Sunrise Over Tallinn: A Panoramic View from the Upper Town

​On the first day of our stay in Tallinn, we took a three-hour tour with a guide who introduced us to the city's rich history. Estonia’s capital is located on the northern coast along the Gulf of Finland and is renowned for its beautifully preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The Old Town is a maze of cobblestone streets, historic buildings, and defensive walls dating back to the 13th century.Tallinn’s history is deep and complex, shaped by various rulers over the centuries. It began as a fortified city in the 12th century and became an important trade hub during the Hanseatic League in the Middle Ages. Over time, the city was ruled by the Danes, the Teutonic Order, and later by the Swedes and Russians, each leaving their mark on its culture and architecture. In 1918, following the collapse of the Russian Empire, Estonia declared its independence, and Tallinn became the capital of the newly independent Estonian Republic. This period of independence lasted for about 22 years, during which Estonia developed its own national identity and cultural institutions. However, in 1940, Estonia was occupied by the Soviet Union as a result of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, a secret agreement between Nazi Germany and the Soviet Union that divided Eastern Europe into spheres of influence. Under Soviet pressure, Estonia was forced to allow Soviet military bases on its territory. In June 1940, the Soviets issued an ultimatum demanding further concessions, leading to the occupation and eventual annexation of Estonia into the Soviet Union. This occupation was briefly interrupted by Nazi Germany during World War II, but the Soviet Union reoccupied Estonia in 1944, and it remained under Soviet control until it regained independence in 1991. Today, Tallinn is a fascinating blend of old and new, with a modern side that includes tech startups, trendy cafes, and a vibrant cultural scene. It’s also a major technology hub with strong digital infrastructure. The morning after our tour, I woke up early to capture some postcard-perfect images of the Old Town at sunrise – Tallinn, Estonia.