Contrary to the typical routes, this year's summer vacation did not take us to the south, but to the north of Europe. In July, we packed our bags and flew to Estonia. The beautiful Baltic country combines Scandinavian and Eastern European culture and way of life like no other. The summers are not so hot and the nights are brighter for longer. How we liked it and what you can experience in the capital Tallinn and the surrounding area, you can find out in the article.
Tallinn Old Town and Upper Town
Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is a real hidden gem for travelers looking for a city that perfectly combines history and modernity. Tallinn's Old Town, also known as "Vanalinn", is the historic heart of the city and a true gem that charmingly brings the Middle Ages back to life. Just above it is the Upper Town, "Toompea", an area full of historical landmarks and impressive views that offers fantastic views of Tallinn's rooftops. Since Tallinn's Old Town is relatively small and manageable compared to other European capitals, you can explore the area very well on foot. So we set off from our hotel and were right in the middle of the action in just 15 minutes.
When you enter Tallinn's Old Town, you'll immediately be captivated by the fairytale atmosphere of the cobbled streets and colorful houses. The Old Town is one of the best-preserved medieval city centres in Europe and will immerse you in another time. We started our exploration at the Viru Gate, one of the city's most recognizable landmarks. The two towers, which were once part of the medieval city walls, mark the entrance to the old town and invite you to discover the historical treasures. A walk through the old town led us past old merchant houses, small boutiques and cozy cafés that offer a variety of local specialties. An absolute highlight is the Rathausplatz, the vibrant centre of the old town. Surrounded by pastel-coloured houses and historic buildings, the square is a lively meeting place, especially in summer. It is also home to Tallinn's Gothic Town Hall, the oldest surviving town hall in Northern Europe, which proudly watches over the square. In addition, in a side street on the Rathausplatz you will find one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe that is still in operation, the Ratsapotheke. In the building there is a small museum, which has beautifully presented the history of the pharmacy and medicine.
From the old town we went up to the upper town, which is enthroned on a limestone rock and offers a unique view of the city below and the Baltic Sea. Toompea is historically the political and spiritual center of Tallinn and is still the seat of the Estonian parliament today. Toompea Castle has undergone many changes over the centuries, but its imposing main tower "Pikk Hermann" is still a symbol of Estonian independence today. From here, we went to Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a magnificent Orthodox church with its iconic onion domes and ornate interiors. Another highlight in the Upper Town is the Cathedral Church (St. Mary's Church), the oldest church in Tallinn. Here you'll find a collection of intricately designed coats of arms and tombstones that tell the story of the city. The Upper Town offers some of the best viewpoints over Tallinn. We visited the platforms Patkuli and Kohtuotsa. These are perfect places to enjoy the spectacular views of the red rooftops of the old town and the modern skyline beyond. On a clear day, you can even see as far as the Baltic Sea.
Tallinn Maritime Museum at Seaplane Harbour
The Oceanographic Museum is housed in a unique historic building that originally served as a hangar for seaplanes. The vaulted halls of the hangar, built at the beginning of the 20th century, are an impressive example of architecture and engineering. Today, this architectural gem is home to a fascinating collection of exhibitions that explore seafaring and the history of the Estonian Navy. When we entered the museum, we were immediately impressed by the size and variety of exhibits on display. The entrance area still seems quite inconspicuous, but the access to the exhibition hall was overwhelming. A central highlight of the Maritime Museum is the submarine Lembit, which was built in the 1930s and was in operation until 2011. You can even explore the inside of the submarine and experience first-hand what it was like to live and work underwater as a submariner. Another impressive exhibit is the replica of the Short Type 184 seaplane, which was used in the early years of aviation history.
The Oceanographic Museum is particularly child-friendly and offers many interactive exhibitions that not only delight the little ones, but also captivate adults. From a flight simulator where you can take control yourself to a water playground, there are plenty of activities to make the visit a fun experience. Even small ships can be steered by the children themselves. In the outdoor area, you have the opportunity to enter historic ships and explore them to your heart's content. This is exactly what makes the museum an adventure for the whole family.
In addition to the impressive vehicles and interactive experiences, the Maritime Museum also tells the fascinating history of Estonian seafaring. There are exhibitions about the Estonian Navy, trade routes, famous seafarers, and the development of seafaring technology over the centuries. Particularly exciting are the stories of daring expeditions and the development of ships that have shaped both trade and defense of the country.
Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa National Park is Estonia's largest and oldest nature reserve, offering a spectacular mix of dense forests, pristine bogs, picturesque coastlines, and historic mansions. Just about an hour's drive from Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park is the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and anyone who wants to experience the wild beauty of Estonia.
With an area of almost 750 square kilometers, Lahemaa National Park is one of the largest protected forest regions in Europe and is home to an amazing variety of flora and fauna. The park's dense forests, which consist mainly of pine, spruce and birch trees, are home to many wildlife, including moose, wild boar, foxes and even lynx. Lahemaa translates as "land of bays" and the name says it all: The coastline of the park is characterized by deeply cut bays, picturesque peninsulas and rocky islands. The most famous peninsulas include Käsmu, Juminda, Pärispea and Vergi.
We decided on the Käsmu peninsula and walked from the northern end of the village of the same name through a small forest area along the Baltic Sea. The rugged rocks and boulders in the middle of the beautiful nature were an absolute highlight on our tour. I found an oversized wooden swing at the side of the road and had to be tested directly. A tradition in Estonia for young and old, especially at midsummer. Here you always remain a child.
Afterwards we drove to the seaside resort of Võsu. Here we enjoyed a bit of the beach with the beautiful flat entrance to the Baltic Sea. In addition, you have the opportunity to have a delicious lunch, whether in the restaurant or at one of the many small stalls. Our last stop for the day was the beaver hiking trail near Oandu. More precisely, Koprarada, as these hiking trails are called in Estonian. This small trail is wonderfully suitable for children and not only tells you something about beavers, but also about the flora and fauna and teaches them to respect and protect them. Unfortunately, we didn't see any beavers, but we were able to marvel at their tracks. Away from the coast, in the forests and meadows, you should definitely think about mosquito spray.
Soomaa National Park
Soomaa National Park is a hidden gem in the heart of Estonia and offers an unspoiled landscape that is unique in its kind. The park is a fascinating natural paradise that captivates both adventurers and nature lovers. If you're looking for a destination that's off the beaten track and offers an authentic encounter with Estonian nature, then Soomaa National Park is the place for you.
What makes Soomaa National Park stand out is the phenomenon of the "fifth season". During the snowmelt in spring, the park's rivers turn into raging torrents that flood the surrounding meadows and forests, creating an impressive waterscape.
Soomaa National Park is known for its varied landscape, which is made up of extensive moors, dense forests, rivers and floodplains. The name "Soomaa" means "land of peatlands" in Estonian, and the park's five major bogs – Kuresoo, Valgeraba, Öördi, Kikepera and Kuresoo – are the heart of this unique region. These bogs are home to a variety of plant and animal species, including rare orchids, pond turtles, and moose.
One of the best ways to experience the beauty of the moors is to hike the boardwalks that wind through the landscape. We decided to take the popular Riisa hiking trail, which leads on a 4.8-kilometer route through various moorland landscapes and offers spectacular views and the opportunity to enjoy the peace and seclusion of the park. At swimming spots, you can even go swimming in the moor.
The Soomaa National Park is a paradise for animal lovers. The park is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to many animals that are rarely found in other parts of Europe. If you're lucky, you can spot moose, deer, wild boar, beavers, and even lynxes. We therefore visited the beaver hiking trail here as well and hoped to discover some this time. Unfortunately, it didn't work out here either, but the way over the wooden walkways was an absolute experience, even for our son. Again, don't forget mosquito spray!
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