Tallinn and the First Christmas Tree
The medieval town that dates its Christmas tree to 1441.
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Tallinn regards the Christmas tree on Town Hall Square as one of the first public Christmas trees in Europe, dating it to 1441. It was raised by the Brotherhood of Blackheads, unmarried merchants who, according to tradition, danced around it and finally set it on fire. Today the Christmas market surrounds the tree in front of the Gothic town hall. The walk goes to the brotherhood's house, up to Toompea with its view over the red roofs, and back down to St Nicholas' Church. The whole old town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The stops
- 1
Town Hall on Town Hall Square
The tree and the Christmas market stand on the square in front of the Gothic town hall. The Raeapteek on the corner is said to be one of Europe's oldest pharmacies.
- 2
House of the Blackheads
The brotherhood's house on Pikk Street, with its richly carved door. Today it is used for concerts.
- 3
St Olaf's Church
With its tall spire, the church was for a time in the 16th century among the tallest buildings in the world.
- 4
Toompea Cathedral
Regarded as the oldest church in Tallinn, with the coats of arms of noble families on its walls.
- 5
Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform
A view over the red roofs of the old town, and over the market lights as darkness falls.
- 6
St Nicholas' Church
Dedicated to St Nicholas, the church is now a museum and holds Bernt Notke's 15th-century “Danse Macabre”.
About the trip
- Where
- Tallinn
- Getting around
- On foot
- Time
- 2 h 29 min
- Distance
- 2.4 km
- Stops
- 6
- Season
- November–January
- Themes
- History, Views, Food
Practical
- Start
- Town Hall Square, 350 metres from the Viru Gate (trams and buses at Viru keskus).
- Finish
- St Nicholas' Church, a couple of minutes from Town Hall Square.
- Toilets
- In cafés and restaurants in the old town. There are few public toilets.
- Accessibility
- Cobblestones everywhere. Pikk jalg is a steep climb up to Toompea, and Lühike jalg back down has many steps. Slippery in frost.