Two viewing platforms, one decisive angle

Tallinn's Old Town sits on Toompea hill, and its two viewpoints give different pictures. Kohtuotsa viewpoint faces north-northeast over the lower city — St. Olaf's Church tower (124 meters), the city hall tower, and the harbor are all in frame simultaneously. Patkuli viewpoint, 200 meters west, faces northwest toward the harbor, the sea, and the islands beyond. At 59°N, golden hour runs close to 80 minutes in midsummer. The Black Heads Brotherhood House on the main square (Raekoja plats) is one of the best-preserved Renaissance facades in northern Europe. Tallinn Bay faces west and north — the passenger ferry terminal area gives sea views with the city silhouetted behind at dusk. The medieval city wall walkway between two towers on Vana-Viru is open seasonally.