Top 15 Winter Activities in Tallinn You Can’t Miss

A few minutes prior to landing in Tallinn, the pilot announces the prevailing weather conditions. Overcast, breezy, and snowy are certainly not what one would typically describe as ideal travel weather. Nevertheless, I purposely chose to visit Tallinn in winter due to the anticipated snowfall, so this news brings a sense of joy. As the plane descends, I gaze out the window to behold a stunning winter landscape sprawling beneath me.

From Amsterdam, the flight duration to Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, is under 2.5 hours with KLM / airBaltic. This marks my inaugural visit, and in alignment with my goal to adopt a leisurely travel pace, I plan to remain for five full days. I can already assure you that there is a wealth of attractions to explore in Tallinn.

Numerous travelers opt for a day excursion to Tallinn from nearby cities such as Helsinki, Riga, or St Petersburg. Given the compact nature of the historic city center, most major ‘highlights’ can typically be experienced within a single, busy day. However, I recommend against this approach; Tallinn truly warrants its own extended visit. The plethora of fascinating experiences available throughout the Old Town and other neighborhoods ensures that several days here will be well-spent.

Furthermore, during winter, darkness descends upon Tallinn around 3:30-4:00 PM. When staying for multiple days, you will have the opportunity to explore landmarks while there is still daylight.

It takes only 20 minutes to reach my accommodation in the Old Town via tram 4 from the airport. The apartment’s location and its amenities are ideal.

The Tallinn City Apartments Old Town Suites features a reception area for check-in and inquiries, offering assistance as needed. Besides that, you will enjoy a pristine modern apartment for your stay, conveniently situated within walking distance of nearly all the attractions on my itinerary.

From 1972 until Estonia’s restoration of independence in 1991, the KGB operated a ‘hidden’ floor at Hotel Viru to secretly observe the foreign patrons and personnel. Visitors can partake in a guided tour that delves into the hotel’s intriguing history and reveals insights into the KGB’s operations. It’s an excellent introduction to your experience in Tallinn.

Although you will need to ascend several steps, your reward will be the enchanting area of Toompea: a highlight of Tallinn. Its vibrant houses, captivating streets, and significant historical landmarks render this a must-visit locale. The hill, which rises around 20 meters above the old town, also provides splendid vantage points.

Atop Toompea Hill is the magnificent Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the principal Russian Orthodox cathedral in Estonia. Although photography is prohibited inside, rest assured that the interior is as stunning as the exterior.

Adjacent to the cathedral, one finds the notable Medieval artillery tower known as Kiek in de Kök, which translates to ‘peek into the kitchen’ in Low German. From the 38-meter-high tower, one could observe activities in surrounding residences, as well as monitor the enemy’s plans.

During your visit, you may ascend the tower to relish the scenic views while traversing the city wall towards other fortified towers. Additionally, be sure to explore the concealed underground tunnels (Bastion Passages) built in the 17th and 18th centuries, which come with their own fascinating historical narrative.

Close to the city wall lies the Danish King’s Garden (Taani kuninga aed), a site that holds historical significance from 1219 to 1349 when Estonia was under Danish rule. According to legend, King Valdemar II of Denmark stood in this spot in 1219, contemplating the conquest of Toompea after earlier defeats against the Estonians. As he gazed upwards, a white flag emblazoned with a red cross appeared, and his campaign succeeded. This banner subsequently became the Danish national flag, with the annual celebration of the ‘day of the Danish flag’ still occurring in the garden each June 15.

Of particular interest are the three large, faceless bronze sculptures of monks. Local folklore speaks of sightings of ghostly apparitions resembling these monks. Thus, consider this a forewarning…

As previously indicated, Toompea provides a remarkable perspective of the city owing to its elevation. A superb location for capturing photographs of the snow-clad city is the Patkuli Viewing Platform.

Remarkably, this viewpoint—Kohtuotsa—is just a short stroll away. You may recognize it from the many Instagram photos featuring the mural reading ‘The times we had’. While the text remains, certain graffiti may detract from its charm, requiring some editing skills for a pristine shot.

The inclusion of Tallinn’s Old Town on the UNESCO World Heritage List is well-deserved, attributable to its captivating city center featuring excellently preserved Medieval structures that continually draw visitors.

What I particularly appreciate about the Old Town is that, despite the presence of numerous restaurants and shops catering to tourists, it has not become a mere theme park. Furthermore, my winter visit has allowed me to wander through a tranquil city nearly devoid of tourists, enhancing its authentic atmosphere.

I can only surmise that the experience varies significantly during peak seasons, with groups arriving from Helsinki, Riga, and St Petersburg—which is yet another compelling reason to visit Tallinn during winter.

At the city center, Town Hall Square stands prominently. From late November until early January, Tallinn’s renowned Christmas market is open for visitors. Although I arrived too late to experience the market firsthand, the massive Christmas tree remains in place, a tradition stemming from 1441, which Tallinn claims as Europe’s original Christmas tree. Nevertheless, many other cities in Europe assert a similar claim…

While I cannot definitively confirm that the Town Hall Pharmacy is indeed the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe, it certainly boasts a rich history and merits a visit. Situated at the edge of the Town Hall Square, admission is free. The rear section of the pharmacy features a small museum showcasing ancient medical supplies and instruments.

This delightful courtyard, somewhat tucked away within the historic center, invites visitors to a café known for its exceptional chocolate—an essential treat during winter in Tallinn—and charming boutique shops offering unique souvenirs.

While the Old Town has much to offer, it is essential to venture beyond its confines to discover what else Tallinn presents. A prime destination is Telliskivi Creative City, a hub for the burgeoning startup culture and innovative businesses.

This vibrant producer district captivated my attention, showcasing a mix of industrial architecture, compelling street art, and an abundance of trendy pop-up stores, cafés, and creative spaces.

A must-visit destination within Telliskivi is the Fotografiska photography museum. Having visited its Stockholm location, I was eager to explore the newly established Tallinn venue. The museum does not boast a permanent collection, which means every visit unveils a fresh array of inspiring photographic works.

It is commonly noted that the top-floor restaurant is also a worthwhile experience, but be sure to verify the hours of operation ahead of your visit.

While I have successfully walked to the majority of my desired destinations, I will take the tram to visit Kadriorg. This impressive baroque palace was commissioned in the 18th century by Tsar Peter the Great for his wife, Catherine. Tragically, he passed away before its completion, and Catherine rarely frequented the palace.

Although I found the palace museum somewhat underwhelming, the exploration of its alluring architecture and its beautiful gardens is always an enjoyable endeavor. Should you wish to visit another museum, the Kumu Art Museum, showcasing Estonian art from the 18th century to contemporary works, is located within the surrounding park.

It is important to note that temperatures can plummet while visiting Tallinn in winter; one day I encountered -18°C! Consequently, you will likely spend considerable time in cafés and coffee shops seeking warmth. Fortunately, the city offers an abundance of such havens. I have compiled a separate article detailing my favorite dining establishments and cafés in Tallinn.

Since my return, I have ardently encouraged numerous colleagues and friends to consider a trip to Tallinn. The city is truly beautiful and offers a delightful experience! Despite the early darkness and the necessity of warm attire, I would not hesitate to visit Tallinn again during winter. A historical city draped in snow presents an utterly captivating sight!