Delightful, scenic. A day totally devoted to pleasant encounters, lovely strolls, and welcoming people. These are my impressions of Tallinn. Several residents along the way pointed us to the tall hill of the Historic Centre of town. They were like walking friendly maps and I didn’t mind at all being treated like a tourist. Especially because they were right – this is one tourist destination that visitors shouldn’t miss.
The stonework of the older structures and cobble of the streets are not glossy reproductions. They look time-worn and grizzled, used to the hard work of protecting centuries of people from uncertain times.
I walked up and down the hill, getting lost and then finding my way. I tracked up and down tiny walkways, in and out of the gathering spots and the tucked-away corners. Some of the cobbled stones were shiny and worn by footsteps over time, some – down the less-conspicuous roads – were rougher and unused to foot traffic.
But the day was glorious with warmth and sun. So, I kept walking up and down, round and round this hillside of Estonian history.
At one point, I merged with a ceremonial walk around the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Out from the sanctuary burst a church-full of parishioners. Holy water, chants and songs accompanied the worshippers. They circumnavigated the entire church, then re-entered the sanctuary, following their Orthodox tradition.
What a wonderland I had walked into. Descending the Old Town Hill, I walked along the canal that separates the newer city from the old. Cars and buses raced by on my left, while on my right, medieval walls and centuries-old  buildings were framed in the sunlight. If I had a list of favorite walks, this would be one.
Stop by Restless Jo’s Monday Walks for more…
One Small Walk... 
I haven’t been to any of the Baltic states. This looks beautiful!
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Anabel – I am really happy to have had that experience, it’s such a different part of the world. It’s so far from us, I’m sure I won’t be going back, but it’s a hop-skip-and-jump for you!!!
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Quite lovely, Susan. I love the walk by the stream and the architecture.
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Keith – I was surprised when I saw the photo of the stream, even though I took it myself. It was lovely in person, but the photo made it look a bit magical!!
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We’ve not been that interested in visiting the Baltic countries but Tallinn looks like a truly beautiful city. Maybe we’ll have to add it to our list as a possibility if ever we’re in that area.
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You’d love Tallinn. And Helsinki. But, it does take a lot to get to that area, and it’s so expensive. (However, you can get a good deal on a cruise ship every once in awhile :):) )
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Gorgeous photos and a step back in time. I can definitely understand why this walk about Tallinn, Estonia might be one of your favorite ones. Northern Europe is on our “Must See” list and your post has piqued my interest even more. And now I’m off to read about Estonia’s history! Anita
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I admire your prep work in travel. Too often, I get to a place and then I start thinking I should have read a thing or two ahead of time!!
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So many roads to explore.
Cuz-O
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