Tallinn: Old Town Winter Legends and Christmas Market Tour

Experience Tallinn’s winter magic on a small-group walking tour. Explore the Old Town, enjoy seasonal treats, and discover the city’s history, legends, and winter folklore with a guide.
Begin your festive adventure at Raekoja plats, the magical Town Hall Square, surrounded by pastel-colored merchant houses and the Gothic Town Hall. Here stands Tallinn’s world-famous Christmas Market, where the scent of cinnamon, roasted nuts, and mulled wine fills the air.

Your guide introduces the square’s history as the city’s political and trading center since the 13th century — and shares the legend of how the Danish King’s hunt gave birth to Tallinn’s name “Reval.” Enjoy a few moments to soak in the festive atmosphere and snap your first photos under the Christmas tree that has stood here every year since 1441 — the first public Christmas tree tradition in Europe.

Step into Europe’s oldest continuously operating pharmacy, open since 1422. Inside, shelves display curious medieval remedies — powdered unicorn horn, mummy dust, and herbal elixirs. A perfect warm indoor stop full of fascinating tales and history.

Climb gently up Toompea Hill, where Tallinn’s oldest church, St. Mary’s Cathedral, stands in serene beauty. Admire its Gothic interior, noble family crests, and intricate woodwork that reflects centuries of power and faith. Learn how this church became the resting place of Estonia’s elite — and listen to stories of royal intrigue, devotion, and art. Weather permitting, you may enjoy sweeping views of snow-covered rooftops from the nearby terrace.

Descend back into the Old Town to visit the charming Church of the Holy Spirit, known for its 14th-century altar and ancient clock still ticking today.

Continue to Kalev Marzipan Museum Room, where Estonia’s sweetest history comes to life. Discover how marzipan evolved from medieval medicine to a Christmas delicacy.

Take a relaxing break at a local café tucked along a cobblestone street. Enjoy coffee, tea, or mulled wine, paired with fresh pastries or roasted almonds, while you warm up by candlelight.

Step outside into one of Tallinn’s most picturesque lanes — Rataskaevu Street, lined with medieval houses and mysterious stories.

Climb briefly to Kohtuotsa viewing platform for breathtaking views of the Old Town’s towers, red rooftops, and the Baltic Sea. In December, the city glows under strings of golden lights — an unforgettable sight. Capture postcard-worthy photos while your guide explains how Tallinn’s skyline evolved through centuries of trade, war, and resilience.

Descend to the Danish King’s Garden, where, according to legend, the Danish flag “Dannebrog” fell from the sky in 1219. Amid statues of monks and snow-dusted trees, feel the quiet magic of this place. It’s a reflective stop connecting myth and history, ideal for storytelling and contemplation.

Conclude your tour at St. Olaf’s Church, once the tallest building in the world. Learn about Tallinn’s rise as a powerful Hanseatic port and how this spire guided sailors through centuries. Your tour ends here — surrounded by history, lights, and the comforting scent of winter festivities.

Om de beschikbaarheid te garanderen, dient u zo snel mogelijk te reserveren. Vroegboekkorting is het overwegen waard, vooral als u de reis plant tijdens het hoogseizoen, zoals op feestdagen of in het weekend.

Deze excursie kunt u kosteloos annuleren tot: annuleringstijd voor aanvang van de reis. Bij annulering na: annulering na: annuleringstijd of niet aanwezig zijn op de excursie wordt de volledige prijs van de activiteit alsnog in rekening gebracht. Te laat komen bij het ophalen of vertrekken wordt beschouwd als niet komen opdagen.