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Tallinn

Capital of EstoniaOn the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland, in north-western Estonia, lies Tallinn. Its old centre grew up around Toompea hill, where a fortress was built around the year 1050.

Why it's the capital

In 1285 the town, then known as Reval, became the northernmost member of the Hanseatic League, an alliance of trading cities. Estonia's Declaration of Independence was proclaimed here on 24 February 1918, and Tallinn became the capital of the new state.

Fun facts

  1. The name Tallinn is widely thought to come from Taani-linna, meaning "Danish castle".
  2. In 1530 a weather vane shaped like an old warrior, known as Old Thomas, was placed on top of the Town Hall spire.
  3. Skype, the internet calling service, is one of the best-known start-ups to come from Tallinn.

Finding it on the globe

Travel almost straight north from Riga, the capital of Latvia, until you reach the sea: Tallinn is on Estonia's north coast, toward the western end.

Easy to mix up

Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is only about 80 km to the north across the Gulf of Finland, so the two are easy to swap. Tallinn is the one on the southern shore.

Sources: Wikipedia: Tallinn