TOOMPEA HILL

The "birth" of the hill has its own legend. Kalev, the town's founder, is said to be buried there. On his death, his widow Linda - to soothe her grief - laid stone after stone to cover his grave, until this hill was formed. The origin of the old town, this hill became the stronghold of the nobility and clergy in Germanic times, while the lower town was the refuge of craftsmen and merchants. On the hill, don't forget to take Kohtu Street, which runs along the hillside and offers a fine view of the lower town, surrounded by a fortified wall flanked by numerous towers. It's a popular vantage point for painters and artists. No. 8 is a former ^18th-century hotel in the classical style.

Next door is the King of Denmark's garden. According to an old legend, it was here, next to Toompea hill, that the Danes first saw their national flag. This happened on July 15, 1219, during a battle that the Danish army was losing. The flag appeared in the sky, and from that moment on, the battle took a different turn. Denmark's victory in the battle resulted in the occupation of Tallinn and the whole of Northern Estonia. Danish rule lasted over 100 years. This romantic garden, recently renovated, is the place where Dannebrog Day is celebrated every summer.
Today, this hill is best known for the magnificent views it offers.