Toompea Castle

It's a very impressive building near other sights on Tallinn. The building is very well maintained, and the tower is iconic. There is a very beautiful garden nearby.

The Estonian seat of power. In the 9th century, the Estonians built the wooden fortress Lyndanisse on the strategically located Toompea (Domberg) hill. In 1219, the Danes under the leadership of King Waldemar II conquered the fortress and built a stone castle, Toompea Castle, also known as Tallinn Castle. The castle changed owners from time to time: from 1227 to 1237 it belonged to the Order of the Brothers of the Sword, then again to the Danes until it was conquered by the Teutonic Order in 1346. From 1561 it belonged to the Swedes and after the Peace of Nystad (1721) it belonged to Tsarist Russia. During the interbellum, the Estonian parliament and government were seated here and from 1940 to 1991 the castle housed the government of the Estonian Soviet Socialist Republic. Almost every change of government was followed by a renovation or expansion. The Danes built the 45.6 meter high "Pikk Herman" ("Long Herman"), the striking corner tower and eye-catcher of the castle, the Swedes built a new building against the old castle that was rebuilt by Catherine II. The pink, Baroque part of the castle where the Estonian Parliament (the Riigikogu) is now located, was built in 1920-22. PS. According to the legend of the Battle of Lyndanisse, the Dannebrog, the Danish flag (the oldest still used flag in the world), fell from the sky during this battle.

A beautiful castle and citadel which now is the seat of the Estonia parliament. The garden behind the citadel is pretty as well.

Mildly interesting and informative tour about and around Estonian parlament. Great guide, though !

Awesome tour guide, free tours available at 11 am, though check their website for dates and times as they change through the year! The guide was so knowledgeable and seriously one of the best tours I had in Tallinn, highly recommend!

A former castle and royal residence that dates back to the medieval times, Toompea Castle now functions as the central location for the Estonian government, where the parliament sits. The place is usually closed to public visits as it's a government building, but occasionally holds public tours (either twice or once per week). We were lucky to be able to join a tour in August on a Thursday, when the parliament was not in session, where we were given a thorough briefing of Estonian history and caught a glimpse of the different sections of the building. You can learn more about the public tours through the website, no sign ups required, they just need a photo ID from you with a security check. Really enjoyed the behind the scene tour into the building and its inner workings. Even without the tour, it's worth just dropping by the area to just admire the function of the place and its rich history.

Imposing building on beautiful well-maintained grounds. This area is very enjoyable place to walk. Wonderful views of the city.

Toompea Castle in Tallinn is an absolute gem that transports you through centuries of history. Its commanding presence atop the hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city below. Exploring the castle's chambers and walls, you can feel the echoes of bygone eras and imagine the stories that have unfolded within its walls. The blend of architectural styles, from medieval to Baroque, adds to its charm. A visit here is a journey back in time that allows you to connect with Estonia's rich heritage and experience the grandeur of its past rulers. Toompea Castle remains a symbol of Estonia's resilience, heritage, and sovereignty in modern times. As the seat of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu), it plays a crucial role in the country's governance and democratic processes. The castle stands as a reminder of Estonia's journey towards independence and self-determination, reflecting the nation's enduring commitment to preserving its cultural identity. Its historical significance continues to inspire a sense of unity and pride among Estonians, serving as a testament to the country's strength and determination to shape its own destiny.