Birthday surprise

'You have one hour to pack this suitcase!'

That was the order from my wife Caro after I unpacked my 'birthday gift' and a small trolley appeared. 

'We're flying away for the weekend.'

She couldn't have given me a better gift. However, I had no idea where we were going, just that it was relatively cold there. After packing the essentials, the doorbell rang and a friendly couple suddenly appeared at the door - of course with a birthday beer and flight tickets in their luggage. What a surprise!!!

But we had to leave early so as not to miss our flight. On the way, we were able to continue our ethanolic ecstasy (except for our poor driver) and so we arrived punctually at Munich Airport. After several beers, Caro called out with enthusiasm and anticipation: 'Tallinn, Tallinn, we're going to Tallinn!' - without registering at first that I had no clue about our destination. The sudden facial contortion of all those involved at this sentence seamlessly transitioned into loud laughter. And so I also knew where I would celebrate the rest of my birthday - in the capital of Estonia.

After only two hours of flight time, we reached Tallinn at around 11:30 p.m., which was already peacefully slumbering. We had booked our hotel directly in the beautiful old town. After checking into our room, we ventured out to immerse ourselves in Estonian nightlife. We found a real gem in a small alley - the Laboratory. It was a cocktail bar where drinks were served in test tubes and flasks. Clever idea, but were the alcoholic concoctions also enjoyable? Of course, we had to personally and thoroughly test them. And what can I say? YES, they were definitely good - too good.

Smart cocktail bar

Drinks in beakers ...

... and test tubes

At around 4:30 a.m., we finally fell into bed, exhausted and visibly tipsy, and immediately fell asleep. After a short but restful night, we started a walking tour after breakfast to burn off the remaining alcohol and explore the old town of Tallinn. This is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of this city.

View of the old town of Tallinn

Everything is beautifully decorated and adorned with loving details. Medieval fans will get their money's worth in Tallinn. You can find medieval shops and restaurants on every corner where you can be served by costumed Estonians and try typical dishes. You actually feel transported back 500 years for a short time - ideal for switching off and relaxing.

From the Town Hall Square ...

... you can explore many alleys with shops and ...

... sights such as Alexander Nevsky Cathedral

Most sights can be easily and stress-free explored in one day. Especially recommendable are the small alleyways where you can find small shops and coffee houses. Definitely go in and try it out!

There is even a light version of the Berlin Dungeons - a kind of ghost train with real actors who tell the city's history in a spooky way. Unfortunately, the Tallinn Dungeons can't keep up with the originals, even though the actors visibly try their best. In addition, the admission fee of 16 euros is very expensive.

Is a weekend in Tallinn enough?

At first, it seems completely absurd and insane to fly to another country for two nights. But let's be honest: Whether you sit in a plane for 2-3 hours or the same time in a car doesn't really matter - provided the flight price is cheap.

The lovely and charming old town of Tallinn can be easily and comfortably explored in two days. After this time, I didn't feel like I missed anything. So you can spend a beautiful weekend in the Baltic city and get to know a little bit about a country that most people don't have on their radar.

Part of the old city wall of Tallinn