Toompea Hill

Toompea

The limestone hill crowned by Toompea Castle, the seat of Estonia's parliament, and the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. Its viewing platforms deliver the postcard panoramas over Tallinn's red rooftops and spires.

Things to do

• Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform — Take in the classic postcard panorama over Tallinn's red rooftops, spires, and the Old Town walls stretching toward the sea.
• Patkuli Viewing Platform — Enjoy a quieter viewpoint looking over the Toompea walls, St. Olaf's Church, and the harbor beyond.
• Alexander Nevsky Cathedral — Step inside this ornate 1900 Russian Orthodox cathedral with its onion domes, mosaics, and glittering iconostasis.
• Toompea Castle and Parliament — Admire the pink Baroque facade of Toompea Castle, home to Estonia's Riigikogu parliament, alongside the medieval Tall Hermann tower.
• St. Mary's Cathedral (Dome Church) — Visit Estonia's oldest church and climb its tower for another sweeping view over the city.
• Walk the Short and Long Leg streets — Descend the historic Lühike jalg and Pikk jalg passages that have connected upper Toompea to the lower town since medieval times.
• Danish King's Garden — Relax in this small terraced garden linked to the legend of the Danish flag's origin in 1219, watched over by monk statues.

Food to try

• Marzipan treats — Sample hand-painted marzipan, a Tallinn specialty said to have medieval origins, sold in nearby Old Town shops.
• Verivorst — Try Estonian blood sausage, a hearty traditional dish often served with lingonberry jam and sauerkraut.
• Mulgipuder — Taste this rustic barley-and-potato porridge, a national comfort food frequently topped with fried bacon.
• Black bread (leib) — Enjoy dense Estonian rye bread, a beloved staple that locals treat with near-sacred respect.
• Kohuke — Grab a chocolate-glazed curd snack bar, a nostalgic Estonian sweet found in shops around the hill.

Local customs & good to know

• Wear sturdy shoes — The cobblestone streets and steep passages up Toompea are uneven and slippery when wet.
• Dress modestly in churches — Cover shoulders and remove hats inside Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, and note that photography may be restricted.
• Respect the parliament area — Toompea Castle is Estonia's working seat of government, so access to some areas is limited and security is present.
• Visit early for the views — The popular Kohtuotsa platform gets crowded midday, so arrive at sunrise or dusk for calmer photos.

Nearby

• Tallinn Old Town — 0 km
• Telliskivi Creative City — 1 km
• Tallinn — 1 km
• Seaplane Harbour Museum — 2 km