Tallinn

I arrived to Tallinn after riding from Saint Petersburg through the border at Narva. The road conditions in Russia were not ideal at some points but overall it was a very pleasant ride with more gorgeous landscapes.

After unpacking the motorbike and quickly changing clothes I prepared to visit town. On my first day in Tallinn I was very lucky to meet with Monika who is an Archaeology PhD student and agreed to show me around town. Naturally with her explanations it was much more interesting to sight see and understand the history of Tallinn and Estonia.

Roughly speaking I would say there are two differing parts of town each with a unique character. There is a centrally located hill called Toompea that stands 20-30 meters above the rest of the surrounding city and due to its location and height it has many great panoramic spots to view the surrounding city. Historically and to this day Toompea remains an important center of power and wealth where the Estonian Parliament and Government are located as well as many embassies. Also found in Toompea is the Castle which is topped by the Tall Hermann tower.

Toompea Castle with the Tall Hermann tower.

Panoramic view of the city from Toompea hill.

Estonian Parliament named Riigikogu.

Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

The sorrounding town is very well preserved in Medieval style partially surrounded by a wall and towers. Here one of the major sights is the town hall dating back to the 13th century being the only surviving Gothic town hall in Northern Europe. There are also three medieval churches, St Olaf's, St. Nicholas' and the Church of the Holy Ghost. St Olaf's church is supposed to have been the tallest building in the world from 1549 to 1625 but there is some debate over this claim.

Town hall and surrounding square.

City walls and towers.

Tower named Fat Margaret due to being the biggest of the city's fortifications.

City wall and towers.

Saint Olaf's Church.

Three merchant houses known as The Three Sisters, we will meet their brothers later in the trip.

Lastly the nightlife and restaurant scene in Tallinn was fantastic. One notable place was Noku where you can only access if you know a code to enter an otherwise conventional resdiential building. Another interesting area is the Telliskivi district by the old train tracks where there are many fantastic bars and restaurants.

Market with delicious street food.

Telliskivi district.

Old train tracks repurposed as a restaurant and bar area.

Considering all the experiences in Tallinn I definitely left knowing that I would return several times. It is a brilliant small city that has much to offer.

Travel from Helsinki to Saint Petersburg: 401kms in 5hrs (+ 30mins border crossing) Total travel for the trip: 4215kms in 53hr40mins.

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