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From saunas in the cold to exploring the Old Town Square to seeing the Christmas markets, these are the best things to do in Tallinn in winter!
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again – I love Tallinn. It is one of my favourite cities in Europe, and every time I go it really surprises me. It’s youthful, vibrant, but it has still retained a lot of its old charm too. Just walk around the Old Town Square and you’ll see what I mean.
The wonderful combination of the city walls, ancient buildings, red tiled roofs, and cobblestone streets will conjure images of folk-tales in your imagination. I’ve been to Tallinn both in summer and winter, and I have to admit I think I prefer it in winter without all the crowds. There’s this magical atmosphere when everything is covered in snow.
There are also so many activities to enjoy in Tallinn in winter. You can spend an evening exploring handicrafts at the traditional Christmas market, then warming your fingers around a mug of warm mead at a traditional restaurant.
Take a spin on the seasonal outdoor ice-rink surrounded by incredible buildings, then spend a day experiencing the wonder of a combined brewery and spa!
Read on to discover my favourite Tallinn winter activities, as well as some tips on where to stay in Tallinn. This blog post is perfect for you guys looking to plan a winter trip here, so I really hope you find it useful!
Spending more time in Tallinn? Check out my recommendations and tips on day trips further afield, including checking out the fantastic Finish capital, Helsinki. Also, I’ve written a very in-depth guide about catching the ferry from Tallinn to Helsinki which is a really popular activity to do.
Winter weather in Tallinn
As you might imagine, winters in Estonia can get quite chilly, with January and February being the coldest months. In winter you can expect average highs of -1 to 1°C (30-34°F), and average lows of -3 to -7°C (19-27°F), though the temperature has been known to drop much lower over night.
When holidaying in Tallinn in winter, you need to come prepared for cold and snowy weather. Bring a thick, warm jacket, sensible shoes that can withstand snow and lots of warm layers. I would also say a hat and gloves are a must – it’s really important to wrap up warm!
How much daylight you actually get
This is the thing nobody warns you about. In December you get around six hours of light. The sun comes up close to 9am and it’s dark again by half three. It sounds grim, but it really isn’t. The sun sits low all day, so you get that soft golden light from morning until dusk. You just have to plan around it.
I’d do all your outdoor stuff between 10am and 3pm. Save the museums, the saunas and a long lunch for the afternoon. Come January you get an extra hour, and by late February the days feel properly long again.
How much do things cost in Tallinn?
| Attraction | Winter cost | Winter hours | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christmas market | Free | Daily 10:00–20:00 | Ends 6 Jan 2027 |
| Old Town ice rink, Harju 32 | €6.90–10.90 per hour, €4.70–8.80 concessions | Daily 10:00–22:00 to 31 March | 50% off with Tallinn Card |
| City wall towers | Small fee, free with Tallinn Card | 11:00–16:00 | Closed Tue–Thu in winter |
| TV Tower | €18 online, €10 after 17:00 | 10:00–21:00 | Free with Tallinn Card |
| Seaplane Harbour | €22 adult, €11 child | Oct–Apr, Tue–Sun 10:00–18:00 | Closed Mondays and 24 Dec |
| Põhjala sauna | €80 first hour, €60 after, two-hour minimum | Closed Mondays | Sleeps up to 8 |
| Patkuli platform | Free | Always open | Icy steps |
Things to do in Tallinn in Winter
Explore Vanalinn, Tallinn’s Old Town
The first thing to do when you arrive in Tallinn is to get your bearings exploring the medieval Old Town area. Known as Vanalinn, the Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site as it is one of Europe’s best preserved medieval cities.
Wander the cobblestone streets and take in the incredible display of medieval buildings covered in snow. To make sure you see all the best sights and hear about the city’s fascinating history, take the free walking tour.
Visit the Tallinn Christmas Market
Wooden hut stalls selling traditional handicrafts, delicious chutneys and jams, and other delights are set up under thousands of sparkling lights. Visiting the gorgeous, traditional Christmas market is one of the best Tallinn winter activities.
The centrepiece of it all is a large decorated Christmas tree. A Christmas tree has been been put up in this square every year since 1441, and this market is said to be the origin of the Christmas tree tradition!
Located in the Old Town, this market runs from late November to early January each year. Keep an eye out for the reindeer while you warm up with some mulled wine.
Dig into Estonian Christmas food
If you’re in Tallinn over the winter months, it is the perfect time to be digging into some warm and hearty meals: Estonian Christmas foods are just that! For Christmas it is tradition to serve a 7+ course meal including roast pork, blood sausage (verivorst), jellied head cheese (sült), Christmas bread and much much more.
While Estonian families would generally sit down to this meal on either Christmas Eve or Christmas Day, you can find variations of it in restaurants throughout the winter season. If you do find yourself eating Christmas dinner in Estonia, don’t peak under the table, this is where the spirits are said to live.
Go ice skating
One of the quintessential Tallinn winter activities for locals and tourists alike is taking a turn on the outdoor ice rink. Located on Harju street in the Old Town, this outdoor rink is surrounded by gorgeous terraced houses and is next to St Nicholas’ Church.
The rink is open from December to March each year and offers equipment rental on site. Open well into the evening, it is wonderful to come here at night when the rink is lit up with cosy lighting. There is also a cafe on site, so you can grab a hot drink to warm up afterwards.
Walk the city walls
Once the Old Town area was encircled with a stone wall, it was used as an important defence against attack. Today, around 1.85 km of the original wall is still standing, along with 26 defensive towers and several of the old gates. With the oldest parts dating back to the 13th century, the city walls really add to the medieval charm of Tallinn.
It is possible to climb some of the towers and walk along sections of the wall, giving you a close look at its impressive structure as well as some great views over the red roofs of the Old Town. One of the most popular sections runs from Nunna Tower to Sauna and Kuldjala Towers. There is a small entry fee to access the wall, and it’s well worth it for the views.
Have a sauna by the sea at Iglupark
Sauna culture in Estonia is taken seriously, and you don’t need to leave the city to try it. Iglupark sits right on the water at Noblessner, a 20-minute walk from the Old Town.
You book a session in the communal sauna, get properly hot, then walk down the steps into the Baltic. In January that water is barely above freezing. Everyone does it, and everyone comes out grinning. Sessions run mornings and evenings, and you’ll need to book ahead. Bring a swimsuit, flip flops and a hat.
Eat, drink and be merry at Olde Hansa
Spend an evening dining on traditional medieval style food at Olde Hansa. Based in the Old Town area, visiting this restaurant will leave you with a warm glow from the hearty food and cheerful atmosphere.
Choose from the menu of delicious dishes which includes fire-cooked bear, oxen sirloin, and wild boar plates. Most nights you can also catch the in-house band, who play 15th century music on traditional style instruments. While you’re here, try the traditional Meade – great for warming you up on a cold winters day!
Põhjala Brewery
Põhjala Brewery is located conveniently in the Noblessner district. Set in an old submarine shipyard and complete with private sauna, this brewery makes for an incredible winter afternoon activity if you’re travelling with mates.
Start your visit by taking a tour around the brewery, which includes a beer tasting. Next up, purchase a few bottles of your favourite brew and head over to the private sauna area. Here, you can sweat it out with your mates while downing a couple of cold ones. Finally, head to the restaurant and dig into a Texan style BBQ feast. Make sure you pre-book these activities as it can get quite busy over the weekend.
Visit the Tallinn Tower
No matter which season you’re in Estonia, visiting the Tallinn Tower is a must. This building is not only the tallest building in Estonia, it also has a fascinating history. Take the lift up 170m and look out the windows over the snowy streets of Tallinn. It’s such a magical sight! Honestly, the views from up here over the Estonia countryside are just stunning.
Then visit the building’s museum, which displays soviet television equipment and pays tribute to Estonian innovations. Finish off your visit by grabbing yourself a pick me up at the 22nd floor cafe.
Patkuli viewing platform
Another place to catch a picturesque views of the rooftops of Tallinn covered in snow is from the Patkuli viewing platform. Sitting on Toompea hill, the platform is accessible via a set of 157 steps that start from Šnelli park. Entrance is free and the platform is always open.
The stairs may feel like a lot in cool weather, however, once you reach the platform, you’ll be treated to unmatched views of the Old Town area of Tallinn. The structures you can see includes the city walls, St Olaf’s Church and the harbour.
Take a dog sled tour
One of the most incredible experiences you can have while exploring this winter wonderland is to take a husky dog sled tour. Starting from Tallinn, the guides will transport you to a snow covered park around 1 hour’s drive away.
There, you’ll get to meet (and cuddle) some gorgeous and happy huskies, before being whisked through the snow on a sled. Words cannot describe the rush you will get doing this. Be sure to wrap up warm!
Available December to end of March only, and if there isn’t enough snow the ride is swapped for a husky hike.
Visit the museums
When the weather turns for the worst, and you’re seeking indoor activities, be sure to stop by some of Tallinn’s excellent museums. There are plenty to choose from including the new and old Maritime Museums. The latter has been running since 1935 and is located in the Fat Margaret Tower, whereas the former features a submarine for you to explore.
If you’re planning to visit a few museums, get yourself a Tallinn Card. This card provides you with free access to over 40 attractions and you get free use of public transport!
What’s new in Tallinn for 2027?
Tallinn is always evolving, and there are some exciting new sites and attractions opening for the 2027 season. From new cultural experiences and visitor attractions to fresh ways to explore the city, there’s even more reason to add Tallinn to your travel plans. If you’ve visited before, these new additions give you a good excuse to return, while first-time visitors can enjoy even more things to see and do.
- The Christmas market runs later than most. This year’s market takes place from 20 November 2026 to 6 January 2027. It’s open daily from 10:00 to 20:00, with hot drinks served until 22:00, and until 23:00 on Fridays and Saturdays. You can still catch the full set-up in the first week of January, long after most European markets have packed up.
- PÖFF turns 30. The Black Nights Film Festival runs from 6 to 20 November 2026, and this milestone edition puts Estonian, Latvian and Lithuanian films at the heart of the programme. If you’re visiting in November, it’s a good excuse to duck out of the cold.
- Seaside saunas are now on the Tallinn Card. Iglupark in Noblessner and the PoCo pop art museum were both added as Tallinn Card partners in 2026. Card holders get 15% off the morning and evening public sauna sessions, and you need to book in advance.
- The TV Tower is half price after dark. From 17:00 there’s an evening ticket for €10, against €18 for a standard adult ticket bought online. In December the city is already lit up by then, so you get the night view for a lot less.
Where to stay in Tallinn
Luxury: Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection
Enjoy classic elegance, with modern fittings, in historical surroundings at Hotel Telegraaf, Autograph Collection. Located in Tallinn city centre, this building was constructed in 1878.
Alongside their 5 star service, guests here benefit from a heated indoor pool, steam bath and hot tub. There is also an onsite restaurant serving a delicious blend of French and Russian dishes.
Mid-Range: Rapunzel Tower Apartment
Live out your fairy tales staying in the Rapunzel Tower Apartment. Here you literally stay in one of the Old Town wall towers! Not only will you be staying in the coolest accommodation in Tallinn, you’ll also be treated to amazing views of the city lit up at night.
Budget: Estonishing Stay Avangard
Travelling on a budget does not mean missing out on comfort in these stylish luxury apartments. The apartments feature large windows, parquet flooring, as well as a fully equipped kitchen giving everything you need for a self-catered stay. Conveniently located in the city centre, you’ll be feeling at home in no time.
So that’s my list of the best winter activities in Tallinn. Before you start packing your beanie and gloves for a cheeky winter visit, let me know your favourite activities in the comments below.
If you’re travelling to a few other spots in Europe, then check out my winter guides to Barcelona, Budapest, Oslo, Riga, Stockholm.
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