Taking a winter vacation to Tallinn, you will find many impressive sights to enjoy. The city is less crowded in the winter and still offers many amazing sights to see. Tallinn is located on the northern coast of the country and the shore of the Gulf of Finland. It is the capital and largest city in Estonia. The main language spoken is Estonia, followed by Russian.
Tallinn Old Town Christmas Market
While in Tallinn you will want to make sure you visit the Old Town Christmas Market. The medieval capital, only started the market in 2001, while not an old tradition, it does not stop this from being one of the most marvellous Christmas markets to visit. There are Christmas trees and craft booths. You can buy from the local artisans, who sell things like woollen hats, wooden bowls, quilts, ceramic, glassware, homemade candles and many other handmade items.
At the market you will also find many of the local foods being served. You might enjoy blood sausages, or blood pancakes at traditional Estonian restaurants. You will also find gingerbread, cookies, local honey and hot mulled wines served from barrels.
Tallinn Churches and Cathedrals
Tallinn offers magnificent churches to visit. St. Olaf’s Church, sits above the town square and was built in 1267. Looking down from the church you can see the fortified walls and cobbled streets of the Old Town square.
Visit Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, it is an opulent Orthodox church. Dedicated to the Prince of Novgorod, Alexander Nevsky, who had fought the famous Battle of the Ice at Lake Peipsi in 1242. The cathedral tower holds 11 bells, one of which is the largest in Tallinn, and they ring them before each of the church services.
Tallinn town hall square has been for centuries the focus of social life. The Town Hall has had the same look since 1402 and 1404, when a former building (probably dating from the 13th century) was refurbished. The square has always hosted many community events (including executions!). The hall is also open for visitors, so be sure to add it to you list of things you want to see.
Wonderful Gardens
Another wonderful place to visit is the Botanical Garden in the north-eastern part of the city. Opening in 1961, the garden was built on a site called Kloostrimetsa (Convent Forest), which had once belonged to St. Brigitte’s Convent. The garden has scientific and educational activities, collections and herbaceous collections. They have hothouses which are warm and a wonderful place to stroll in the winter.
History Abounds
If you enjoy history the Museum of Occupations will be a must see. The museum opened in 2003. It covers the history the occupation period, where the country was occupied by the Soviet Union, then Nazi Germany, then the Soviet Union again. The history is brought to life in through high-tech audio-visual displays.
Baroque Kadriorg Palace is a magnificent palace built by Peter the Great for his wife Catherine I. The palace was designed by the Italian architect Niccolo Michetti, and built in 1718. The palace has beautiful gardens and is also home to the foreign art collection of the Art Museum of Estonia. Make sure while you are at the palace to see the main hall with its painted ceilings and stucco work. All around the palace are interesting buildings to visit including the restored kitchen building, and the Peter the Great cottage.
Fun Tallinn Activities
If you love to ice skate, make sure you visit the Harju Street skating rink. The rink is largest outdoor skating rink in Tallinn. They offer holiday music, skate rentals and with the beautiful old town in the background it is a truly magical place. The snow might even be falling and it will surely be an experience you won’t soon forget.
Tallinn Zoo, is a huge area and has the worlds finest collection of sheep and mountain goats. It also has some of the same animals you will see in any zoo, but make sure you check out the sheep and mountain goats as you will not find a better collection anywhere else in the world.
Tallinn TV Tower is a free standing structure that is 314 meters high. It has an observation deck on the 21st floor and on a clear day you can even see Finland.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Places to eat in Tallinn on a budget are Cafe EAT, Karja Kelder, Kohvik Narva,Kompressor and Mauruse Pubi. If you want to spend a bit more then check out Aed, Aserbaijan Restaurant Shesh-Besh, Controvento, Troika, or maybe Must Lammas. All of these restaurants offer many local foods and Russian delights. All around the Old Town Square are pubs, bars and even night clubs. Many are within walking distance and the square is lit up at night with festive Christmas decorations.
Conclusion
A Winter Holiday in Tallinn will be a special time you will never forget. The people are friendly, and the sights are amazing. Take the time to walk and enjoy the beautiful medieval buildings that have been preserved so well in this gorgeous city.
Guest Post by Baltic Travel – Baltic tours, Holidays, Cruises and travel across Scandinavia and Eastern Europe
Images Source:
- License: Creative Commons image source
- License: Creative Commons image source