2 Travel adventures Estonia

To the Far North of Europe

1 juli 2017 -26 juli 2017 (26 days)

Tallinn’s old town is still largely surrounded by its original city gates and watchtowers, giving the center a distinctly medieval character. On the terrace of what claims to be the city’s oldest café, we order a drink. Then we walk via the Town Hall Square, the old pharmacy, and the Pikk Street to St. Olaf’s Church. We climb the 60-meter-high spire — quite a climb. From the tower’s balcony, we have a panoramic view over all of Tallinn. We can see our hotel and trace the route we walked. From here, we can also see the old city gate and, on the other side, the higher Domberg (Cathedral Hill). The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral is located there — our next stop. We reach the elevated cathedral via an uphill road. Inside the Orthodox cathedral, singing fills the air. It seems a baptism is taking place. Mostly women are praying in front of the gilded iconostasis of this Orthodox church.

Photos Travelogue Route

Estonia

Kaarma Church

The memorial plaque at Kaarma Church from 1407 is the oldest Estonian text

Church Interior Polde

The austere interior of the Fortress Church of Polde on Saaremaa

Katariina Kaik

In the Katariina Kaik alley medieval life still lingers

Old Pharmacy

The old pharmacy at Town Hall Square in Tallinn

Baltic States

24 juli - 7 augustus 2010 (15 days)

In the afternoon, we first enter the Dominican Monastery. The elderly caretaker, with just a few teeth, eagerly points out various things and names them in a few words. I doubt I would’ve figured this out without his help. When he hears someone speaking Russian, he starts enthusiastically explaining more. The Great Guild Hall now houses the Historical Museum. We visit the old guild building and immediately absorb some Estonian history. Across the street is the lesser-known Nikolai Kirik, and from there, we reach St. Olaf’s Church. The tower climb is included in the Tallinn Card. While some, having seen enough steps, stay below, I eagerly climb the tower. At about 60 meters, there’s an open balustrade. The spire, which is another 60 meters high, starts from here. I walk the narrow walkway around the tower and admire the old town and the cruise ships in the harbor.

Photos Video Travelogue

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