Planning a Tallinn photowalk? Its cobblestone streets, Gothic spires, and gorgeous buildings make it a photographer’s paradise. Tallinn, Estonia’s capital, effortlessly blends medieval history with modern life.
In the winter of 2023, I took a day trip from Helsinki to Tallinn with my trusty Lomography LC-A+ camera loaded with black-and-white Streetpan 400 film.
I visited the city once in the winter of 2017, and I knew that I would be back to walk its streets one more time. This time, I had something else in mind. My goal? To capture the city’s unique charm in monochrome on a memorable Tallinn photowalk.
I jumped on the Viking Line ferry from Helsinki to get to Tallinn in the early morning. The ferry ride was a treat, with stunning views of the Baltic Sea while I had breakfast at Viking Line Buffet. It was the perfect way to start my day trip, allowing me to relax and enjoy the scenery before tackling the hustle and bustle of Tallinn. Arriving in Tallinn by sea provides a stunning first impression of the city, with its medieval skyline dramatically rising from the harbor.
Once I arrived, I set off on this black-and-white Tallinn photowalk that took me to some of the city’s most iconic landmarks. Below, you can see a glimpse of my route:
Tallinn Photowalk: Capturing the City in Black and White
My Tallinn photo walk started at the Viru Gate, one of the last remaining parts of the city’s historic wall. The gate’s two towers loomed over me, providing a dramatic entrance to the Old Town. I loved how the black-and-white film emphasized the textures of the old stone.
One good surprise was a hidden alleyway. St. Catherine’s Passage is a charming little street with craft workshops and studios. I admired capturing the details of the old walls and the cobblestones underfoot there. The light filtering through the narrow passage created some beautiful contrasts, especially with the unique details connecting both sides of the road.
From there, I walked towards the Long Leg Gate Tower, a 14th-century tower once part of the city’s fortifications. If I managed to find my way into the tower, I would have stunning views of the surrounding streets and rooftops. I used my camera to capture the tower’s height and architectural details, especially the gate that leads up the hill.
After climbing to the top of a hill, I found the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, a magnificent Orthodox cathedral that dominates Toompea Hill with its onion domes and ornate decorations. The black-and-white film really contrasted the light and shadows on the building’s facade, and I loved it.
As I kept walking, I remembered a panoramic spot above Tallinn that I had visited in 2017. Patkuli Viewing Platform was my goal; from there, I had a sensational panoramic view of the city. The red rooftops, the harbor in the distance, and the spires of the churches created a stunning cityscape. In black and white, the scene felt timeless and classic.
One of the most interesting sights you can see from there is St. Olaf’s Church, a medieval church that boasts one of the tallest spires in Tallinn. It used to be the tallest structure in Estonia for years. It’s so massive that the Soviet KGB used its spire as a radio tower and surveillance point when Estonia was part of the USSR. The black-and-white film gave the church a sense of grandeur and history.
After spending the entire day taking pictures of Tallinn, the sun was setting, and I needed to take a ferry back to Helsinki. My photo walk in Tallinn concluded at the bustling port, where I took the Viking XPRS ferry back.
Streetpan 400 and Spires: My Tallinn Photowalk Experience
Now, let’s talk about the film itself since I already talked about the Lomography LC-A+ camera a few times. Streetpan 400 is unique: it produces contrasting images with deep blacks and bright whites. This means you lose some detail in the shadows, but the midtones really pop.
I know it’s not a film for everyone, but I love the dramatic look it gives. If you prefer a more balanced film with smoother transitions between tones, consider Ilford HP5+ or Kodak Tri-X. But for this Tallinn photo walk, the Streetpan 400 was perfect for capturing the city’s stark beauty, especially in the low light that winter brings to Estonia.
I believe that Tallinn is a city that begs to be explored on foot. This photowalk allowed me to slow down, observe the details, and appreciate the city’s beauty in a new way.
The black-and-white film I decided to use added a timeless quality to my photos, capturing the essence of Tallinn’s historic charm. If you’re a photography enthusiast visiting Tallinn, I recommend taking a similar photo walk. You won’t be disappointed!
