Golden hour view over Tallinn old town spires and the modern Harju County skyline, with the Baltic Sea horizon beyond Estonia's capital

Harju

Harju, Estonia's historic northern county, blends medieval heritage with coastal landscapes, vibrant towns and a lively cultural scene, with Tallinn at its heart.

Country
Estonia
Population
457,000
Area
159 km²
Time zone
EET (UTC+2)
Language
Estonian
Nearby airport
Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport

Passengers

Luggage

About Harju

Tallinn is Estonia's capital and largest city, set on the southern shore of the Gulf of Finland. Its remarkably well-preserved medieval Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site, combines cobblestone lanes, merchant houses and watchtowers with a modern digital society and a lively start-up culture.

Tallinn's history as a Hanseatic trading port is visible in its surviving city wall, gabled merchants' houses and the historic Town Hall Square. Danish, Swedish, German and Russian influences shaped the city, leaving landmarks such as Toompea Castle and the onion-domed Alexander Nevsky Cathedral above the lower town.

Beyond the Old Town, districts such as Kalamaja and Telliskivi Creative City offer wooden houses, street art, design shops and cafés, while Kadriorg is known for its baroque palace and the Kumu Art Museum. The Rotermann Quarter mixes restored industrial buildings with restaurants and boutiques.

Tallinn is also an important business and technology centre, home to e-residency services, digital government initiatives and a growing start-up scene. Its conference venues, year-round events and frequent ferry connections to Helsinki make it practical for both business and leisure travel.

From medieval history and Baltic cuisine to digital innovation and coastal scenery, Tallinn offers a compact and distinctive urban experience in Northern Europe.

Tallinn Old Town skyline with medieval wall towers and church spires in Harju County, Estonia, at golden hour

Harju Travel Guide

Best Time to Visit

May to September offers mild weather and long daylight hours, ideal for exploring the Old Town and outdoor cafés. December is popular for the Tallinn Christmas Market and a cosy winter atmosphere, while spring and autumn are quieter.

How to Get Around

Tallinn's compact centre is easy to explore on foot, with trams, buses and trolleybuses covering the wider city. Visitors can use public transport, taxis, rental bikes or private transfers, and the airport is linked to the centre by tram and bus.

Where to Stay

The Old Town puts major sights, restaurants and hotels within walking distance. Kalamaja and Telliskivi suit a creative, local atmosphere, while Kadriorg offers a calmer, green setting near parks and museums.

Food & Drink

Estonian food ranges from hearty dishes such as black bread, game and fish to modern Nordic-influenced cooking. Try cafés in the Old Town, street food at Telliskivi Creative City, and the produce and eateries at Balti Jaama Turg.

Ground Transportation Services in Harju

Airport Transfers

Travel between Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport and hotels, the Old Town, business districts, the ferry terminal and other destinations around Tallinn.

Hourly Chauffeur

Book a private chauffeur by the hour for business meetings, events, sightseeing and flexible travel in and around Tallinn.

Car Rental

Rent a car in Tallinn for independent travel around the city and convenient access to coastal and countryside destinations nearby.

Bus & Group Transfers

Arrange minibuses or charter buses for groups, corporate travel, events, airport transfers and tours in Tallinn and across Harju County.