Tallinn TV Tower

The tower was finished in 1980 for the Moscow Olympics sailing regatta held at Pirita, and it is the tallest building in Estonia. In August 1991 defenders barricaded themselves inside to keep the country's broadcasts on air - the story is told on the viewing floor, and it is the part of the visit most people do not expect.

What you actually see

• The observation floor - a circular gallery at 170 metres, glazed all round, with an exhibition on Estonian innovation and broadcasting.
• The view - the old town and port on one side, forest and Lake Ülemiste on the other, and the Gulf of Finland to the north.
• The glass hatches - openings in the floor you can stand on and look straight down through.
• The roof and the edge walk - a seasonal rooftop, and the Walk on the Edge clipped to a harness outside the railing on the open rim.

When to go

Clear days are the whole point, because in low cloud the tower is inside it. Sunset gives the best light over the old town and the sea, and is the busiest slot. In summer the roof and the edge walk operate; both close in bad weather and through the winter.

Honest expectations

It is a long way out of the centre for a view, and on a hazy day the value drops sharply. Check the visibility before committing to the trip.

The edge walk is genuinely exposed and weather-dependent - bookings get cancelled for wind, and the age and health restrictions are enforced.

Nearby

Tallinn Botanic Garden is next door and works well as the same trip. Pirita beach and the convent ruins are ten minutes downhill.