Things to Do in St. Olaf's Church

Tallinn, Estonia's medieval capital, centers around one of Northern Europe's most remarkably preserved Old Towns, where St. Olaf's Church has dominated the skyline for over 800 years. The church, once considered the tallest building in the world, rises majestically above cobblestone streets that wind between Gothic spires and merchant houses that have weathered centuries of Baltic storms. What makes Tallinn particularly compelling is how seamlessly it blends its medieval heritage with modern Estonian innovation - you'll find cutting-edge digital art galleries tucked into 14th-century buildings, and locals who are just as likely to discuss cryptocurrency as they are the city's Hanseatic League history. The Old Town feels authentically lived-in rather than museum-like, with residents still calling these ancient streets home and neighborhood pubs serving Estonian craft beer in cellars that date back to the Middle Ages.

Estonian cuisine has evolved far beyond the heavy, Soviet-influenced dishes you might expect, though you can still find excellent versions of traditional foods like black bread, smoked fish, and hearty stews. The Old Town has its share of tourist restaurants, but venture into Kalamaja or Telliskivi for where locals actually eat - small plates restaurants, craft beer bars, and surprisingly sophisticated Nordic cuisine. Estonian craft beer deserves special mention; local breweries like Põhjala have gained international recognition. For traditional flavors with modern presentation, restaurants like Rataskaevu 16 or NOA (outside the city) showcase how Estonian chefs are reinterpreting their culinary heritage.

Summer (June through August) offers the most reliable weather and the famous White Nights when darkness barely falls, but it's also when cruise ships and tour groups are most numerous. Late spring (May) and early autumn (September) might actually be ideal - you'll have decent weather, fewer crowds, and the kind of atmospheric lighting that makes the medieval architecture look particularly dramatic. Winter has its own appeal if you don't mind cold and limited daylight; the Christmas market is genuinely charming, and there's something magical about snow on the medieval rooftops. That said, some attractions like St. Olaf's tower close during winter months.