Tallinn and surroundings

Estonian Open Air Museum in Rocca al Mare

Old Town

If someone were to ask, ‘Is the Old Town just a life-size museum?’, the only correct answer would be, ‘No, of course not!’ The fact that it is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List confirms that it is a valuable treasure. But the number of important and exciting events that still take place there also prove it is lively and constantly evolving. The heart of the Old Town, the Town Hall Square, is where Estonians greet their heroes returning home from big accomplishments abroad. In summer, the Old Town Days and Medieval Days attract Estonians and foreigners alike to the Town Hall Square.

Kalamaja

Kalamaja, along with Telliskivi and Noblessner, is a lovely neighbourhood in Tallinn, just next to the Old Town and the Balti Jaam railway station. Loved for its relaxed atmosphere, colourful wooden buildings, and its lively culture and nightlife, the area draws in locals and visitors from around the city.

Once a working-class district, Kalamaja has now become the residence of choice for young, creative types making the most out of its industrial legacy: entire factory complexes have been transformed into museums, cultural venues, shops, restaurants and bars. The area’s former wooden living quarters are dotted with charming bakeries and cafés.

In Kalamaja, you will find the city’s impressive maritime museum, the Seaplane Harbour, and the Stockholm-originated world-class photography centre Fotografiska Tallinn. For families, Energy Discovery Centre is also definitely worth a visit. Noblessner Seafront District is home to the high-tech Proto Invention Factory and the Kai Art Centre. Most of these museums are located in former factory and harbour buildings, taking full advantage of their impressive 19th- and 20th-century industrial interiors.

Estonian Open Air Museum in Rocca al Mare

Sitting at the western edge of the city is the coastal Rocca al Mare district. The area's name, meaning 'Rock by the Sea' in Italian, comes from a summer manor established here in 1863 by local baron Arthur Girard de Soucanton.

That estate is now the site of the sprawling Estonian Open Air Museum, a forested park where you can learn about traditional Estonian village life. You can explore dozens of buildings from the past two centuries, including farms, mills, net sheds, a village school, a chapel, a firehouse, and much more. Museum workers in period costumes demonstrate different crafts and provide a glimpse into the bygone days. Also, if you happen to be in Tallinn on Shrove Tuesday, Easter, or Midsummer's Eve, be sure to visit the museum to get a glimpse of the local holiday customs

Kadriorg

At the heart of Kadriorg, one of Tallinn’s most upscale districts, is Estonia’s only Baroque palace and park ensemble, established 300 years ago by Russian Tsar Peter the Great. Kadriorg has evolved various layers over the past three centuries and become the city’s centre of high culture with seven museums, including those dedicated to art and literature, and a children’s museum. The streets of Kadriorg are worth exploring with their posh villas, whimsical summer mansions and simple wooden houses dating back to the area’s heyday as a seaside spa destination. Kadriorg is an ideal place for taking a stroll or riding a bike.

KUMU

Kumu is the main building of the Art Museum of Estonia and the largest and most representative exhibition place in Estonia. The task of the Kumu Art Museum, opened in 2006, is to preserve and make sense of Estonian art from the 18th century to the present day. Kumu sees its role as a initiator of social and cultural debate, both in the exhibitions of art history and in the gallery of contemporary art, which is a source of new ideas for artists from Estonia and abroad. Kumu’s permanent exhibition introduces Estonian art from the beginning of the 18th century to 1991, and the temporary exhibitions also include international and contemporary art.

Lahemaa National Park

Lahemaa National Park, approximately 60 minutes drive from Tallinn (70 km from Tallinn city centre to the east), is well-known for its coast, Käsmu and Altja fishermen villages and for the beautiful Palmse, Sagadi and Vihula manors. Take a hike through the park and explore the local forests and bogs to familiarise yourself with the local wildlife. Viru bog is one of the most accessible bogs in Estonia, passes through the forest and bog landscapes characteristic of Lahemaa National Park. The trail is 3.5 km and the lap is 6 km long. Your path will also cross Estonia’s highest waterfall of 50 metres called Jägala juga.

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