Tallinn (400 000 pop.) is the vital economic and political center of Estonia. The city fathers have succeeded, the historic character of the city. Compared to the lager city and latvian capital of Riga, Tallin acts up, fidgety, lively.

Cathedralmountain (Toompea) It was originally an old estonian settlement before the Danes, then the German knights built a castle. The main attraction is the Long Hermann (Pikk Hermann), the largest preserved tower of the old castle (13th century). On the otherside is another striking building: the Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. (daily 8am-7pm).

Three Sisters (Kolm ode) The sisters are three of the finest examples of medieval buildings in Tallin. As with all merchant houses of the Middle Ages, they were living and storage space at the same time. The group of buildings (first half of the 15th century.) is the counterpart to the "Three brothers" from Riga. Pikk 71

Guildhouses Certificates of wealth and power of the merchants in the Middle Ages. One of them is the House of the Great Guild (Suurgildi hoon, Pikk 17) was once the club house of the most powerful merchant organization. Holy Spirit Church (Pühavaimu kirik) Probably in the late 13th century church built by the brotherhood of the holy spirit, founded in 1198. Mon-Fri 10am-3pm. Puhavaimu 2

Nikolai Church (Niguliste kirik) Construction of the late 13th century was financed by Dutch merchants who had established in the city. The church dominates this part of the town and was not only God's house, but also a safe hiding place for valuable merchandise. Wed-Sun 10am-5pm. Niguliste 3

Town Hall (Raekoda) Gently curl the cobblestones like a bad offset carpet: The city hall square is then as now the intersection of urban life. The town hall itself is the only preserved gothic town hall (1402) of the Baltics.

Town Wall (Linna muur) In the 13th century has been built piece by piece. At the end was one of the greatest walls of the northern European Middle Ages: 3 m thick, 16 meters high with 46 towers.

shopping                                                                                                                                                                     Aurum The jeweler sells valuables - and consider if your Bernstein chain is real. Mon-Fri 10am-7pm, Sat 10am-3pm. Kullassepa 4      Fashiondesigner Baltic fashion for women which is not really cheap. Bastion, Viru 12; Ivo Nikkolo, Suur-Karja 14; Kairi Vilderson, Aia 3

food                                                                                                                                                                            Eesti Maja In the simply furnished restaurant you can eat estonian dishes. Lauteri 1                                                                 Gloria Regarded as the best restaurant in Tallinn - famous guests here already had knife and fork. Muurivahe 2                             Kloostri ait Cozy restaurant with a fireplace, sometimes a musician plays on the small stage. Alternatively scene and artists. Vene 14                                                                                                                                                                               Neitsitorn The cafe at the castle tower offers estonian dinner with a great view old town. Luhike jalg 9 A                                    Olde Hansa Event catering with imaginative dishes and medieval music. Vanaturg 1                                                                  Paat The building is a stylized stranded boat. There are fish dishes offered with views over the Baltic Sea. Rohuneeme 53               Von Krahli Baar Generous portions if you are hungry. Rataskaevu 10

where to stay                                                                                                                                                             Domina Ilmarine Narrow, two suites in a converted machine factory. Tallinn's most original hotel. 155 rooms. Pohja 23                   G9 Small hotel in the third floor of an office building, clean and simple furnishings. Short walk to the old town. 23 rooms. Gonsiori 9 Hostel In a little visited corner of the old town offers the inn a youth hostel-style multi-bed dorm and double rooms. Fresh renovated. 10 rooms. Uus 26                                                                                                                                           Mihkli In an old house not too far from the old town. Hotel guests can use the three saunas. 61 rooms. Endla 23                          Olematu Ruutel All the three rooms include only one toilet. But this hostel has an undeniable exquisite location. Kiriku poik 4 a        Reval Express Hotel Between gray concrete city hall from communists times and port terminal, it is not in Tallinn's most beautiful side. But inside is bright, modern and clean - and only a few hundred meters from the Old Town. 166 rooms. Sadama 1                   Castle The house is Estonia's first 5-star hotel. Of course in the old town. 23 rooms. Puhavaimu 13-15

Public Transport In Tallin you can use the trolleybuses or trams.

Plane                                                                                                                                                                           Daily connections with Estonian Air to the bigger cities in Europe and around the Baltic Sea. There are also flights with Easyjet offered.