So, this is our light-hearted view of Tallinn in Estonia.

It has some of the interesting stuff, a few trivial facts, and our thoughts on this picturesque Baltic city.

Estonia certainly has had a mixed heritage over the centuries, with various Kingdoms and Empires taking control, including Germany, Denmark, Sweden and Russia.

Tallinn was known by its historical German name of Reval from the 13th century until 1918 when it regained its independence.

Tallinn's Old Town is one of the most beautifully preserved medieval cities in Europe. Incredibly 1.9km of its defensive walls still remain, along with many of its ancient watchtowers.

With Tallinn located at such a strategic point in the Baltic Sea, it became a major trading hub. This then led to Tallinn playing an important role from the 14th to the 16th centuries and became part of the Hanseatic League.

The Historic Centre (Old Town) of Tallinn was granted UNESCO World Heritage status in 1997.

Tallinn was a European Capital of Culture for 2011.

Tallinn makes an ideal location for a mini-break. Centuries of history encircling you, the stunning architecture around every corner.

Tallinn is easily negotiated on foot, although to get the heart racing a bit head up to Toompea Castle and catch the wonderful view across the city rooftops.

• The sun shines in Tallin for around 19 hours a day in the summer to around 6 hours in the winter.
• Talking of sunshine, Tallinn has a sandy beach, just around the bay from the Old Town in the Pirita District, you can enjoy 2km of golden sands, with magnificent views across the Baltic Sea.
• The Oldest café in Estonia is in Tallinn, named Maiasmokk. It was established in 1864 by the Baltic German confectioner Georg Stude. Though from 1806 a bakery was in the same location.
• Tallinn passenger port is one of the busiest cruise destinations on the Baltic Sea. If you don’t like crowds, you may want to check out when the ships are in town.
• Tallinn clearly takes its art very seriously; the city has a population of under half a million; yet, has 44 art museums.
• The Marina at the coastal region of Pirita was built for the 1980 Moscow Olympics, to stage the sailing events.

What's it like discovering the city?
 
Is it walkable? do you need to use public transport? did we leave with weary feet?

(0% - It's mountainous and public transport's a joke 100% - I'm in paradise.)

In the heart of the old city, it is very easily walkable, which is how we navigated Tallinn. Although there is a bit of a climb up to Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Nonetheless, it’s worth it.
 
To visit the Pirita beach or Kadriorg Palace jump on public transport for a short ride.

It's probably got to be the pig's ears. It must be an acquired taste and texture.

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