The Hanseatic era has left its mark on the entire Baltic Sea region. We present seven cities where its splendour still shines through. Part 7: Tallinn
Traces of the Hanseatic League in Tallinn
The former Reval was one of the most important Hanseatic trading centres in the eastern Baltic region. The superbly preserved Old Town evokes the atmosphere of a medieval trading city. Merchants’ houses, warehouses and the imposing city walls bear witness to the prosperity of the Hanseatic era. Particularly impressive are the Town Hall Square, the guild houses and the old city fortifications with their towers. The best known of these is the ‘Dicke Margarethe’, which houses the Estonian Maritime Museum (meremuuseum.ee) is situated. A walk up the Domberg offers a magnificent panoramic view over the harbour and the town.
Information for visiting boat owners
The modern Pirita Harbour is particularly popular (piritatop.ee) to the east of the city centre, which had already been expanded for the 1980 Olympic Games. Alternatively, there is the Old City Harbour, close to the city centre (ts.ee/en/old-city-marina) with up to 110 berths. The medieval old town, as well as attractions, shopping centres and restaurants, are just a short walk away. There is a busy service of ferries and commercial vessels between Tallinn and Helsinki. Most marinas can easily accommodate boats with a draught of around three metres.
Further articles in this series:
Jill Grigoleit
Editor Travel
