Old Town Viewpoint and Lake in Tallinn, Estonia

2017-01-06 · Updated: 2026-08-11 · Original (Korean)

This article was translated from the original Korean post with AI assistance. Read the original Korean post →

To kill some time, I headed up to the viewpoint, the highest area in the Old Town. On the way, there were a few painters working and selling their art, though most seemed busier stopping people from taking pictures than actually selling anything. Only one artist was completely absorbed in painting. Yet, that person had the largest crowd gathered around watching, taking photos, and quite frequently buying pieces. I gained a little realization from this person who didn't react to every little thing, let some things go, and just focused on what they loved doing.

People walking along a stone wall path and paintings displayed on the wall

Cars parked and people standing in a parking lot in front of a pink building — The pink-painted city hall that always looks so fun to see.

Cityscape showing red-roofed buildings and a pointed tower

A seagull sitting on an observatory railing and a person standing next to it — There are a few seagulls at the viewpoint, and they are incredibly friendly with people. They even pose nicely like this.
This is a slightly different spot, but even when you get this close, they aren't startled or wary at all.

I spaced out for about 30 minutes lost in thought, but it got a bit chilly, so I walked back down. It's not even that high up, but the weather is quite brisk. I was definitely sweating in short sleeves earlier, but suddenly I felt the chill. Is summer in northern countries always like this?

If you head down and go outside the city walls, there is a lake. I had been watching it from the viewpoint, thinking it would be nice to lie down there and take a nap, and I arrived in less than 10 minutes after having that thought. By the lakeside, which exudes that distinctively relaxed European vibe, ducks and seagulls are having a loud turf war. Will I be able to enjoy this kind of leisure for the rest of my life, listening to these guys quacking over time, sunshine, and territory? Thinking about my friends and my future self, going into rectangular buildings today and tomorrow to stay for 12 hours at a time, makes me feel so stifled.

A wooden sign with KÕNENURK written on it — I wonder if this is actually the name of the lake or not...

A pink building on a hill and stairs leading down from it

Ducks swimming on a lake and a green lawn around the lake

A person resting on the lawn, with a calm lake and lush trees in front of them

Back view of two people on a green lawn looking at the lake and old buildings on the opposite side

A round stone tower with a red cone-shaped roof and a long, sturdy castle wall

Various sculptures displayed in a garden in front of a round stone tower with a red roof

A sign with Estonian and English text introducing the garden exhibition — There was a unique garden where you could touch and experience things firsthand. People found it fun and were all going in to play, and sure enough, the kids were busy making up games and running around frantically in the middle of it all.

A blue sign indicating the direction of the bike path and the EuroVelo Baltic Sea cycle route — Someday I definitely need to ride that entire European cycling route!! (But Korea first...)

A child walking down a narrow stone-paved alley lined with colorful buildings and a high castle wall — A baby wandering aimlessly just like me. I asked if he had nowhere to go either, but then his dad came over smiling from over there. I'm jealous. ㅠ

Expenses

Brunch 1.39E
Souvenir 4E
Coke 1.10E

Total Expenses €6.49

Total Trip Expenses 525,936 KRW + 47,499 RUB + $312.26 + €92.07