Toompea is where Tallinn’s rulers lived, looking down on the merchants of the Lower Town from a limestone hill. Today it is the seat of Estonia’s parliament, in Toompea Castle with its Tall Hermann tower, and a quiet quarter of embassies and old mansions. Opposite the castle stands the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a striking Russian Orthodox church from the late tsarist era, and a few steps away is the Dome Church, the Cathedral of Saint Mary the Virgin, the oldest church in mainland Estonia, filled with the coats of arms of noble families. The real draw, though, is the view. The Kohtuotsa platform looks straight over the rooftops and spires of the Lower Town toward the harbour; Patkuli looks across to Kalamaja and the sea; and Piiskopi sits in a small park with old oaks. All three are free and open at all hours.
How to get up: on foot from the Lower Town via Pikk jalg, the Long Leg, a gently sloping lane through a gate tower, or by Lühike jalg, the Short Leg, a steep stepped passage. Coming from the train station or Kalamaja, the Patkuli stairs climb straight up the cliff. Taxis can reach the top if the slopes are a problem.
What to see in order: start at Kohtuotsa for the postcard view, then walk to Patkuli for the wider angle toward the sea. Visit the Dome Church on the way, then cross to the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, which is an active place of worship, so dress modestly and keep voices low during services. The Dome Church tower can be climbed for an extra view. Finish at the castle for the pink Baroque facade of the parliament building and the Tall Hermann tower, where the Estonian flag is raised each morning.
When to go: early morning is quiet, while the platforms fill with tour groups in the late morning in summer. Late afternoon light is beautiful on the Lower Town’s roofs, and in winter, sunset comes early, so you can catch it before dinner. It can be windy and cold on the platforms, so dress warmly out of season.
What to expect
The experience
A short uphill walk to the Upper Town, with three free viewing platforms, two cathedrals and the parliament castle.
Best time
Early morning for empty platforms; late afternoon for warm light on the roofs.
How long
One to two hours, including the cathedrals.
Tips
Go up by the Long Leg and down by the Short Leg, dress modestly for the Orthodox cathedral, and bring a layer for the wind.
Quick picks
- Best for
- The definitive free view of Tallinn’s rooftops and spires.
- Families
- A short climb with a big reward; hold small hands at the platform walls.
- Couples
- Sunset from Kohtuotsa, then down the Short Leg for dinner.
- Pair with
- The Old Town walk, Vabamu at the foot of the hill and the KGB Prison Cells.
- Time needed
- An hour or two.
Good questions
Are the Toompea viewing platforms free?+
Yes. Kohtuotsa, Patkuli and Piiskopi are free and open at all hours.
Which platform has the best view?+
Kohtuotsa has the classic view over the Lower Town’s roofs and spires; Patkuli is wider and looks toward Kalamaja and the sea.
Can you go inside the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral?+
Yes, it is an active Orthodox church open to respectful visitors; dress modestly and avoid photography during services.
Is Toompea a hard climb?+
It is short but steep. The Long Leg is the gentler route; the Short Leg has steps.
Can you visit the parliament?+
The castle is a working parliament, so most visitors simply view it from outside; check the Riigikogu for any public tours.