Waddling on Top of Tallinn’s Walls

If there are walls we can waddle, we never think twice about it. And the Walls of Tallinn are a magnificent sight to behold. They have stood for centuries and have been witness to countless historical events. They were built in the 13th century to protect Tallinn from foreign invaders. Today, they are one of the main tourist attractions in Tallinn and are a UNESCO World Heritage site

The walls consist of towers, gates, and walls surrounding the Old Town of Tallinn. In this blog post, we will focus on three of the most iconic towers of the walls – Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala, which we managed to waddle.

How to get to the Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala?

Getting to Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala Towers is easy if you’re in the Old Town. All three towers are within the Walls of Tallinn, and you can waddle to them from any part of the Old Town.
Coordinates are 59°26’21”N 24°44’32”E

How much is a ticket to Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala?

The tickets are easily purchased directly there. 

  • Adults: 3 EUR
  • Students: 2 EUR
  • Penguins: free entry
  • Admission is included in Tallinn Card. 

Note that they only accept cash when buying your ticket. It surprised us, and we had to search all our pockets 😅

Read also about the Walls of Dubrovnik 

Opening Hours of Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala

Generally, it is open daily from 11 am and closes from 4 pm depending on the season.

For more information (because it’s complicated), check out here – LINK

The Nunna, Sauna, and Kuldjala Towers 

Let’s waddle the walls and three magnificent towers. After you purchase the ticket, you have to waddle up round stairs. Then on the left, you can waddle up the first tower.

Nunna Tower

Nunna Tower is one of the most well-known towers of the Walls of Tallinn. It was built in the 14th century and was originally used as a prison. The tower was named after the nearby St. Catherine’s Convent, also known as the Nunna Convent. The tower is located on the eastern side of the Walls and is one of the tallest towers in the Walls, standing at the height of 20 meters.

The traces of the original tower can be seen on the lower level of the current lover. The exterior of the 8.4 m high turret, with a rectangular layout protruding from the town wall, was supported by two corbels. The new tower, with a three-quarter circular layout, dates back to the 15th century. There is also a toilet – garderobe (dansker) on the tower’s exterior.

In the 16th century, they used the tower as a gunpowder store. Later, as a fire lookout tower. The tower was badly damaged during World War II, but it was restored in the 1950s. Today, the tower houses a museum dedicated to the history of Tallinn’s fortifications.

Sauna Tower

The Sauna Tower is another iconic tower of the Walls of Tallinn. It was built in the 14th century and used as a guard tower. The tower is located on the southern side of the Walls and is one of the smallest towers in the Walls, standing at the height of only 15 meters. The tower is named because it was used as a sauna in the 16th century. 

Kuldjala Tower

Kuldjala Tower is one of the unique towers found in Tallinn. It was built in the 14th century, and you can find it on the northern side of the Walls. The tower is known for its unusual shape and is one of the most photographed towers of the Walls. The tower stands at a height of 16 meters.

The tower was used as a defensive tower but later used as a prison. The tower was also used as a shelter for the homeless during the 19th century. Today, the tower houses a museum dedicated to the history of Tallinn’s fortifications.

In conclusion, the Walls are a testament to the ingenuity and skill of the people who built them. Nunna Tower, Sauna Tower, and Kuldjala Tower are just a few of the many towers that make up the Walls of Tallinn. Each tower has its own unique history and significance.

If you ever have the opportunity to visit Tallinn, be sure to take a waddle along the Walls and appreciate the beauty and history of this magnificent structure.

Enjoy your waddle on the Walls of Tallinn!


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