📖 About Tallinn

Tallinn, the capital and most populous city of Estonia, is a fascinating blend of medieval heritage and cutting-edge digital innovation. With a population of 456,518 as of January 2025, the city generates over 50% of Estonia's GDP, serving as the country's economic, political, and cultural center. Tallinn's Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is considered one of the best-preserved medieval cities in Northern Europe.

Often called "Europe's Silicon Valley," Tallinn is the birthplace of transformative tech companies including Skype and Wise (formerly TransferWise). Estonia's pioneering e-Residency program and digital governance initiatives have made Tallinn a global model for digital society. The city seamlessly combines its 800-year-old cobblestone streets with free public WiFi, digital voting, and a thriving startup ecosystem that continues to attract entrepreneurs and digital nomads from around the world.

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💼 Economy & Culture

Tallinn's economy is driven by information technology, telecommunications, and financial services. The city has earned its reputation as a startup hub, with more tech unicorns per capita than any other city in Europe. Major companies headquartered here include Bolt, Pipedrive, and numerous fintech startups. The port of Tallinn also handles significant passenger traffic, connecting Estonia with Finland and Sweden.

Culturally, Tallinn offers a rich tapestry of events including the annual Tallinn Music Week, the Black Nights Film Festival, and numerous classical music performances. The city's cafe culture thrives in the Old Town's medieval cellars, while the creative district of Telliskivi has become a hub for artists, designers, and entrepreneurs. Estonian culture, with its ancient folk traditions and modern digital identity, is celebrated throughout the year.

📜 History

Tallinn's history spans over 3,000 years, with the first recorded settlement on Toompea Hill dating to 1050 BC. The city has been known by various names - Lindanise, Reval, and finally Tallinn. It was a vital member of the Hanseatic League during medieval times, which brought prosperity and the magnificent architecture still visible today. The city passed through Danish, German, Swedish, and Russian rule before Estonia declared independence in 1918. After Soviet occupation (1940-1991), Estonia regained independence and Tallinn has since transformed into a model of digital innovation.