Of all three Baltic capitols, Tallinn is by far the most Western and the most stunning (although I thought that Riga was the most interesting capitol). The old town is laid out in a very beautiful area, next to the coast, which is visible from the bluff where Toompea Castle sits. While I was there, the sky was clear blue and the temperature wasn't too low. I walked around Toompea Castle at night when I couldn't sleep and saw some beautiful views of the city lights from the bluff. At the hostel, I met some Danes, one of whom tried to convince me to become a socialist. It was interesting to talk with him.
This is the tallest tower of Toompea castle, built by the Danes
This is the view of Toompea castle (Castrum Danorum) from beneath the bluff at night
This is the exquisite Alexander Nevsky Orthodox Church
This is the present-day Parliament building (built by Catherine the Great) which sits across the street from St. Nicholas Church and is flanked by the walls of Toompea Castle and the bluff that were in the second picture
A view of the old town from the heights of Toompea Hill; St. Olav's church stands above the other buildings and the Gulf of Finland is in the background
A steeple that looked like it was glowing
A protestant church on Toompea Hill
One of the charming alleys among the shops, embassies, and administration buildings on Toompea Hill
The Parliament building at night
An alley leading to the Old Town central square
The Gothic town hall of Tallinn's old town
The city walls and towers of the old town and the tower of St. Olaf's behind themThis is a video of the old town square in Tallin at night, beginning with the town hall
