I recommend visiting Estonia in winter because it turns into a real Christmas fairy tale. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, becomes especially beautiful during this time of year.
One of the most interesting places in Tallinn is the Old Town (Vanilinn). It is the historic part of the city with narrow cobblestone streets, old buildings, medieval towers, beautiful churches and cosy squares. There are many places to explore on foot. Walking through the Old Town, you can enjoy its atmosphere and see many historical sights.
In the Old Town, it is worth visiting Town Hall Square, which is the heart of the historic centre. You can also see Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, St. Olaf’s Church, Kiek in de Kök Tower and the old city walls. These places help you feel the history of Tallinn.
It is especially interesting to visit Toompea. It is a historic hill with beautiful viewpoints overlooking the Old Town, its red roofs, towers and old buildings. In winter, the view becomes even more beautiful when the whole city is covered in snow.
For accommodation, it is convenient to stay in the city centre. There are many good and affordable hotels, and most of the main sights can be reached on foot.
The Baltic Sea is also worth seeing. In the Pirita area, you can walk along the coast and enjoy beautiful views. It is interesting that some Estonians and residents of Tallinn swim in the sea even in winter. This is a way of hardening themselves, although the water is very cold at this time of year.
Another interesting place is the Kalamaja district. It is known for its old wooden houses, cosy cafés and special atmosphere. Here you can see a quieter and more peaceful side of Tallinn, away from the most touristy places.
There is also a lot to say about the architecture of Tallinn. The city has many beautiful old buildings, churches, medieval towers, city walls and other historic structures. The old churches and the architecture of the Old Town are especially impressive.
It is also worth trying Estonian cuisine. It is very tasty and has many traditional dishes. In Tallinn, there are cosy restaurants and cafés where you can try local food and warm up after a winter walk.
In winter, you can visit the Christmas market in Town Hall Square. The festive lights, Christmas tree, snow and old buildings create an amazing atmosphere.
In winter, Tallinn truly turns into a New Year’s snow fairy tale. The old streets, beautiful buildings, Christmas decorations, the sea and delicious local cuisine make Estonia a wonderful destination for a winter trip.
If you’d like to continue exploring Europe after your trip to Estonia, I recommend heading further east to Poland. It’s just as atmospheric in winter, but there are also plenty of beautiful places, interesting cities, and sights to discover throughout the rest of the year. If you need more information to help plan your trip, you can find it in my article about traveling to Poland and my sincerely recommendations.