Hello, travel-loving friends! In the fourth part of our series “A Northern Europe Experience with Eyobus,” we’re in Estonia, the northernmost of the Baltic countries and our third city on the journey. Leaving behind our previous stop, Riga, the capital of Latvia, we’ve headed north toward this country known as a pioneer of the digital age.
As always, I’m here with you in writing. I wish I could explore every street and every stone of Tallinn together with you in person, but for now, I’ll take you on a tour through my words and photographs. Who knows maybe one day we’ll explore it together… if you’d like, of course!
The Country of the Digital Age
Despite its tiny size, Estonia is a country that offers great inspiration to the world. In addition to being the first Baltic state to break away from the Soviet Union, it stands out as a nation that has successfully moved its entire system into the digital realm. Imagine this in Estonia, internet access is a free citizenship right!
From tax declarations to elections, from doctor appointments to founding a company — everything can be done online. In fact, no matter where you are in the world, you can obtain a digital residency and even establish a company in Estonia. In this sense, Estonia truly deserves the title of a “country living in the future.”
Tallinn: Cobblestone Streets and a Fairytale Charm
The moment you set foot in Tallinn, it feels as though you’ve wandered straight into a medieval fairytale. The city’s heart beats in the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With its winding cobblestone lanes, spire-topped towers, and red-roofed houses, it exudes timeless charm.
We began our journey at Town Hall Square (Raekoja plats) and were amazed to learn that Europe’s very first Christmas tree was erected here back in 1441. In one corner of the square stands the Town Hall Pharmacy, which has been operating since 1422, making it the oldest continuously running pharmacy in Europe. Step inside to discover centuries-old artifacts and explore some intriguing herbal remedies still reminiscent of the Middle Ages.
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle
Our next stop was one of Tallinn’s most recognizable landmarks, the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Built in 1894, this grand Orthodox church, crowned with shimmering golden domes, can be seen from nearly every corner of the city. Once regarded by Estonians as a symbol of Russian dominance, it has since become one of the country’s most cherished historical monuments.
Standing right beside it is Toompea Castle, an imposing yet elegant Baroque masterpiece. Today, it serves as the seat of the Estonian Parliament and stands as a proud emblem of national independence. Each morning, the Estonian flag is raised atop Tall Hermann Tower, a daily ritual filled with deep patriotic meaning.
From the Patkul Viewing Platform just behind the castle, you can take in a breathtaking view of the Old Town’s red rooftops cascading toward the Baltic Sea, a moment of pure magic that lingers long after your visit.
Dome Church, Mysterious Tales, and Medieval Restaurants
As we made our way down from Toompea Hill, we stopped at the Dome Church (St. Mary’s Cathedral), the oldest church on the Estonian mainland. Inside, you can see the coats of arms of 107 noble families, making it home to the largest collection of heraldic shields of any church in Europe.
Tallinn captivates not only with its history but also with its legends. For instance, the building that now houses the restaurant Rataskaevu 16 is tied to the eerie tale of the “Devil’s Wedding.” According to legend, the owner secretly tried to spy on a mysterious wedding taking place upstairs, only to discover that the groom was none other than the devil himself, and the owner vanished into that room forever. To this day, the room is said to remain locked.
Stories like this are scattered throughout the city, adding an extra layer of mystery and magic to Tallinn’s medieval charm.
To take a short break, we stopped by Olde Hansa and III Draakon, two restaurants located right next to the Town Hall. Dining there feels like stepping straight into the Middle Ages — with meals served on wooden plates, illuminated only by the warm glow of candlelight. It was a true medieval experience in every sense.
Palaces, Towers, and a City Full of Museums
For history lovers, Tallinn is like an open-air museum.
Kadriorg Palace, built by Russian Tsar Peter I for his wife Catherine, is a striking example of Baroque architecture with a Baltic twist. Today, part of the Estonian Art Museum is housed within its elegant walls.
The Kiek in de Kök Museum and the Danish King’s Garden offer a true time-travel experience with their towers, tunnels, and medieval-themed stories. The garden’s “Three Monks” statues have become one of the city’s most popular photo spots, capturing the charm and history of Tallinn in a single frame.
Venturing a bit outside the city center, we came across the Estonian Open Air Museum. Here, you can see farmhouses, churches, and village life preserved exactly as they were in the 18th and 19th centuries. In short, Tallinn is not just a city steeped in history it’s a living history book.
Farewell to Tallinn – A New Adventure with Viking Line
Our stop in Estonia on the Baltic tour left us with unforgettable memories. Tallinn is a city where modernity and historical depth meet. As you stroll along the cobblestone streets, you hear the church bells ringing, while at the same time, you see young people working on laptops outdoors, blending the old and the new in a truly unique way.
It was time to move on to the next stage of our journey. Boarding the Viking Line ferry at Tallinn Harbor, we set sail across the Baltic Sea toward Helsinki, the capital of Finland. As Tallinn’s towers slowly faded into the horizon, I felt a mix of bittersweet nostalgia and excitement for discovering a new country.
In our next post, we’ll meet in the “Land of a Thousand Lakes”, exploring the captivating capital of Finland, Helsinki!
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