While packing for Tallinn in spring might not be the easiest thing to do, with temperatures ranging between -10°C and 25°C, there is plenty to in this season at the city by sea. The season is characterised by numerous outdoor music and neighbourhood festivals, while seaside cyclists and sailboats appear, markets are bustling with traders who buy and sell vegetable seedlings, and ramson, herring and rhubarb are added to restaurant menus.

Enjoy luscious greenery

The north western border of Old Town, from Freedom Square to “The Broken Line” monument, is surrounded by gorgeous, relaxing parks which flow into each other. Freedom Square is bordered by Harjumägi – Harju Gate Hill – has had outdoor cafés dating back to 1887 and it has a great view over the square and the Monument to the War of Independence.

From here you can walk through the Danish Queen’s Rose Garden, a gift to the city from the Danish Queen Margrethe II, and the Commandant’s Garden both located on the slope of Toompea hill.From the Commandant’s Garden you can either pass under Tallitor’s Tower to the Danish King’s Garden or cross Toompea road to Kuberni Garden, also known as Toompea castle garden.

If you go south from there you can visit both Lindamäe Park and Hirvepark but if you go north you can walk through Šnelli park, also known as Toompark. The pond in Šnelli park is the only remaining part of the moat that once surrounded the city. If you continue north you’ll pass through Tornide väljak, which is lined by medieval towers, and Rannamägi, which is home to Skoone Bastion, the mightiest Baroque fortification in Tallinn.

Go on a hike with huskies

Snow or no snow, huskies love being outside and spending time with people. During a day trip to the Husky Park you can get to know more about this beautiful dog breed and play with the dogs before you set off on a Cani-Cross hike. During the hike, one of the dogs will be attached to your waist by an harness so that the dog will help you along by pulling you slightly. You won’t go hungry either as a light meal is included in the tour.

Explore the river delta

The district of Pirita, known for its seaside greenery, evolved around a convent built in the fifteenth century. It is an ideal place for physical activity and leisure, with its two kilometre long beach, the shores of the Pirita River, the river valley and coastal pine forest. The Yacht Harbour and restaurant is great starting point to discover this district by boat, kayak or canoe, which you can rent at the mouth of the Pirita River.

Watch new born animals at the zoo

Located in the Rocca al Mare district, Tallinn Zoo sits in the beautiful Veskimetsa park and has one of the most fascinating collections of animals in Northern Europe. The zoo is home to more than 8000 animals representing almost 400 species and sub-species from all over the world.

Amongst the 8000 animals are elephants, rhinos, chimpanzees, wallabies and polar bears. But the zoo is best known for its collection of mountain goats and sheep, which is considered the best in the world, as well as its remarkable number of eagles, vultures, owls and cranes.

Discover Old Town

The historic city centre of Estonia’s capital city is beautiful at any time of year but in spring it comes back to life as the people leave their houses to walk along the cobbled streets and enjoy a drink on the squares. Tallinn’s Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and rightfully so with its twisting cobblestone lanes, Hanseatic architecture, gabled houses, half-hidden courtyards and many churches.

Travel back to rural Estonia

Like Tallinn Zoo, the quiet, seaside Rocca al Mare district is also home to the Estonian Open Air Museum. Here you escape the city and travel back in time to the rural Estonia of old. The forested park has recreated 18-20^th century villages with numerous thatched farm buildings as well as historic windmills, a wooden chapel and a village school.

Museum staff, dressed in period costume, demonstrate how people lived and worked in times past, while visitors can buy handicrafts, join in games, songs and dances, and try out traditional Estonian cuisine.

Luxuriate in Kadriorg Park

The Kadriorg district is known as one of Tallinn’s most upscale districts with Estonia’s only Baroque palace at its heart. The vast park surrounding the Kadriorg Palace is one of the best places in town to enjoy a relaxing stroll, feed pigeons or ponder about life. In spring, the beautifully manicured gardens and flowerbeds are filled with colourful blooms.

No matter where you start your journey through the park, you’ll be surrounded by natures beauty, from the Swan Pond, with its fountain, gazebo and birds, to the new Japanese garden with its cherry trees and rhododendrons blossoming.