A tour of TALLINN, Estonia - My Favourite City in the World!

Hi everyone! This is episode nine of my Baltics plus Finland series in which I travel to Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia and Finland. In this video, I explore the capital of Estonia, namely Tallinn.

I've had the privilege of visiting Tallinn twice before - in 2008 and 2012 - and I have some wonderful memories of the Estonian capital from those previous visits. It is therefore my absolute privilege to explore this city with you on my third visit and I hope that it gives you but a tiny glimpse of the magic of this part of the world, through my camera lens.

The vlog starts with me meeting some locals outside the iconic Viru Gate who spotted the camera and greeting me in truly friendly Estonian style and reminding me of the hospitality of this wonderful country. I briefly talk more about the Viru Gate which presents a magnificent entrance to the Old Town. I then walk down Viru Street towards the Town Centre and give more information about Estonia, including its geography and proximity to Finland as we stroll past the Helsinki Karaoke Bar and Sauna Street. I then notice the prices of some clothes in the Old Town clothes shops - after deciding it is too expensive for me, I instead visit an Eesti Handcraft Shop where we learn more about the Estonian flag, the history of Marzipan and Estonian woodwork with a technological edge. I also try my luck at solving the Estonian Magic Box, the Estonian equivalent of the Rubik's Cube - see how I get along!

I then head out to the area around the Olde Hansa, an iconic restaurant in the Old Town, where I sample some Estonian almonds from an Estonian market trader. I also spot an opportunity to recreate some photos I took on my trips in 2008 and 2012, and give information about the size of Estonia and Tallinn.

Still at the Olde Hansa, I talk about the Town Hall and the legend of Old Thomas, the weather vane situated on top of the Town Hall's spire. Following this, I briefly explore the Christmas markets in the Town Square and mention the controversial debate regarding Christmas trees in the Baltics...

With daylight fastly deteriorating, I decide to explore more of the Old Town and walk towards Toompea, the limestone hill featuring several medieval structures, government buildings and iconic viewing platforms. On the way, I pass the St. Nicholas Church and talk about Tallinn's contribution during the Moscow Summer Olympics of 1980. I also talk about Estonia's success in the sport of wife carrying and their rivalry with the Fins!

I then arrive at Freedom Square featuring the War of Independence Victory column (the full name is The Cross of Liberty and the Monument to the War of Independence) and St. John's Church, and notice several artificial Christmas trees in the square which gives it a real festive edge. I talk more about the history of Estonia, including the Danish period after the Battle of Lyndanise, the German Period during which Reval (the former name of Tallinn) became Protestant, as well the subsequent Swedish and Russian Periods. I also visit the Victory Column and notice the interesting design of glass plates.

I then head up to Toompea and talk about my travel experience to Tallinn in 2012 in the snow, before arriving at Kiek in de Kök, the iconic artillery tower. I walk along the city walls where I pass Maiden Tower and then arrive at the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, the Orthodox cathedral built during the Russian period. This cathedral is situated opposite the Estonian parliament, known as the Riigikogu - watch why this is actually quite ironic!

Following this, I walk past embassies and other official buildings, as well as the iconic Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin. I then decide to head out to the lookout point where I took one of my all-time favourite travel photos, but I can't remember the exact route. I walk past Stenbock House and get to the outside of the Patkuli Viewing Platform, but this does not feel like the spot. Passing tourists confirm that there are other smaller viewing platforms, which I suspect "my" plaform fall under, so I set of in search of that one. I finally arrive there and get to experience the magic all over again! I also share more information about the iconic St. Olaf's Church which one can see clearly from the platform.

I decide to check out the Patkuli Viewing Platform to compare the views, after which I return to ground level where I also end the vlog - but not before reminding you to stay tuned for more Tallinn adventures, as there is so much more to see and experience!

If you haven't done it yet, please hit the LIKE button and SUBSCRIBE to the channel. It is FREE to do so and really helps me out a great deal as it helps to expose my videos to a wider audience. I would also love to hear from you, so please leave a COMMENT in the comments section on what you think of Tallinn - my favourite city in the entire world (and I have been to a few places already).

Happy exploring!

Willie

[cherrystoltz]

Fascinating facts, Willie. Beautiful country and so many very friendly people. Oh to be young agaain ... 😂❤

[icelandicball]

Ive always wanted to visit the Baltics especially Estonia. Looks majestic in winter

[siimtulev]

As Estonian I didn't know the story about Old Thomas (Vana Toomas). Thanks for telling! 😃

[sheilam]

It certainly is beautiful there, Willie. The whole place was like a film set and I loved all the pastel colours. You definitely showcased it well and again the snow added some magic to the place too.😊

[gohardorgohome]

Hey Willie . I am very impressed with Tallinn what an awesome city packed with so much history there specially the medieval castle and the old churches wow
I will definitely visit Estonia one day I also like the estonian flag It's so cool
It's always good to recreate memories too bad we can't go back in time
keep it up man 🔥🔥💪👍

[myrtgrimm]

Wow...I am also a South African, living in Finland. My husband + I REALLY enjoyed your video above re your visit in Tallin. You are a genius remembering so much history. Are you maybe a history teacher? Keep up with the great travel pics and info. We love Tallin too. Well done!!! You'd make an excellent travel guide!!

[kudaisiaduntola]

You deserve some candy from Old Thomas after this great vlog! Great history coverage. Thank you!

[jaspervanzyl]

Hi, Willie! I can see why this is your favourite world city - extraordinary place and people!

[rupsikas]

53 minutes of Tallinn, lovely. I'm also impressed of your knowledge on Estonia's history.
But I must comment on the sauna thing as I did under the last video :). 3:45 I'm very curious about where you have gotten this information. I have never seen any Estonian who makes a connection between sauna and spa nor have I seen Estonians who specifically go to the spa to sauna, if they want to go to the sauna, they, surprise surprise, go to their own sauna. Also, I very much doubt that there is an argument for the fact that Finns use sauna in a more traditional way. If anything, it is the Estonians who do that, as in Estonia, the chimneyless smoke sauna (one of the oldest "versions" of the sauna) is still very widely used, unlike in Finland, where electric saunas have become more and more popular.

[saeedfarhadi]

You have a lovely way of conveying how it feels to actually visit these places, and the historical facts are a great addition. Very unique and enjoyable travel vlogs, Thank you! You should also visit Iran, I think you'd love it.

[ratel]

The purple chocolate is the best one, you made the right choice

[yusufskitchen]

amazing brother, wish I was there.. this place is next on my list for sure. You're progressing so well my friend and your videos are perfect, travel agents and tourist places should hire you..!! speak to you soon Willie ❤👍📸

[senorsunset]

Really great share. Thank you for showing the world with well researched dialogue. 🙏👍

[estelamprecht]

I can understand that this is a special and favourite
We are enjoying your travels with you!!!
13 February -+22:00. 🙏🏼

[oldowleye]

Beautifull indeed - Tallinn is a true jewell

[martinkoitmae]

Wow, glad to see you are enjoying Estonia!

[sketchypeoplepdx]

We're definitely going here later this year. Thanks for the tour! This looks amazing!

[HawkExplores]

Hello Willie, I don’t know if you remember me but I bumped into you at the Christmas market in Riga last month, I’m Adam from Peterborough and I got your YouTube channel name off you when we met. Ever since I met you I’ve shown my dad and my brother your videos and I’ve been watching your journey across the Baltic region. Keep up the good videos mate!

[Swanoaks]

Amazing to see these beautiful Baltic countries, and learn of their history. Some of the buildings have fascinating charm. Thank you Willie: Kiwi from Virginia

[derrasmerko]

The time when you mentioned age of empire game, i had the exact same feeling about old town :)