Posts Tagged palace
Travel to Two Cities: Helsinki and Tallinn
Posted by alibabarika in Estonia Articles on June 7, 2011
Often traveling to two cities offers a greater understanding of both through the comparison and contrasts the visitor experiences. Such is the case with Helsinki, the largest city and capital of Finland and Tallinn in Estonia. Travel affords deep reflective practice for those who may be reinventing life. As we look forward to new paths in life, travel is great to remind us of the change in life over time. Helsinki and Tallinn offer the visitor such times. The travel season is relatively short to both cities except for those hardened or well prepared through good clothing for the cold. For the summer, the temperatures range from a cool 59F (15C) up to a hot 86F (30C) in the warmest month of July. Visitors will enjoy up to 19 hours of sunlight in the summer. Both temperatures and the amount of sun plummet in the winter reaching average days that are well below freezing with blankets of snow, to the point where the sea itself freezes over, and it is never fully daylight. Naturally tourists then generally see both cities in the summer.
Comparisons between the cities go back as far as their ancient history as King Gustav of Sweden who, in 1550 founded Helsinki as a rival of its counterpart across the water – which later became Tallinn. Both are strategically important due to their sea ports and, as a result, have been run over by military forces in their histories. Tallinn grew to prominence as a summer retreat for the Russian Tzar Alexander the Great who built a modest summer palace there. Helsinki Helsinki is a modern European Capital with all the amenities you would associate with that status. While not large, it also was not bombed much during the second World War so its older Renaissance buildings are beautiful. Similar to Amsterdam, Helsinki promotes travel through the city by bicycle, with many commuters coming in by train and picking up the bike they left the night before at the train station. Pack comfortable clothes and rent a bike, you can easily see most of the city in a couple of days, able to easily hop off to see sights of interest and move on at your leisure. Helsinki is a city of neighborhoods and a tour on bicycle is perfect. You can travel around the edge, by the water on bike paths, then move inward to sights of interest as your mood suggests. Be sure to stop at the charming market at the edge of city center on the wharf. The Deco facade on the train station should not be missed, nor the two magnificent cathedrals – all within an easy distance from each other.
Visiting Tallinn, Estonia
Posted by alibabarika in Estonia Articles on November 1, 2010
Tallinn is the largest city and capital of Estonia, with a population of 404,000 as of 2009. It is situated on the banks of the Gulf of Finland, on the northern coast of Estonia. The city has been attacked, razed and pillaged on many occasions throughout history, including by the Germans in the early part of the century, and extensively bombed by the Soviet Union towards the end of World War II. However, through all that, much of the medieval old town still exists with its full charm. Having belonged to the USSR since the beginning of World War II, in August of 1991 an independent Democratic Estonian State was reestablished and Tallinn became the capital, as in earlier days.
The old town is indeed well preserved, with its winding cobbled streets and arches and pastel houses. It is one of the best preserved old towns in all of Europe, and rehabilitation efforts continue to this day. Old town is easily explored on foot. Check out the Town Hall Square, which contains merchant’s houses dating back to the 15th century. The Great Guild should also be seen, and it also now houses part of the State History Museum. St. Olaf’s church was once the tallest building in medieval Europe, and the town walls and towers are also well worth exploring. Kadriorg Palace is also in the old town section, and it houses the national collection of foreign art.
Ten Great Things to Do When You Visit Estonia
Posted by alibabarika in Estonia Articles on September 7, 2010
Estonia is a Baltic State with fifteen countries. It is located in Northeastern Europe with land boarders with Latvia and Russia and coastline on the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Finland. Estonia has a unique and rich nature that nourishes the heart and nostalgic atmosphere of small towns.
1.) Sailing
Guidelines For Travel in Estonia
Posted by alibabarika in Estonia Articles on August 5, 2010
Estonia is emerging as a strong player in the telecom and electronics sector and is on path of becoming one of the modern market driven economies. Tallinn, the capital of Estonia is a modern city in the Baltic region. Tallinn has a very old history that dates back to 11th century AD and the winding cobbled streets of this town are a reminder of the glorious past. Travelers are very common in the town of Tallinn who flock to see the old town with its defensive walls and fortresses which were at one point of time touted to be one of the best defensive encampments in Europe.
Going down the cobbled winding roads of Tallinn one can witness the Lower town and Tompea Hill which was the aristocratic part of the town of Tallinn.