Tallinn - the tips for a cool weekend
For a short break city breaks are ideal - because they provide as much inspiration in a short time as a three-week beach holiday. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, is something else - very young and modern, despite the beautiful old town with flair. And the queues at the sights are also much shorter than in Rome or Barcelona. Our tips and addresses for an unforgettable weekend in Tallinn:
Staying in Tallinn
Swissôtel: The higher, the better - you only have to book a room with a view of the sea to catch a glimpse of the ferries to Helsinki from above, or to count seagulls over the Baltic Sea. The sauna of the 5-star hotel also offers different perspectives: From the 11th floor you can look through the panoramic windows at the colorful streetscape of the city. Double room with sea view from 162 Euro (Tornimäe 3, Tel. 003 72/624 00 00, www.swissotel.com/tallinn).
The Three Sisters: The house is from the 14th century, each roof beam tells of the Middle Ages, but the decor adds a touch of cozy modernity. And in the restaurant "Bordoo" Estonian traditional cuisine is served with new flavors. DZ / F from about 140 Euro (Tolli 2, Tel. 003 72/630 63 00, www.threesistershotel.com).
Hotel Palace: The hotel is located directly on the Freedom Square with the Glass Cross, a popular meeting place for students and skaters. Because Tallinn not only has cobbled streets and historic flair - it's also a really young city. DZ / F from about 90 Euro (Vabaduse väljak 3, Tel. 003 72/680 66 55, www.tallinnhotels.ee/palace-hotel).
Eating and going out in Tallinn
Noa: Outside, the calm gray-green of the Baltic Sea, behind it the skyline of Tallinn shines in the evening sun, and the restaurant is top-class: home-baked black bread, cabbage with cucumber seeds, a juicy prepared fish from the special oven. At the end of the meal you should try the cider, delicious! (Ranna tee 3, Tel. 003 72/508 05 89, www.noaresto.ee).
Must Poodle: Why this café bar is named after a black dog remains a mystery. It is known, however, that it is the meeting place of all hipsters in the city. But in Tallinn even those are quite relaxed, as well as the mood here. The shop is styled in Soviet design (Orange! Faux Leather! Cord!), Convinced with selected music and delicious cake (Müürihave 20).
Kohvik Kohalik: In case of bad weather the fireplace crackles, the furniture is jumbled up and still decorative. The dishes are simple, but all have that certain something: To the pasta with chicken in cream sauce there are pomegranate seeds, from beetroot is a melt-like risotto (Koidu 82, Tel. 003 72/56 63 69 96, www.facebook.com/ kohalik).
Sightseeing in Tallinn
Viikingite Küla: 30 minutes by car from Tallinn, but still a journey into another time. Behind the wooden rampart of the Viking village you will find: peace of mind, everyday impressions as then, traditional customs and dishes. If you like, learn Viking dances or pick up your bow and arrow (Tel. 003 72/56 64 25 28, www.viikingitekyla.ee).
Birgittenkloster: Between the Baltic Sea and the river Pirita are the remains of this monastery, which founded a Swedish nun. Stairs lead into mysterious vaults, the walls of what was once the largest church building in the Baltics, which is a popular concert venue in the summer (Merivälja tee 18), tower high above.
Shopping in Tallinn
Telliskivi Creative City: Fine leather bags, hand-knitted socks, organic cosmetics and more: In the former industrial complex you will find nice things for your skin, home, and homeliness in small shops (Telliskivi 60A, www.telliskivi.eu).
Tali: Playful, ironic, lovable: The tiny shop in the middle of the old town is the mirror of Estonian soul. Whether handmade earrings with real flowers, candy colored tights or cuddly toy animals - the things speak for creativity paired with quiet humor (Voorimehe 4, www.facebook.com/TaliDisain).
Helina Tilk: The designer Helina Tilk paints her always friendly, but not cheesy motifs on ceramics and porcelain: the breakfast plates adorn a dog, the coffee cups a cat, and on the teapot sprouts a flower meadow (Rataskaevu 6, Tel. 003 72/646 42 80, www.helinatilk.eu).
So much time has to be:
- For a walk through the trendy district Kalamaja with colorful wooden houses and alternative charm.
- For a climb on the "Linnahall" (Mere puiestee 20B). This concrete block by the sea is a remnant of Soviet times. On warm days, the Tallinners like to sunbathe on the roof.
- For a visit to Seaplane Harbor. In this museum you can explore an old submarine from the inside (Vesilennuki 6).
