At one point in time, there were a total of 45 towers built into the walls that protected Tallinn. Twenty-six of those still remain. Two of the best preserved of the bunch are called Viru Gate. The gate dates from the 14th Century, as do most of the towers, and sits at the entrance way into the Old Town.

Today the two towers are quite lovely, having been covered in ivy over the years. It gives a gentle look to Viru Street. When you first enter the Old Town through the gate, it makes you feel as though you have stepped back in time.

The towers used to be the fore gates to the city, and a larger set was built a little further in, which were held up by a set of square towers. Most of the gate was pulled down in 1880, in order to make room for more street traffic. Since that time, though, the two towers have become a symbol for the Tallinn Old Town, which used to be the most fortified city in all of Europe back in the day.

Parts of Tallinn's City Wall have stood since the 13th century. This wall was one of the strongest defense systems in Northern Europe. At its peak, the wall had 45 wall and gate towers and was over two and a quarter kilometers long. Today, 26 towers and less than two kilometers of the wall remain.

The Hellemann Tower was built in the early 15th century. It was named after a resident who owned land nearby and was built to protect Viru Gate. Helleman Tower has three levels and a three quarter circle layout. The 11 meters (33 feet) tall first floor was used as an ammunition room. The tower has also been used as a prison.

Today, Helleman Tower houses an art gallery and offers wonderful views of Town Hall and the rest of Tallinn.

Visitors can also walk along a 200 meter (656 feet) section of the City Wall. This is the longest portion of the wall that is open to visitors. It's surprisingly high up; visitors can see the city streets below and be transported back through the centuries.

Olde Hansa Restaurant creates an authentic medieval dining experience. Olde Hansa means the old tribe. Your memorable meal is served in a medieval atmosphere complete with candlelight. Sit at a wooden table and admire the handmade tapestries and wooden ceiling beams.

Drink handcrafted brews from traditional goblets. Don't miss the delightful cinnamon-spiced mead. Enjoy fabulous dishes from 700-year-old recipes. Contrary to popular opinion, sweet potatoes weren't served until Christopher Columbus discovered them in the new world. Forks also weren't used in medieval times, so you'll use a knife and spoon.

To complete the medieval immersion experience, servers are dressed in medieval attire. Staff play 15th-century music on flues, the fiddle, and bagpipes. Appetizers include cranberries, carrots, apples, and cheese. Hunted game was a staple in medieval times, so you'll find bear, moose, and elk on the menu. Spices include saffron, cloves, black pepper, cinnamon, ginger, and cardamom. Apple pie is a popular dessert choice.

Olde Hansa Gift Shoppe seeks to recreate the craftsmanship that existed centuries ago. The Gift Shoppe sells authentic medieval shoes, silver jewelry, leatherwork, metalwork, glassware, and ceramics. You'll also find delicious handcrafted sweets.

If you want to get a chance to really glimpse what life was like in the Old Town of Tallinn, you will want to visit Saint Catherine’s Passage. It is located just a short distance from the Town Hall.

The old passage connects Vene and Muurivahe Streets in town. On the northern end of the passage you will find the remnants of Saint Catherine’s Dominican Monastery Church, which is one of the oldest church in the city. In fact, the passage derives its name from the church. Many people like checking out the old tombstones that are an integral part of the sanctuary there. Many famous Estonians are buried at Saint Catherine’s cemetery.

The southern end of the passage will take you past some of the best artisan shops in Tallinn. You can watch the artists at work. It’s one of the best places to get a memento of your visit to Tallinn. The whole passage is a nice morning’s hike for the exercise alone. If you want to stop for a moment, you will want to get a cup of coffee at one of the quaint little cafes that are scattered down the passage.

Town Hall Square is a fabulous location to soak up the long and storied history of Tallinn. It's in the center of the Old Town. Markets began opening on this site in the 11th century. Tallinn Town Hall is located in this square. Completed in 1404, it's the oldest Town Hall in Northern Europe.

Other historical buildings surround the square. There is the oldest pharmacy in Europe; it was established in approximately 1415. The pharmacy has a small museum with ancient medical instruments and medicines. The rest of the buildings are painted in attractive pastel colors and were built between the 15th and 17th centuries. Cobblestones throughout the square complete the old-world charm.

In the center of the square, visitors will find a circular stone with a compass rose. The L-shaped stone near the center of the square marks the site where a priest was executed. The priest killed a waitress who had served an overcooked omelet.

During the summer, the square is filled with open-air cafés. Enjoy alfresco dining and people-watching. There are regular outdoor markets held in Town Hall Square. Stalls feature souvenirs and traditional Estonian items.

You will find varied festivals and concerts throughout the year. Tallinn Old Town Days is a week-long festival that takes place at the beginning of summer. During this popular festival, visitors and locals are treated to exhibitions, theater plays, concerts, fairs, and non-stop entertainment.

In winter, the square becomes a winter wonderland with holiday decorations and a massive decorated fir tree. The Brotherhood of the Blackheads first erected a Christmas tree in the square in 1422. This is thought to be the world's first Christmas tree. Visitors can also enjoy a spirited Christmas market.

Why You Should Visit:
Town Hall Square is the oldest town square in Northern Europe and has been the center of Tallinn for eight centuries. Visit historic buildings and enjoy the old-world ambiance. There's no better place to get the feel of the town and nation than Town Hall Square.

Tips:
This square is incredibly festive over the winter holidays. Have a hot toddy, enjoy the holiday lights, shop for gifts, and admire the Christmas tree.

Long Street is aptly named. It is one of the longest streets in Tallinn and runs from Town Hall Square to near the harbor.

Long Street is full of history and beautiful medieval architecture. The buildings date from the 15th century and have been meticulously maintained. As you walk, it's easy to imagine life in Tallinn throughout its long and storied history. Gorgeous cobblestone streets such as Long Street have added to Tallinn's reputation as the best European capital to walk in.

The Great Coastal Gate & Fat Margaret Tower is located at 70 Long Street. The gate was built in the 14th century, and the tower was built in the 16th century. It now houses the Estonian Maritime Museum.

Stop at the Marzipan Gallery to taste a marzipan treat or create your own edible marzipan work of art. Hell Hunt (Gentle Wolf) Pub is the oldest pub in Tallinn and is located at 39 Long Street. Also, don't miss the Maiasmokk café, which is located at 16 Long Street and is the oldest café in Tallinn. It has been operating since 1864.

The House of the Brotherhood of the Blackheads is located at 26 Long Street. This 14th-century building is the only Renaissance-style building in Estonia. The elaborate front door is one of the most photographed scenes in Estonia.

As you walk Long Street, you'll also find a myriad of cafés, restaurants, museums, and galleries. Enjoy the walk and soak up the culture of Tallinn.

Saint Olav’s Church is one of the oldest churches in the city of Tallinn. It was built during the 1100s, and has been the center for religious life for the Scandinavian community of the city since then. Many people that attend here can trace their heritage back to when Denmark conquered Tallinn in 1219. The church is dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway though. The oldest surviving records that refer to the church are from 1267.

There is an old legend that the builder of the church, who was also named Olaf, fell to his death from the towers of the church. It adds mystery to this place. There is a painting depicting the event in the Chapel.

Sadly, the building was damaged during the 1300s, and had to be heavily rebuilt. In the 1500s, the tower of the chapel was raised to 159 meters in the air. It has been struck by lightning many times, but the tower really has a utilitarian function: it is a seaside landmark for naval vessels. From 1549 until 1625, before the tower was burned from a lightning strike, it was the tallest structure in the known world.

During the Soviet era, the KGB used the church’s spire as a radio tower and surveillance point. Today the building now houses a Baptist church.

The tower's viewing platform offers tourists one of the best views of Tallinn, and is open to the public from April through November of each year.

The Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala Towers are three of the remaining 26 towers that surround the Old Town of Tallinn. In the late 14th century, a massive project was started to build a fortified wall around the city to protect against invaders. By the 16th Century, the walls were raised to sixteen meters high with a thickness of 3 to 4 meters. This made it possible to defend against canon fire. During the 16th century, Tallinn was one of the most fortified cities in the entire world. The wall stretched 4 kilometers around old Tallinn.

These three towers are among the few that are still open to the general public. Visitors can come and walk through all three. In addition, there are some connection paths that are adjacent to the historic standing walls. It gives you a real sense of what the old town was like. Climbing the towers also gives you a great view of the city. You can imagine what it was like to be a guard on the towers. Admission is free.

Tallinn Old Town, known as "Tallinna vanalinn" in Estonian, is the historical heart of Tallinn. Renowned for its well-preserved medieval and Hanseatic architecture, this area is a living testimony to the city's rich history. Spanning 113 hectares with a buffer zone of 2,253 hectares, the Old Town is characterized by its 13th-century city plan, which remains remarkably intact.

The Old Town has a history of prosperity and turmoil. Most buildings date back to the 13th-16th centuries, reflecting its medieval importance. However, WWII caused significant damage. Between 1941-1944, Soviet air raids, during the German occupation of Estonia, destroyed about 10% of Old Town buildings, leaving 20,000 homeless and many casualties.

Despite this turbulent history, Tallinn Old Town stands today as Northern Europe's best-preserved medieval city. Its Gothic spires, winding cobblestone streets, and enchanting architecture attract visitors worldwide. The area was once a hub for wealthy merchants from Germany, Denmark, and other regions. Now, it is a vibrant center with restaurants, bars, museums, and galleries, offering a blend of historical ambiance and modern vitality.

The Old Town's unique charm lies in its ability to maintain its medieval and Hanseatic structure completely. Recognized for its historical value and well-preserved state, it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. The city's layout includes original cobblestone streets lined with medieval churches, grand merchant houses, barns, and warehouses, many dating back to the Middle Ages.

Visitors to Tallinn Old Town often describe it as mystical, mesmerizing, and addictive. Spending a day wandering through its streets offers an immersive experience in an authentic medieval milieu, revealing why it holds such a special place in the annals of world heritage sites.

Kohtuotsa Viewing Point, located in Tallinn, is one of the city's most popular and picturesque viewpoints. Perched on Toompea Hill in the heart of Tallinn's historic Old Town, this viewing platform offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views of the city and its surroundings. It's easily accessible on foot from various parts of the Old Town and is a must-visit attraction for tourists exploring Tallinn's historic center.

The main attraction of Kohtuotsa Viewing Point is the stunning view it provides. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy a sweeping vista of Tallinn's Old Town, the modern cityscape, and the picturesque Gulf of Finland. It's particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset when the city is bathed in warm, golden light.

The viewpoint allows you to spot several iconic landmarks of Tallinn, including the medieval walls and towers of the Old Town, Alexander Nevsky Cathedral with its onion domes, and the spires of Saint Olaf's Church. You'll also have a clear view of the bustling city below and the harbor in the distance.

The viewing point features a raised platform with safety railings, which provides a safe and comfortable place to take in the scenery. It's a popular spot for photography, so be sure to bring your camera or smartphone to capture the stunning views.

Kohtuotsa Viewing Point is free to access and is open year-round. The walk to the viewpoint may involve some uphill terrain and steps, but it's generally easy to reach on foot from various parts of the Old Town. It's also conveniently located near other attractions like the Toompea Castle and the Danish King's Garden.

After taking in the views, you can explore the charming streets of Tallinn's Old Town or visit one of the nearby cafes for a coffee or meal. This area is well-known for its cozy and historic dining establishments.

Saint Nicholas Church is a basilica style church located in the Old Town part of Tallinn. It is fairly large in size, having three full aisles down the sanctuary. It is an Orthodox community of faith, which was started by merchants from Westphalia during the 13th Century, though a good deal of the structure is a couple of hundred years younger, as improvements were made during the years.

A fair bit of damage was done to the building by Soviet bombing during the Second World War, and that is partly why the local community turned it into a museum. It houses much of the surviving sacred artwork of Tallinn that survived the Protestant riots there in 1524.

Among the things to see are pieces like the Gothic altarpiece done by Herman rode of Lubeck. They feature events in the life of Saint Nicholas and Saint George. The Crucifixion scene that is located to the left of the altar is also quite stunning, though the artist is unknown. The Altar of the Blackheads is also very beautiful.

A side chapel holds the remains of Duke Charles-Eugene de Croy. It used to be a local attraction, primarily because the structure had preserved the body so well. Authorities finally buried the body in 1897 to put an end to the almost freakish attraction people had to the corpse.

There is also a beautiful old organ here that gets played about every Saturday and Sunday evening.

Freedom Square was built to commemorate the soldiers who were killed during the Estonian War of Independence. This war was part of the Russian Civil War that occurred between WWI and WWII. The war actually took place from November 1918 through February of 1920. During the struggle, 4,000 people were killed and another 14,000 were wounded.

The idea for a tribute started in 1939, but Estonia was swept into WWII shortly after the independence was declared. After WWII Estonia was part of Soviet Union and it wasn’t until 1991 that the country was again independent. During the Soviet times, this plaza was called Victory Square. This beautiful area has been redesigned to reflect the freedom of the Estonian people and to pay tribute to its fallen citizens.

On the west side of the square is the Victory Column. It was completed and opened in June 2009. The column is surrounded by 143 plates of glass and is topped by the Cross of Liberty. The Victory Column serves as a memorial for those who fell during the Estonian War of Independence. On the east side of the square is the lovely Saint John’s church.

The phrase “Kiek in de Kok” derives from German, meaning "Peep into the Kitchen". Kiek in de Kök was an old artillery tower. Occupants of the tower used to be able to peek down into the kitchens of nearby homes, hence the name.

The tower was built in 1475 as part of the impressive fortifications that used to surround the town. It stands an impressive 38 meters high, and is made with walls that are 4 meters thick, which were designed to stand up against canon fire. Today you can still see old cannon balls that are embedded into the walls of the tower that date all the way back to the 16th century.

The old tower has been modified many times during its lifetime. In the 17th Century new gun holes were made at the top of the tower. The structure fell out of use by 1760. For a while, it became a repository for archives and was used briefly as apartments.

Today, the tower is a museum for the town’s fortification system with displays showing how the city's system of walls and towers developed through the centuries as well as other facets of life in old Tallinn. From the museum, one can also enter the Bastion tunnels, dating back to the 17th to 18th centuries, are an integral part of the city’s defense system.

Toompea Hill is a limestone hill that sits about 20-30 meters (65 feet-98 feet) above the rest of the city. In Estonian mythology, Toompea is a grave mound erected by Linda for her husband, King Kalev. Linda sat on the grave mound, shed tears, and formed Ulemiste Lake.

Throughout Tallinn's history, the hill has been the site of various forts built to defend the city. Castle Square is the site where Tallinn was founded by the Knights of the Sword in 1229. Today, the spectacular Russian-style Alexander Nevsky Cathedral stands in Castle Square.

Toompea is the center of Estonia's government. Parliament meets in the Toompea Castle, which is topped by the Tall Hermann Tower. Tall Hermann was completed in 1371. Tradition dictates that whichever country flies its flag over Tall Hermann rules Estonia. Each day, the Estonian flag is raised at sunrise while the national anthem plays and lowered at sunset to the tune of My Fatherland is My Love.

In 1684, Toompea had a terrible fire, and most of its buildings were damaged. Because of the fire, Toompea has newer buildings than Lower Town and has a different look.

Toomkirik (Dome Church) was built in the 13th century and survived the brutal 1684 fire. Don't miss the medieval coats of arms in this beautiful example of an Estonian Lutheran Church. Toompea Castle was built on the ruins of a fortress built here during the 13th and 14th centuries. The current castle was completed in 1773 and features a pink Baroque facade.

Why You Should Visit:
Toompea has long been the seat of power for the area. The hilltop site has a long history, gorgeous views of Old Town, and exciting architecture.

Tips:
Check out one of the viewing platforms for a panorama of Old Town below and the Gulf of Finland. The view is breathtaking at sunset.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is an orthodox cathedral in the Tallinn Old Town. It was built to a design by Mikhail Preobrazhensky in a typical Russian Revival style between 1894 and 1900, during the period when the country was part of the Russian Empire. The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is Tallinn's largest and grandest orthodox cupola cathedral. It is dedicated to Saint Alexander Nevsky who in 1242 won the Battle of the Ice on Lake Peipus, in the territorial waters of present-day Estonia. The late Russian patriarch, Alexis II, started his priestly ministry in the church.

The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral crowns the Toompea Hill, the political center of Estonia. The cathedral was built during the period of late 19th century Russification and was so disliked by many Estonians as a symbol of oppression that the Estonian authorities scheduled the cathedral for demolition in 1924, but the decision was never implemented due to lack of funds and the building's massive construction. As the USSR was officially non-religious, many churches including this cathedral were left to decline. The church has been meticulously restored since Estonia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.

This location is called Pikk Hermann or the Tall Hermann Tower. It is located at Toompea Castle in Tallinn, Estonia, on the hill that carries the same name. It is situated next to the Estonian Parliament building. The flag of Estonia always flies here on the tower, which reaches up 95 meters into the air at the top of the flag pole. The original structure was begun in 1360, and ended up taking a whopping 40 years to complete. Later, the height of the tower was increased to 45 meters in the 16th Century.

The tower itself consists of ten floors, along with a viewing platform. A total of 215 stairs were added to allow access to all floors, including the viewing platform. During the raising of the flag of Estonia here each day, you can hear the National Anthem played. This typically happens at sunrise, but never occurs earlier than 7:00 a.m. The same event takes places around 10:00 p.m. each evening. The song played is called “My Fatherland is My Love.” So, you get a real chance to see a bit of local patriotism here at the Tall Hermann Tower. It is also fun to go and see the local Parliament Building next door.