Tallinn Estonia

Travelled : 133km to Tallinn
Stay : Tallinn port carpark € 6/24hr, walking distance to old town 59.44307, 24.75777

The sun has been setting later as we venture North. Last night it was 10:30pm but what really surprised us was the sunrise at 3:30am! We are fortunate that Bluey's blinds work really well and we managed to get some more sleep.

Even so we were on the road at 7am,  heading north to the capital of Estonia, Tallinn. A couple of hours later we were driving through the very quiet city streets feeling glad that it was a Sunday. We parked in the port parking area and went to purchase our tickets for the ferry crossing to Helsinki, Finland.

Having that organised we were ready to explore the very picturesque Old Town.
We entered through the gate at Fat Margaret's cannon tower built in 1530.  

We then had a peak inside 14th century St.Olav's church whose 124m spire towers the Old Town. We meandered our way through the Lower part of town with its colourful cabled houses and equally colourful doors. 

Here a a few more doors around town. You can even do a tour to take you to see them all!

One of these ornate doors belonged to The Brotherhood of Blackheads guild hall. The members were unmarried German merchants who were responsible for organising the town's defenses. 

We  eventually reached Long Leg Street, one of the 2 streets (the other Short Leg)  that leads us to Toompea, the area on the hill. 

Here we were impressed by the beautiful and very Russian looking St.Alexander Nevzky Cathedral with its onion domes, which was established in 1900. 

Opposite stands the castle which is home to the nation's parliament.  It has been the seat of power since the German Knights of the Sword built the first stone fortress here in 1229.  

The other main building on the hill is The Dome Church which is filled with Tallinn's nobles coat of arms. 

Just around the corner was a lookout terrace from which we could see the bay. 

Returning to the Lower Town we continued exploring the many streets and alleyways. 

Mark wishes the beers were this big!

Lots of buildings have been heritage listed and have information plaques on them. We ventured through Town Hall square, filled with people at the many restaurants here. 

The 14th century double towers of Viru Gate has become a symbol of the town. 

It was a lovely afternoon spent wondering around.

To commemorate the 1920 war of independence.

The very intact city walls and towers.

There were a few garden design displays.

The King and Queen were spotted! Probably from one of the many cruise ships.

Parnu Estonia

Travelled:183km to Parnu Estonia
Stay: Parnu- free parking near beach, no services N58.3793 E24.4660
Thanks to Our Tour

Travel Hint: so far fuel has been more expensive in Estonia by €0.10c/litre

After a bit of shopping at the local Maxima trying to fill Bluey to capacity before entering Scandinavia,  we made our way to the Vidzeme Coast to join up with the A1, the main road between Riga and Tallinn. 

The black and white stripe poles are for the lights of the pedestrian crossing.

We stopped briefly to have a look out at the very calm waters of the Gulf of Riga.

Then it was through the unmanned border into Estonia. 

Unlike the other Baltic countries, Estonia had also been occupied by the Danes and the Swedes. It gained it's independence from Russia in 1991 after years of suffering and persecution.
Parnu is Estonia's premier seaside resort. Although severely damaged in 1944 as the Soviets drove out the Nazis,  many parts have been restored.   

We chose a free Park4Night spot a very close walking distance to the Old Town and easily found the tourist office located in the 1797 neoclassical townhall.  

We strolled along Ruutli, the main thoroughfare, lined with splendid buildings. 

There was also many lovely timber homes scattered around surrounding streets. 

Whilst enjoying a local beer we were lucky to see a parade of children presumably dressed in national costumes, who we later saw dancing to traditional songs. 

After looking at a couple of churches we went to Tallinn Gate,  which is the only part left of the 17th Swedish ramparts that defended the town.

Rather than drive to Tallinn we decided take it easy near the beach but headed out of town and away from the crowds to a spot Our Tour had stayed at.

Mark kept busy making a new shelf the the eggs!