in all the Christmas festivities!
Knowing this information, you can look out for the similarities and differences between the two cities. Such a comparison remains regardless of what you decide to do in each country. You will be going between a large city and a small one, but your experiences will be greater for it.
Baltic Cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn

Cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn to Celebrate History and Fun

24 Jun

Cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn to Enjoy Estonia

Are you headed out on a cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn? Tallinn is the capital and biggest city of Estonia. It brings a rich history and a wide range of things to see and do during your visit.

Below, check out a few facts about this great city before you arrive. From its amazing architecture to unique dining and shopping, you’ll have all sorts of fun adventures waiting for you.

Red Roofed Tallinn

Tallinn Architecture

Many first-time visitors on a cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn first notice the striking architecture decorating the city. The city showcases a history spanning across thousands of years. As a result, you can see a variety of historical architecture across the city.

Among the most striking examples of this architecture are the strongholds and hill-forts all around the city. These strongholds began as military outposts. As more people came to the area, they transformed into more commercial areas like the city of Tallinn itself.

For instance, the nearby Varbola Stronghold dates back to the 10th century. If you’re a history buff, it’s definitely worth the time to visit.

Another feature of the architecture occurred as the Christian crusaders made their away across Estonia. This new influence led to the construction of a lot of Gothic Architecture. Examples include the Town Hall, Saint Nicholas’ Church, the Dome Church, and the Great Guild Hall. These landmarks date from the 13th-15th centuries.

Visit Tallinn

Local Festivals and Traditions in Tallinn

With such a long history behind it, Tallinn celebrates all sorts of wonderful traditions. Here are just a few examples of what you can expect.

Cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn

  • Baltic Folk Festival: This July festival brings dancing, singing, and merriment. At night, citizens search for the legendary fern flower which is said to bring luck and good fortune to those who find it.
  • Day of Tallinn: This May 15 holiday dates all the way back to the year 1248 – when Tallinn was first recognized as a city. A celebration is held right in the historic city center with grand-scale fun.
  • Days of the Old City: Right on the heels of the Day of Tallinn, this festival spans a week at the end of May and beginning of June. Tallinn’s streets become alive and vibrant during this week-long festival. You can expect games, live music, theatre, and all sorts of other fun.

As you can see, there’s always something fun to do during your visit!

Baltic Cruise to Tallinn

Never a Dull Moment in Tallinn

Amazing history and plenty of fun await you on your cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn. Take your time and let yourself become immersed in this unique and historic culture. You’ll never run out of wonderful things to experience and enjoy during your visit!

Cruise from Helsinki to Tallinn