Toompea Castle

Toompea Castle

Perched atop a limestone cliff and towering at the edge of the city, Toompea Castle has long held a place in Estonian history. Also known as the "Danish Castle" or "Cathedral Hill Castle," it is located on Toompea Hill, a limestone ridge in the heart of Tallinn.

The first wooden castle on the hill was built around the 10th or 11th century by the ancient Estonian inhabitants. It later became one of the earliest inhabited areas in all of Tallinn. In 1219, the Danish, led by King Valdemar II, captured the castle. According to Danish legend, at a critical moment during the Battle of Lyndanisse, a Danish flag miraculously fell from the sky near the castle, leading to the Danes’ victory over the Estonians. The Danes then began referring to Toompea Castle as the "Danish Castle." Thereafter, every foreign ruler used the castle as a base for controlling Estonia. Today, it is the site of the Estonian Parliament.

Over the centuries, Toompea Castle has undergone numerous renovations but still retains its original appearance from the 13th and 14th centuries. From the front, visitors can see a pink Baroque-style palace dating back to the time of Catherine the Great. From the back, viewed from the foot of the hill, more medieval structures come into view. On the southern side of the castle garden, the 46-meter-high Pikk Hermann tower comes into sight. This cannon tower symbolizes the power of rulers, and successful conquerors have traditionally planted their victory flags atop it. At sunrise each day, the Estonian flag is raised above the tower accompanied by the national anthem.

Toompea Castle

Must-visit reason: Estonia’s most authoritative castle

Continent where the attraction is located: Europe【Europe】

Country/region where the attraction is located: Estonia[Estonia]

Province/state where the attraction is located: Harju County [Harju County]

City where the attraction is located: Tallinn [Tallinn]