The Baltic States

My friend and I took the train out of Russia and into Finland because with her visa she first needed to go there before any other of the Schengen countries and it would allow us a quick visit to Helsinki to walk around.  We choose to spend the majority of our time in Tallinn across the Gulf of Finland because of its quaint old town many people rave about.  Should I get back to Finland I really would love to check out more of the country where lakes and forests cover a lot of territory here.

Our visit comprised of lunch in the city at a microbrewery with a walk to the main square to see Helsinki Cathedral.

We then headed down to the ferry terminal to take the 2 hour boat across the Gulf into Estonia.  The ride was extremely pleasant and enjoyable.

During our time in Tallinn we walked and discovered the old town and enjoyed the spa at our hotel.

The city is divided into an upper and lower town with the parliament and Nevsky Orthodox church located on the upper point.  Having this upper city offers great views over the lower town and out into the Gulf.  We walked up numerous times just to enjoy the view and different periods of light.

St. Olaf's Church

We walked up St. Olaf's church to enjoy the view from the top.  It's spire was once used for Russian KGB surveillance and radio transmissions.

Looking toward the ferry terminal

Toward town.  Notice the upper town on the right side

We took in a more modern view from the Swiss Hotel skyscraper for happy hour.

Small Russian influences are noticeable around the city from the Alexander Nevsky Orthodox church to the old stands of Linnahall on the shore that were used for sailing events at the Moscow Olympic Games in 1980.  It's kind of an eyesore and relic of the Soviet Times in these parts.  I guess it's why I didn't take any pictures of it.  It's now where people like to drink a beer on its roof kinda place.

Overall I really liked Tallinn and again I wish I could see more of the country if I had more time because I know there are some great natural areas to explore.  It reminded me of a lot of cities in Germany I've been to a la Rothenburg ob der Tauber.  I even heard a German tourist said it reminded him of Bamberg!

Town Hall Square

So if you can't make it to Tallinn head to Bamberg :)