Tallinn is the capital of Estonia and is known for its medieval town centre overlooked by a hill and its 18th century castle. It is the country’s principal port and is a mere 85 km from the Finnish coast and Helsinki, with quick ferry links.

Tallinn, with 400 000 inhabitants, is the smallest of the three Baltic capitals. It has a quietly provincial air which lends distinction to a town renowned for its immaculately-preserved medieval centre studded here and there with Renaissance and Baroque edifices. Inside perfectly-preserved fortified city walls, the lower town is interlaced with ancient streets that lead to the Town Hall square, a remarkable Gothic monument, and its medieval buildings, including a 15th century chemist’s. If you stroll down Pikk Jala Street, you will reach Toompea hill, Estonia’s seat of power. The churches and the castle, built during the successive rules of the Danes, the Germans, the Swedes and the Russians, are now the seat of the Estonian government and lend this hill a noble and monumental air. From this district on the heights, the clear view over the modern suburbs and the port is a reminder that Tallinn has become, since Estonia won its independence in 1991, a city of trade and business deals. Links with neighbours in Finland, a mere 80 km away by sea, have given rise to a new prosperity in the capital that can be seen in its plentiful restaurants and contemporary boutiques. In Tallin, the meeting of ancient heritage and modern consumerism has proved a real success and adds interest to any stay in the capital.