probably not a question you have ever asked yourself, because really, why would you.  well, when you’re in Finland for the weekend and you think it would be fun to go to Russia for a day, but you can’t because you didn’t think to get a visa in advance, you pick somewhere else you can go without a visa.  hello Estonia!

the Republic of Estonia is a mere 1 hour 40 minute ferry ride across the Baltic Sea from Finland, and it made the perfect day trip destination.

we boarded the Linda Line Ferry at 10 AM and spent the day wandering through Tallinn, which is the oldest city in Estonia and the capital.

in the Middle Ages the Old Town was always under the threat of attack so they built a fortress with high thick walls, guard towers, and gates.  today 1.18 miles of wall and half of the towers still remain.

we went to the top of the St. Olav’s Church, which is the tallest building in Tallin and took in the stunning rooftop views.

we happened to overhear a tour guide speaking English and followed his trio up the cobblestone streets to Toompea Hill and learned quite a bit about the history of the area.  too bad we couldn’t stay with them the whole day, he was a really great guide.

the town is full of churches, museums, spiral staircases, ironwork, and lots of cool spires.  this is the St. Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is undergoing a little renovation, hence the green netting.

surrounding the main plaza were a ton of restaurants to choose from, so we opted for a little late afternoon Indian lunch, and then made our way back thru the Viru Gates and flower market to the ferry for our return trip home.

thank you Tallinn for a lovely sightseeing excursion!