Tallinn’s old town (or lower town) remains as active as it has always been, ever since the 13C when it teemed with merchants and artisans. Town Hall Square, the hub of Vanalinn, the fine medieval buildings, Hanseatic houses bearing witness to a rich ..

As the name suggests, this huge square is dominated by the imposing town hall, its bell tower (64m high) overlooking fine stone merchants’ houses built in the Middle Ages. Café terraces have today replaced the market stalls of bygone days, although a..

The Kohtu viewpoint offers one of the best views imaginable over the red roofs of the old town dotted by bell towers; beyond, the glass skyscrapers of new Tallinn act as a contrasting backdrop. In the distance, the view takes in the bay of Tallinn (a..

From the Patkula belvedere (n°5 on the street of the same name), visitors can enjoy a spectacular view over the ramparts surrounding the lower town.

Built thanks to German merchants in the 13C and remodelled in the 15C, the church of St Nicholas is one of the great buildings in Tallinn’s old town. Despite extensive damage during the Red Army bombardment in 1944, it has preserved treasures of reli..

Topped by triangular pediments, the houses of rich merchants during the Hanseatic period usually had façades that were narrow in relation to their height. The ground floor was given over to commercial business, while the living quarters were upstairs..

This long street runs through the old town from the north, where it begins with Fat Margaret’s tower (housing the Estonian Maritime Museum), through to the south where its main attractions lie in the form of buildings of great architectural interest ..

Surmounted by an elegant bell tower added in 1639, this church is recorded as early as 1319, making it the city’s oldest religious building. The twin nave interior is striking for its ancient ambience. It has a remarkable carved wood polychrome paint..

Behind the door of a fine old merchant’s residence is this museum full of treasures casting light on the lively history of Tallinn. Reconstructions of interiors and scenes from bygone everyday life, domestic objects, portraits of famous figures, post..

The nucleus of Tallinn and seat of Estonian government, the upper town of Toompea dominates from its hilltop location. Aristocratic residences line its little medieval streets, giving it a genteel calm which contrasts with the bustle of the lower tow..

The earliest church in Estonia (1240), the cathedral was destroyed by the fire which ravaged the district in 1684. It was rebuilt in the Baroque style and further enhanced by the addition of a bell tower in 1779. The interior has a fine array of Baro..

For art lovers, a visit to KUMU is a must, presenting as it does the leading names in Estonian art (both artists and sculptors) from the 18C to the present day. Comprising some remarkable works, the collections are displayed in a building opened in 2..

The elegant rooms of Kadriorg palace house a remarkable collection of foreign art. On the first floor is Flemish art (portrait by Franz Pourbus the Younger and two works by Peter Breughel the Younger, plus Delft ceramics), Dutch art (portraits by J..

Lying northeast of Tallinn, this national park provides an opportunity to savour nature at its finest. Most of it 70 000ha is covered by forestry, punctuated by lakes, rivers and waterfalls: plenty of footpaths give visitors the chance to discover th..

On the shores of the gulf of Finland, the village of Viinistu owes its renown to its art museum, founded on an exceptional private collection belonging to Jann Manitski. All the big names in Estonian art are represented here, including Adamson-Eric, ..

Its current appearance dating from the late 18C, the two-tone façade of this fine Baroque country house stands in extensive parkland. This is a pleasant spot for walks, especially by its lake where stands a folly on piles. Formerly home to the Von de..

Clearly presented, informative and entertaining, the Forest Museum is located on the Sagadi manor site. Each species of forest tree, from pine to poplar via silver birch, is explained in all its facets: leaves, wood (and its traditional uses in Eston..

Gazing across this expanse of water forming a natural frontier with Russia, it is difficult to tell whether one is looking at a lake or sea… Lake Peïpous is Europe’s fourth largest lake, covering 3 550km2, and a seaside resort atmosphere prevails on ..

This square has a certain charm; on taking a seat at one of its numerous terraces, visitors will note the student atmosphere which prevails in Tartu, and (at noon and six in the evening) the town hall’s bells ring out. Note also the museum of art at ..

The perfect place in which to unleash one’s inner child. A profusion of toys on display, including fine antique dolls. There are also toys to actually play with, in a room set aside for the purpose. A good spot to spend a pleasant hour or two; while ..