There are not many places in Europe anymore that look like they did during the 14th and 15th centuries, Tallinn is one of them. There are numerous medieval walls, turrets and winding, cobbled streets in the Old Town of Tallinn. On the other hand Estonia's capital has been modernizing increasingly after the country got independent in 1991.
In the 10th century a trading point was established at the coast of the Gulf of Finland. A limestone castle was build for its protection. In 1219 Northern Estonia was conquered by the Danes who replaced the limestone castle by a stone one. Slowly a settlement known as Reval grew around this castle. Later the name changed into Tallinn.
Tallinn acquired town rights in 1248 and has been a junction point both geographically and as a crossing point of many trade routes; and has always played an important role in international trading. The city has belonged to the Hanseatic League since 1285.
During the Danish period (1219-1346), the settlement grew as a guild house, churches, warehouses and defense buildings were erected around the castle.
From 1347-1561 the Livonian Order acted as sovereign; and it was in this period that most of the stone buildings in the Old Town were completed.
Under the Swedes (1561-1710) Tallinn lost its success in trade due to the numerous and often long lasting wars.
In 1710, in what is known as the Great Northern War, Tallinn capitulated to the Russian army.
Two important events (the loss of the stronghold status in 1857 and the creation of a railway connection to Saint Petersburg) caused rapid industrial development resulting in a rapid growth of the town.
On 24th February 1918 the Estonian Salvation Committee declared independence, starting the Estonian War of Independence, which ended in 1920. Tallinn became the capital of the independent Republic of Estonia.
Independence didn't last very long as in June 1940 Soviet troupes occupied Estonia. Occupation lasted until 20th August 1991 when the Supreme Soviet of Estonia declared the re-establishment of independence.
Tallinn once again became the countries capital and a period of swift economic development began. It is believed that about half of the economy of Estonia is located in Tallinn nowadays.
Toompea, the hill around which Tallinn is build, is an amazing collection of monuments, churches and museums. The main sight is the 19th century Russian Orthodox Alexandr Nevsky Cathedral, a magnificent piece of architecture. Other important buildings include Toompea Castle; the meeting place of Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu; Toomkirik, the Lutheran cathedral founded in 1233; the Estonian Art Museum, housed in an 18th century noble's house near the Toomkirik; and Kiek-in-de-Kök, a tall, tower built around 1475.
The Old Town of Tallinn was inscribed into the World Heritage List by the UNESCO in December 1997.
The park at Kadriorg lies about 2km (1.2mi) east of Tallinn's Old Town. It is especially nice in summer and full of oaks, lilac and horse chestnut trees. It was designed by Italian Niccolo Michetti as a residence for the Russian Tsar, Peter the Great. The area also includes the baroque Kadriorg Palace built between 1718 and 1736 and Peter himself even laid 3 of its bricks. Behind the palace you will find a little cottage where Peter lived when his palace was being built. It now houses the Peter the Great Home Museum.
A little north of the park the TV-tower at Kloostrimetsa Tee provides exceptional views over the city and its surrounding areas.
An open-air theatre where lots of cultural events and festivals are being held during the summer is also located here.
A wide range of accommodation can be found in Tallinn; and additional hotels are being build all the time. Still, in summer it's important to book ahead, even at hostels, as it is very busy.
Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square) in the Old Town, is the main place where everything happens. Loads of bars, restaurants and pubs can be found here; and in the summer the square buzzes with temporary open-air cafes and bars, all of which sell light snacks, hotdogs, traditional kotlett and lots of Saku beer. The Old Town is also the setting for Tallinn's booming nightclub scene.
Not far from the city center (1 km or so) Tallinn's harbor connects Estonia with a number of Nordic cities such as Rostock, Stockholm and Helsinki by daily ferry-services. They are operated by different companies, so it's good to shop around for the best offer.
