Tallinn

The oldest capital city in Northern Europe, Tallinn’s existence was first recorded in 1154, by the Arabian geographer and botanist Al-Idrisi. He described the town as a small but busy port, indicating that the town had played an important role in trade in the Northwest of Europe for centuries since the establishment by Finno-Ugric peoples. Its convenient location on the trade routes across the Gulf of Finland increased the town’s importance in the 9th and 10th centuries, but there is no known written source to substantiate this.

Tallinn has one of the best preserved medieval town centres today, because its 11th to 15th century structure has been left virtually undisturbed. The town is surrounded by very strong defensive systems, which has protected it from attack for centuries. The magnificent old town holds many buildings that have been preserved in their true medieval state, such as the Town Hall, the Town Wall, and St. Catherine’s Passage.

Tallinn’s Golden Age took place in the 15th and 16th centuries, when it had an important position of power on the Baltic Sea, and it controlled the trade routes across it. The town’s membership of the Hanseatic League ensured its fame far beyond the city walls.

Tallinn’s Town Hall Square has been the focus of the town social life for centuries; in fact long before the actual Town Hall was built, the square was already being used for markets, local festivities and, on a more sinister note, executions!. The current Town Hall got its present looks between 1402 and 1404, when a former building (probably dating from the 13th century) was refurbished. The three-nave cellar hall is open to visitors.

The Tallinn City Museum, located inside a medieval merchant’s house in the heart of the Old Town gives a lovely overview of the development of the city, using exhibitions, videos, and slide shows.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Tallinn’s largest one. It was built in 1900, and incorporates various historical architectural styles. The Orthodox church was built by Mikhail Preobrazhenski, from St. Petersburg, during the time when Tallinn was ruled by the Russian Tsar. The bell tower holds 11 bells, the largest of which weighs 15 tonnes. The tower’s interior is richly decorated with intricate mosaics, and is worth a visit.

Overlooking the town, high on the cliffs, is Toompea Castle which was built in the 13th and 14th centuries. Tallinn used to have an earlier castle in suburban Iru, but this was abandoned in the 11th century for reasons unknown. The present location of the castle is a fine defensive position, 50 meters above sea level overlooking both the town and the sea. It has seen many conquerors over the centuries, and today the Estonian parliament sits here.

The Estonian Open Air museum presents an interesting and educational view on life in Estonia through the centuries. A huge selection of historical buildings gives an excellent overview of the various stages of Estonia’s development. Folk music and dancing takes place at regular intervals. The Museum is located on the outskirts of the city, making it an ideal opportunity for a great day out and a picnic.

Airport information

Tallinn Airport is located 4 kms South East from Tallinn city centre. The airport has one passenger terminal.

By car

To get into the city centre, follow the road that is called Tartu maante. The journey takes approximately 10 minutes.

By taxi

Pre book your door-to-door airport transfers with easyJet’s partner Holiday Taxis. We cater for the Business and Leisure Traveller.

By coach

Bus line 2 operates between the airport and the city centre. The bus stop at the airport is located outside the departure area of the passenger terminal, and the cost of a bus fare per hour is 15 EEK. Tickets are purchased onboard from the bus driver. Depending on the time of day buses leave twice or three times per hour.

To catch the bus to the airport form the city centre, pick it up from the bus stop next to the Estonian Art University.

Hotels

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