The city of Tallinn occurred on a world map for the first time in 1154. Because of its location by the sea it quickly became an important port and city in the Hanseatic League.

 

Old Town of Tallinn

 

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes when you go out to discover Tallinn Old Town. It will be a journey through medieval times along cobbled and winding streets.

 

The town offers a wide range of historical sights and among these are an almost intact city wall with watchtowers, gothic churches and the oldest town hall in Northern Europe.

It was the centre of trade and social life in medieval Tallinn and it still is. Here you can go sightseeing, drink coffee or do shopping.

 

New Tallinn

 

Outside Tallinn Old Town a modern city has been growing rapidly since the early 1990’s. Tall office buildings, modern hotels and trendy shopping malls in glittering glass towers have been constructed.

On this side of the city wall visitors meet the forward-looking and fashionable New Tallinn.

 

Wooden suburbs

 

North of Tallinn Old Town you will find a unique and charming wooden quarter. The two-or three stories dwelling houses are made of wood or partly wood and bricks. The houses were erected between 1840’s and until 1940.

During the Soviet era many houses were turned into municipal apartments. Families were assigned a room and had to share kitchen with other families. Bath, toilet and sauna were situated in the court.

Today many buildings have been restored, but there are still old and run down houses among.

 

The Estonian regions

 

Western Estonia has the most low-lying and plane area in the country. The highest peak is only 51 metres above the sea. The coast has fine sandy beaches and the joyful resort Pärnu, the largest town in the region. Pärnu comprises attractions, activities and famous mud-bath spas.

 

The main attraction in Haapalu is the 13the century castle, a former seat of medieval bishops.

 

Fairytale islands like Saaremaa and Hiiumaa are situated off the coast. Along with other smaller islands they represent a laid-back and relaxed atmosphere in the settings of windmills, thatched cottages and sleepy fishing villages.

 

In south Estonia visitors meet endless forests, rolling hills and unspoiled nature. Go fishing in the rivers, horseback riding in the forests or try out the local sauna tradition.

 

Tartu is the second largest city of Estonia and has an impressive old quarter featuring the oldest church in Estonia, the red bricked St. John’s Church.

 

A step back in time can be experienced in the Setu villages. Here visitors find wooden huts and small, neatly kept farmyards.

 

Northern Estonia features Lahemaa National Park, one of Estonia’s most popular nature reserves. It offers numerous hiking trails along the coast, through forests and wetlands.