Baltic state, Estonia was a country that virtually disappeared off the map during the Cold War. The medieval enclave of Tallinn saw the worst of the oppression, with communist occupiers the menacing replacement for five years of Nazi rule. The nation has shed its oppressed skin now and is a burgeoning tourist destination. As a first taste of Baltic Europe, we would definitely like to explore more of the region.
There’s something fantastical and magical about Estonia’s capital, Tallinn. This walled city is a well-preserved time capsule representing medieval and Renaissance life, classical majesty and the secretive, clandestine oppression of the communist era. It’s a place that invites closer inspection with a healthy dose of introspection to gain an appreciation of what its...
St Olaf’s church offers one of the best views of Tallinn’s old town that you can find. Which is great if you’re not scared of heights – like Bernie. I’ll admit it. I hate heights. They hate me too. I’m a little scared of them. OK. Petrified. So why in God’s name would I willingly part with a few Euros to stand precariously on wooden planks at the top of 600...
Secret police, big brother, and cloak and dagger subterfuge are all a reality at the KGB Museum on the top floor of the Sokos Viru Hotel in Estonia. It was the late 1960s and after reopening the major Helsinki to Tallinn ferry line between Finland and Estonia, western tourists were beginning to infiltrate the communist country, bringing their western ideas into a...
Tallinn is a city full of medieval flavors, not just in the architecture, but also in the food. Olde Hansa recreates traditional fare from the Middle Ages and renaissance, all in an authentic setting. In terms of an Estonian bucket list, this one was right near the top. I (Bernie) have loved medieval history since studying it as part of my conservatorium years. It’s...
The Tallink Silja line isn’t your average cruise ship. There are no pool decks, dive in movies, climbing walls or wave making machines, yet we still had a great time, albeit for only 15 hours. As budget travelers, the opportunity to see more for less or to experience something completely new is a key consideration between taking a plane and paying for a night of...
Covert operations, submarines, marine mines and ice yachts, Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor has it all. The Lennusadam Seaplane Harbor is one of the newest old things in Tallinn. New and old are both relative in the former communist capital of Estonia, where most buildings date back to between the medieval and baroque times. With the renewed tourist interest in Estonia...
