Tallinn

Tallinn is the capital of Estonia. The city derived its name from "Taani-linn" which means "Danish-castle/town". Danish rule in Tallinn and Northern Estonia began in 1219. The German influence became stronger with the beginning of the reformation and in 1561 it became a dominion of Sweden. The Independence Manifesto was proclaimed in Tallinn in1918 and Estonian Republic gained independence after the Tartu Peace Treaty. Tallinn was then chosen as the capital of Estonia. It is now the main seaport of the country.

Area & Location: Lies on the north coast of Estonia to the Baltic Sea, Tallinn is situated 80 km south of Helsinki. The city is located at 59º26' Latitude North and 24º45' Longitude East. It occupies a total area of 159.2 sq. km bordered by Finland, Russia and Latvia.

Tourist Attractions: As the city has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is often a tourist destination.

Transportation: The improving transportation facility in the city has enhanced the tourist visit to Tallinn. Tallinn Airport that operates all international as well as domestic flights particularly Estonian Air serves the city. The city operates an hourly helicopter service to Helsinki. The rail service in the city connects it with various other regions. The Via Baltica Motorway links Tallinn with the Lithuanian border. Ferry and bus service are the other forms of transportation in the city.

Hotels: Tallinn Hotels provide fantastic reception to its customers. Mainly aimed at tourists, the hotels offer all modern amenities, tasty dishes and comfortable accommodation to its guests. Vana Wiru, Merchant's House Hotel, Schloessle Hotel, Radisson SAS Tallinn, L'Ermitage Hotel, Meriton Grand Hotel Tallinn and Old Town Maestro's are the famous hotels in the city.

Places of Attraction: Majority of the attractions in the city can be found in Lower Town and Toompea. The Russian Orthodox Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Lutheran Cathedral are the two main pilgrim centers in the city. Estonian Open Air Museum showcases many rural and cultural artifacts of the ancient city. Raekoja plats, the town walls and towers especially "Fat Margaret" and "Kiek in de Kok" and St Olaf church tower are the main landmarks of Lower Town. Kadriorg-the former palace of Peter the Great, Pirita- a coastal district, Botanic Gardens and the Tallinn television tower are the other symbols of the city.