Medieval feeling
by Raimix
Tallinn old town makes an impression as medieval city. Firstly, it is because its castle, defensive towers and walls around. Secondly, it is because some buildings left almost unchanged from medieval times. Third - all that planning of streets (they are narrow, labyrinth plan) and cobbled. Maybe the best example of medieval architecture is town hall building, especially the tower of it.
Tallinn in the Snow
by mightywease
Hats are a necessity not a fashion statement and muffle sound already muted by the thick ground cover of snow. A sudden avalanche of noise penetrates the stillness as snow and icicles crash onto the street, don’t cross the tape or markers put out on the pavement to help people avoid being hit.
Making your way up icy streets to Toompea feels as secure as walking on tip-toes but nervous progress is rewarded by views across the city and the incense filled interior of the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. At the top of Kiek-in-de-Kok imagine the soldiers and seagulls sharing shivers and fireside warmth.
In Kadriorg Park it’s easy to imagine the sound of troika bells flitting through the trees ready to discharge their occupants at the Palace, once a residence of Tsar Peter I, later to Estonia’s Head of State and now to Estonia‘s Foreign Art Collection. Further into the park is KUMU, home to Estonia’s National Art Collection, standing proud like the prow of a ship forcing it’s way through the ice.
Police / Ambulance / Firefighters
by a5floor
At one point I as eating lunch at McDonalds. And all of the sudden there was this noise from outside. The firefighter, police AND ambulance came along to go to a building pretty close from where I was sitting. Apperently there was a small fire in the building.
Christmas in Tallinn!
by Bamby-Bambi
I love that time!!! That's amazing!!
So, everything starts from first advent (the 4th Sunday before Christmas). For that time Christmas market and traditional Christmas tree on town Hall square is already installed.
Tradition to put christmas tree and to light it strated more than 500 years ago, by the facts of Friedrich Amelung in 1441 were lighted the lights on christmas tree on Town Hall square.
With christmas music and the nice wishes of maire (linnapea) of the city starts the christmas time.
On 24th December at midday you can hear the words of maire about Chrismas peace (Jôulurahu) time which he says from the windows of Town Hall. This tradition is dated by the time of Queen Christina (when Estonia, Finland and Sweden were one country, middle of 17th century). Christmas peace lasts till 13th January.
For me, people change a lot during that time, there is lot of charity programs, everybody feel the spirit of Christmas. Especially if you visit the Christmas market, drink a glass of Glögi (Hôôgvein) with piparkook (ginger bread), try the Christmas piggy (not for vegetarians) with mulgikapsas (traditional estonian Christmas meal, specially prepared cabbage), feed up lambs, buy some souvenirs and presents for your family, and just feel the atmosphere of Christmas time... hope you will be lucky with snow!!!
A le Coq stadium
by bonio
Home of Estonia's national football team and FC Flora, also to music events too I believe. Named after and presumably paid for by one of the largest brewers in Estonia.
Modern and comfortable, a good place to watch any event.