History of Baltic Travel (Estonia)
During the visit to Baltic Countries we will come across the fifth destination Tallinn the capital of Estonia, lies on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland. At the historical and medieval heart of the city is the hill of Toompea, covered in rounded stones that you can only see when you will be on Baltic Travel. Streets are filled with medieval houses and corridors. The lower town spreads out from the foot of the hill, still protected by the remains of a city wall. Around the city wall is a series of well-maintained green parks, great for walking. The city’s old town has been surprisingly well conserved and was registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1997, it is now in better shape than ever.
Baltic Travel during summer
Especially in summer, the Baltic Travel Old Town is packed with tourists, with the traditional day-trippers from Helsinki increasingly supplemented by Europeans taking advantage of cheap flights. Alas, the new town sprawling all around is largely built in typical concrete Soviet style, now joined with glass-and-steel cubes celebrating the post-Soviet economic boom. The new center of town is Vabadusevaljak (Freedom Square) at the end of the old town, and nearby is the giant matchbox of Hotel Viru, the former in tourist flagship and notorious den of Cold War planners.
Tallinn is a historic city
Dating back to the medieval times, it was first marked on a world map in 1154, although the first fortress was built on Toompea in 1050. In 1219, the city was conquered by Valdemar II of Denmark, but it was soon sold to the Hanseatic League in 1285. The city, known as Reval at the time, prospered as a trading town in the 14th century, and much of Tallinn’s historic center was built at this time. Tallinn then became a pawn in the geopolitical games of its big neighbors, passing into Swedish hands in 1561 and then to Russia under Peter the Great in 1710. By World War I and the ensuing brief Estonian independence (starting 1918) Tallinn’s population had reached 150,000.
Tallinn today
Today, Tallinn in Baltic Travel is a bustling, gleaming metropolis city of over 430,000 people. However, among the tall glassy buildings and corporate headquarters, Tallinn retains an inner charm seldom found anywhere else. Estonians consider themselves to be living in a Northern European/Scandinavian or an eastern European country depending on who you ask, with very close ties to Finland, and visiting Tallinn you will find a mix of at least three architectures in this very visual city — old Europe, Soviet brutalist (concrete apartment blocks), and modern Europe.
The most common ferry route in Baltic Travel is from Helsinki, Finland to Tallinn Port, which has upwards of 20 departures daily. Prices average €16–30 one way, depending on operator, season (summer costs more), day of week (Fri and Sat cost more) and time of day. Particularly popular are day cruises, which can go for as little as €19 returns. All the way during the Baltic travel tourists will find the memorable marks of World War II and its struggle.
Tallinn places to visit
The Old City is best to be exploring on foot. A network of buses, trams and trolleybuses covers the rest of the city. There is an abundance of relatively cheap taxis you can book in your Baltic Travel. Before you jump in a random taxi car make sure you check the price on the window of the car.
Medieval old Town is excellently preserved, built in the 15–17th centuries. This compact area is best explored on foot. Call a tour guide, he will give you a lot of stories that you won’t have been aware of. It’s worth the money.
Viru Gate, this section of town is known as All-Linn or “Lower Town”, as it’s where the merchants and artisans of old Tallinn lived. Today, Viru is still Tallinn’s trendiest shopping street and the entire All-Linn is the busiest.
Raekoja Plats (Town Hall Square). The square in the heart of the Old City, ringed with cafes and restaurants. Houses of a decorated Christmas market in late November and December.
National Library of Estonia, completed in the early 90s, the exterior of this building looks like an old building and the interior is like a neo-futuristic dungeon.
Metsakalmistu Cemetery, Pirita. Tallinn’s most famous cemetery, residence of Estonia’s presidents Konstantin Pats and Lennart Meri, as well chess player Paul Keres. If you’re not there to see the graves of Estonian celebrities, it’s a peaceful experience to just stroll among the trees while Baltic Travel.
Song Festival Grounds. A huge Modernist structure where the All Estonian Song Festival, which is held every five years, features 34,000 singers and dancers in addition to a massive audience.
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