Tallinn: Old Town in Depth - Part 29

Patkuli viewing platform

This is the best vantage point for viewing Tallinn' s fairy tale Town Wall and towers, St. Olav' s Church and the harbour area. It is located on the north side of Toompea hill and the platform sits very visibly on a limestone cliff. On the right, the Town Wall and its defensive towers stretch off into the distance. On the left lie the city' s Kalamaja and Pelgulinn areas, with the railway station as a landmark. A winding series of steps, built in 1903, leads down the cliff face to Nunne street and Shnelli Park below.

Tallinn Zoo

Tallinn Zoo is situated in the beautiful and naturally diverse Veskimetsa Park Forest. Boasting the most expansive collection in Northern Europe, the zoo is home to more than 7700 animals representing almost 600 species and subspecies from Australia to Alaska. Here you will find the world’s best mountain goat enclosure, a remarkable number of eagles and vultures and an impressive variety of owls and cranes.

Adventure seeking kids and adults can make use of the various climbing paths of the Zoo Adventure Park, be sure to ask for the ticket at the gates. The zoo has two access points, these are the Western gate at Ehitajate tee 150; and the Northern gate at Paldiski mnt 145. As with much in Tallinn the indoor exhibits are closed on Mondays. Starting in October 2017, the new Polar Bear World attraction was opened to the public. Entry is free with the Tallinn Card.

Estonian Open Air Museum

You can time travel back to the rural Estonia of old in this vast, living museum filled with recreated, 18-20th-century villages.

The forested park comprises numerous thatched farm buildings as well as historic windmills, a wooden chapel and a village school. Staff are in period costume and demonstrate how people lived and worked in times past. Visitors can buy handicrafts and try out the traditional foods served in the village tavern.

The museum is located in the quiet, seaside Rocca al Mare area, an ideal place for families to take a picnic and escape from the busy city. Fun, family-oriented theme fairs take place where traditions are passed on to the younger generation through games, songs and dances.
There is a free downloadable audio guide for your mobile with an app called NUMU. If you don' t have a smartphone, you can hire one for €5 from the museum' s ticket desk in order to use NUMU.
Again you get free entrance to the museum with Tallinn Card.

Continued in part 30