Hotels near Toompea Viewing Platforms

Toompea, the hill that forms Tallinn's Upper Town, offers the best views over the Christmas-lit Old Town. From the Kohtuotsa and Patkuli viewing platforms, you can see a sea of red rooftops, church spires and the Gulf of Finland beyond.

On the way up, you pass the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral and Toompea Castle, home of the Estonian Parliament. The climb through the medieval lanes of Pikk jalg (Long Leg) and Lühike jalg (Short Leg) is part of the experience.

The viewpoints are free and open at all times, but paths can be icy in winter, so take care. From the top, you can pick out the Tallinn Christmas market tree glowing in the square below.

Pro Tip: Climb to Kohtuotsa just before sunset, which is around 3.20pm in mid-December, for the best light over the rooftops. Wear shoes with good grip for the icy cobbles.