Toompea Castle stands on a limestone hill, nearly thirty meters above Tallinn. This spot has been a fortified stronghold since long before the Danes arrived in 1219. The stone castle we see today was built in the 14th century by the Teutonic Order. Only fragments remain: three corner towers and stretches of the old walls.
Long Hermann is the tallest tower, rising about forty-five meters. Since 1918, it has been the site of Estonia’s flag-raising ceremony. Every morning at sunrise, the national flag is raised to the sound of the anthem and lowered at sunset. During the Soviet occupation, the flag was removed from this tower. It returned in 1989 when Estonia regained sovereignty. The ceremony still draws onlookers, though the early hours—around four in summer, closer to nine in winter—mean few witness it in person.
The courtyard reveals a different side of the castle. In the late 18th century, Catherine the Great had the eastern wing rebuilt as a Baroque palace. Its soft pink facade contrasts with the medieval stone. Today, it houses Estonia’s parliament. The building isn’t open to casual visitors, but free guided tours are available by appointment. Inside, grand halls and historical details reflect the country’s political life.
Toompea Hill, or the Upper Town, moves at its own pace. Embassies and elegant residences line the cobblestone streets. Two viewpoints—Kohtuotsa and Patkuli—offer panoramas of Tallinn. From here, the red-tiled roofs of the old town stretch below, the port glints in the distance, and on clear days, the Gulf of Finland is visible. The view has inspired artists and travelers for generations.
The castle courtyard is open to the public.
The tower can only be visited as part of a guided group. To reach Toompea, take Long Leg or Short Leg from the Town Hall Square. The walk takes about ten minutes. The climb reminds you how the city’s layers have built up over time.
During the flag ceremony, the atmosphere changes. Locals pause, tourists gather with cameras, and for a moment, the past feels present. The rest of the day, the grounds are quieter, though the square in front can get busy with tour buses in the mornings. A small café in the courtyard offers a place to rest.
The guided tours of the parliament building run on weekdays and require advance booking. Even without a tour, Toompea Castle is worth visiting. The weight of the past isn’t just preserved in stone—it’s in the rituals, the architecture, and the way the city has grown around it. Whether you come for the flag-raising, the views, or a quiet moment in the courtyard, the castle leaves you feeling connected to something larger.
