Toompea Castle (Toompea Loss)
Lossi Plats 1A, Tallinn, EST
Built on a hill on the edge of Tallinn’s Old Town, Toompea Castle was originally built over the remains of a 9th-century fortress by Danish invaders in 1219. Since it’s 13th-century founding, the castle has been the seat of succession across many centuries (and for many different ruling foreign powers), but now is Riigikogu—Estonia’s parliament building.
While only the four corner towers are all that exists from the 1219 Danish iteration, the castle has a long and interesting history. From being used as the seat of the Germanic Order of the Brothers of the Sword (an ancient religious, military order) to receiving a very pink, baroque facelift during Catherine the Great’s reign, Toompea Castle has seen its fair share of change. Today, the Estonian flag flies high from Pikk Hermann tower, rising every sunrise to the sounds of the national anthem of Estonia.
- You can only visit the castle on a guided tour, and all tours require advanced booking.
- Tours are conducted during the week and are roughly 30 minutes long.
- The castle is wheelchair accessible.
Vanalinn is a pedestrian-friendly area of Tallinn, and it is an easy (and fast) walk to Toompea Castle. From Old Town Square, follow Dunkri before a slight left on Rataskaevu. Make a right onto Lühike jalg and then turn right towards Lossi plats before turning left onto Lossi plats. Turn right to stay on Lossi plats and the castle will be on your left. The 7-minute walk is mostly flat.
Tours of the castle are only available Monday through Friday. Go online to make a reservation. For an enjoyable stroll outside the castle, visit Tallinn May through September for warmer weather.
An important part of the city of Tallinn, Toompea hill rises above Old Town on a mass of limestone. A short walk from the city center, the neighborhood comprises many of Tallinn’s important historical buildings including the Dome Church and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
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