Custom Walk in Tallinn, Estonia by shahhemal009_43c34 created on 2024-10-29
Guide Location: Estonia » Tallinn
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 6
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Share Key: Q32P4
Guide Type: Custom Walk
# of Sights: 6
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles
Share Key: Q32P4
How It Works
Please retrieve this walk in the GPSmyCity app. Once done, the app will guide you from one tour stop to the next as if you had a personal tour guide. If you created the walk on this website or come to the page via a link, please follow the instructions below to retrieve the walk in the app.
Retrieve This Walk in App
Step 1. Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" on Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
Step 2. In the GPSmyCity app, download(or launch) the guide "Tallinn Map and Walking Tours".
Step 3. Tap the menu button located at upper right corner of the "Walks" screen and select "Retrieve custom walk". Enter the share key: Q32P4
1) Alexander Nevsky Cathedral (must see)
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.
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.
2) Estonian Handicraft House
The Estonian Handicraft House in Tallinn is a vibrant center that celebrates the nation's rich tradition in handicrafts. It offers an authentic experience for those interested in immersing themselves in Estonian culture and craftsmanship.
At the heart of the Estonian Handicraft House is a dedication to showcasing the finest work of local artisans. Visitors can explore a diverse range of handicrafts, including items made from natural textiles, as well as beautifully crafted wooden, metal, and ceramic pieces. This collection highlights the blend of traditional folk techniques and contemporary design, capturing the essence of Estonian craft heritage.
One notable feature of the Handicraft House is the Folk Art Gallery, which serves as a cultural hub, hosting various exhibitions, master classes, and workshops. These events not only showcase exquisite craftsmanship but also provide hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to engage directly with the artistic processes.
The Handicraft House also boasts specific attractions such as Riina Tomberg's Workshop, which features national knitwear, and Kango Textile, where visitors can observe the art of loom-woven textiles. Another highlight is the Doll Room, which displays dolls created by artist Lembe Maria Sihvre, adding a whimsical touch to the array of crafts on display.
Moreover, the Handicraft House is not just a place for exhibitions but also a marketplace. It houses an atelier for craftsmen and a shop where visitors can purchase a wide range of handicrafts and souvenirs. This aspect of the House offers a unique opportunity for visitors to take a piece of Estonian culture home with them.
At the heart of the Estonian Handicraft House is a dedication to showcasing the finest work of local artisans. Visitors can explore a diverse range of handicrafts, including items made from natural textiles, as well as beautifully crafted wooden, metal, and ceramic pieces. This collection highlights the blend of traditional folk techniques and contemporary design, capturing the essence of Estonian craft heritage.
One notable feature of the Handicraft House is the Folk Art Gallery, which serves as a cultural hub, hosting various exhibitions, master classes, and workshops. These events not only showcase exquisite craftsmanship but also provide hands-on experiences, allowing visitors to engage directly with the artistic processes.
The Handicraft House also boasts specific attractions such as Riina Tomberg's Workshop, which features national knitwear, and Kango Textile, where visitors can observe the art of loom-woven textiles. Another highlight is the Doll Room, which displays dolls created by artist Lembe Maria Sihvre, adding a whimsical touch to the array of crafts on display.
Moreover, the Handicraft House is not just a place for exhibitions but also a marketplace. It houses an atelier for craftsmen and a shop where visitors can purchase a wide range of handicrafts and souvenirs. This aspect of the House offers a unique opportunity for visitors to take a piece of Estonian culture home with them.
3) Tallinna Raekoda (Tallinn Town Hall) (must see)
Tallinn Town Hall is the oldest and only preserved Gothic-style city hall in North Europe. In 2005, the Town Hall was awarded second prize for conservation of Architectural Heritage. Parts of the town hall date to the 13th century. The Town Hall was completed in 1404 and was the center of the town's government for almost 700 years, until 1970. Throughout the centuries, several additions, renovations, and architectural changes have been made.
Tallinn Town Hall was built with limestone. Traditional clay tiles adorn the exterior, which features a 64 meter (210 feet) tall spire that's visible from all over town. Gargoyles decorate the main facade. The Town Hall has an arcade formed with nine arcs and eight pillars. In inclement weather, merchants could gather under the shelter of the arcade. Criminals would be chained to one of the pillars so that townspeople could mock them.
The Town Hall's interior features attractive Gothic arches and works of art spanning the history of Tallinn. Benches were crafted in the 14th and 15th centuries. The largest hall in Town Hall is the Citizens Hall. It can hold up to 100 people and is often used for musical performances.
The Council Chamber features intricate wood carvings dating to 1375. Copies of 16th-century tapestries hang on interior walls. The original tapestries are on display in the Tallinn City Museum.
The Old Thomas weather vane is one of the town's most famous landmarks. The weather vane depicts a soldier who protects the city. Old Thomas was originally placed in 1530. Today, a copy stands on top of the town hall's spire, while the 1530 original is on display in the town hall's basement.
Tallinn regularly hosts concerts and receptions in this historic building. For a great view of the city, bring your camera and climb the tower.
Tallinn Town Hall was built with limestone. Traditional clay tiles adorn the exterior, which features a 64 meter (210 feet) tall spire that's visible from all over town. Gargoyles decorate the main facade. The Town Hall has an arcade formed with nine arcs and eight pillars. In inclement weather, merchants could gather under the shelter of the arcade. Criminals would be chained to one of the pillars so that townspeople could mock them.
The Town Hall's interior features attractive Gothic arches and works of art spanning the history of Tallinn. Benches were crafted in the 14th and 15th centuries. The largest hall in Town Hall is the Citizens Hall. It can hold up to 100 people and is often used for musical performances.
The Council Chamber features intricate wood carvings dating to 1375. Copies of 16th-century tapestries hang on interior walls. The original tapestries are on display in the Tallinn City Museum.
The Old Thomas weather vane is one of the town's most famous landmarks. The weather vane depicts a soldier who protects the city. Old Thomas was originally placed in 1530. Today, a copy stands on top of the town hall's spire, while the 1530 original is on display in the town hall's basement.
Tallinn regularly hosts concerts and receptions in this historic building. For a great view of the city, bring your camera and climb the tower.
4) St. Catherine’s Passage (Katariina Käik) (must see)
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.
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.
5) KGB Museum
The KGB Museum in Tallinn offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex and often secretive history of the Soviet era, particularly focusing on the intriguing story of the Viru Hotel. Built in 1972, the luxurious Viru Hotel was a symbol of Soviet prestige, intended for foreign guests. It was also a hub of covert operations by the Soviet state security organs, the KGB.
A distinctive feature of the hotel was its top floor, which was off-limits to the public and shrouded in mystery. Soviet managers claimed this floor housed only technical rooms. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the KGB's hasty departure in the early 1990s, the true nature of these rooms was revealed. They were found to contain sophisticated, almost cinematic, listening devices reminiscent of James Bond movies, used for surveillance and espionage.
The museum, located on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Viru, has been preserved exactly as the KGB left it. This includes the infamous "technical rooms," now ironically marked with signs saying “There’s nothing here” in English and Estonian, echoing the dismissive official responses of the Soviet era.
The guided tours at the KGB Museum are not just about showcasing the remnants of surveillance technology. They delve into the peculiarities of life under Soviet rule, covering aspects such as espionage, sex work, and even the culinary aspects of the occupation era. The museum serves as a treasury of stories contrasting the idealized Soviet propaganda – portraying a society of content citizens under wise leadership, free of accidents or disasters – with the harsher realities of everyday life in the Soviet Union.
A distinctive feature of the hotel was its top floor, which was off-limits to the public and shrouded in mystery. Soviet managers claimed this floor housed only technical rooms. However, with the collapse of the Soviet Union and the KGB's hasty departure in the early 1990s, the true nature of these rooms was revealed. They were found to contain sophisticated, almost cinematic, listening devices reminiscent of James Bond movies, used for surveillance and espionage.
The museum, located on the 23rd floor of the Hotel Viru, has been preserved exactly as the KGB left it. This includes the infamous "technical rooms," now ironically marked with signs saying “There’s nothing here” in English and Estonian, echoing the dismissive official responses of the Soviet era.
The guided tours at the KGB Museum are not just about showcasing the remnants of surveillance technology. They delve into the peculiarities of life under Soviet rule, covering aspects such as espionage, sex work, and even the culinary aspects of the occupation era. The museum serves as a treasury of stories contrasting the idealized Soviet propaganda – portraying a society of content citizens under wise leadership, free of accidents or disasters – with the harsher realities of everyday life in the Soviet Union.
6) Kadriorg Palace and Park (must see)
Kadriog Palace and Park has a long history in Tallinn. It was commissioned by Peter the Great after he successfully brought Estonia under his domain. The Palace was to be a sea-side home for himself and his wife, Catherine I of Russia. Building of the Palace was started in July of 1718. Niccolo Michetti, the Italian architect, designed this beautiful Baroque Palace.
Although only two stories tall, it is a very grand building. Unfortunately, Peter died before the building was completed. Catherine lost all interest in the palace after the death of her husband, and never visited it, even after the palace was completed. Parts of the palace were left to fall into disrepair; however, the great hall has been lovingly preserved and restored.
The Palace has had several tenants and uses over the centuries. Almost all of the Russian ruling class has been to the palace over the years. Estonia’s President, Konstantin Päts, undertook an extensive renovation in the 1930s. It was also home to the Art Museum of Estonia until just recently. In 2000, the palace was reopened after extensive renovations and it now houses a branch of the museum. Now that the building has been restored, work is ongoing in the gardens and surrounding structures on the property.
The gardens, that have been redone, are fabulous. Kadrioru Park is a beautiful open space with a picturesque natural landscape, as well as fields and forest groves. Visitors may traverse the park through a collection of twisting paths. Kadrioru Park is also home to the symmetrical Swan Lake, one of the most popular destinations inside the open space.
There is an admission fee for the museum portion of the palace and guided tours are available in several languages for the palace. Please call at least one week ahead to schedule a tour.
Although only two stories tall, it is a very grand building. Unfortunately, Peter died before the building was completed. Catherine lost all interest in the palace after the death of her husband, and never visited it, even after the palace was completed. Parts of the palace were left to fall into disrepair; however, the great hall has been lovingly preserved and restored.
The Palace has had several tenants and uses over the centuries. Almost all of the Russian ruling class has been to the palace over the years. Estonia’s President, Konstantin Päts, undertook an extensive renovation in the 1930s. It was also home to the Art Museum of Estonia until just recently. In 2000, the palace was reopened after extensive renovations and it now houses a branch of the museum. Now that the building has been restored, work is ongoing in the gardens and surrounding structures on the property.
The gardens, that have been redone, are fabulous. Kadrioru Park is a beautiful open space with a picturesque natural landscape, as well as fields and forest groves. Visitors may traverse the park through a collection of twisting paths. Kadrioru Park is also home to the symmetrical Swan Lake, one of the most popular destinations inside the open space.
There is an admission fee for the museum portion of the palace and guided tours are available in several languages for the palace. Please call at least one week ahead to schedule a tour.