The old and very beautiful city of Tallinn is not only rich in high culture with all its European values: it also satisfies all shopping lovers. Question: "What to bring from Tallinn?" practically every tourist is asked, because his eyes truly run wide. This article is intended to slightly streamline knowledge about this side of a beautiful city.
What to look for
So, what to bring from Tallinn so that it is not burdensome in terms of finances, dimensions and weight, but at the same time it looks original and is able to give a long memory of the trip? You may not believe it, but in the capital of Estonia, such gifts can be found on almost every corner. It is noteworthy that in this city not only souvenirs are good, which will be discussed in more detail below, but also wardrobe items, sweets and alcohol, dishes and, of course, exquisite jewelry.
Tourists who have already visited this region say that you can dress here according to the latest fashion, having acquired clothes of excellent quality and not having spent too much on it. You can bring great chocolate and delicious liquors to friends and relatives - these products are also the face of the city, as well as the famous amber jewelry.
Shopping for walks
Shops with souvenirs are scattered throughout Tallinn often and everywhere, therefore, there are no problems with searches, any gift or souvenir can be bought literally at every step. Guides prefer to drive their groups around the Old Town, directly along Viru Street and in the nearby alleys.
However, further, and in any direction, you can take a walk with benefit: the city is beautiful everywhere, and in shops the farther from the town hall, the souvenirs are richer, more original and, importantly, better and cheaper. Therefore, it makes sense to walk along Viru Street to the end, and peer away from the alleys, only then it will be possible to decide what to bring home from Tallinn.
Handmade
Souvenir shops almost everywhere in Tallinn offer a wide selection of juniper crafts. These are not only beautiful and useless trinkets for memory, there are also very durable utensils, as well as magnificent caskets and unique trinkets. Sets of kitchen accessories are not just beautiful - they uniquely fit into any style of interior.
But almost every tourist buys trinkets, not thinking about what to bring from Tallinn, since even a souvenir dusting on a shelf will always remind you of wonderful days of communication with the old unique European city, when everyday vanity was somewhere far away, and rest days were accompanied by peace and beauty.
Linen
Practical housewives must buy Estonian linen. These products - both bedding and kitchen - will certainly last a very long time, and their environmental friendliness is guaranteed by the material itself. These are tablecloths with hand embroidery, and napkins are the most various, and kitchen towels decorated with national patterns.
Embroidered linens will be the subject of envy for many years - linen is one of the most durable materials. There are linen dresses, shirts, sundresses with beautiful embroidery, which are also always in high demand. Do not know what to bring from Tallinn as a gift to your relatives? Pay attention to such things - you will not lose!
For fond memories
Handmade natural wool and products made of it are also a very popular area of traditional Estonian hospitality. Knitwear is popular everywhere, and the local sales may well compete with Orenburg fluff. It is no wonder that most tourists, having familiarized themselves with the assortment of local products, no longer puzzle over what to bring from Tallinn. A photo of woolen products with patterns, colorful drawings or ornaments will certainly help others to choose a memorable little thing about this city.
Literally everything that a person wants is sold in stores and in souvenir shops: from patterned sweaters and funny hats with ears or horns, from scarves, wraps, shawls and mittens to huge rugs made of thick natural handmade yarn, also decorated with national ornaments. Souvenirs from Tallinn are very diverse. What to bring - everyone will decide for himself, there is a choice for every taste, and, moreover, the richest.
Textile
There are no patterns of any kind: these are not only traditional deer, cats and lamb, but also trim with ribbons, gimbal, cord or rhinestones. Estonian national patterns are known throughout Europe, and warm hand-knitted sweaters are very much appreciated there - about the same as the textiles of the Krenholm factory, known in our country from Soviet times.
Since these products diverge across Europe and almost do not reach the shelves of Russian outlets, you must buy them in Tallinn: this is not only a memory, but also a great investment. These things will serve faithfully for a long time. From what can be brought from Tallinn as a gift, Krenholm textiles are truly the best choice.
Colored glass
In Tallinn, products of glass-blowing workshops are especially fond of, and the process of their manufacture can be observed live: how a unique thing appears from a molten drop of liquid glass, which can be bought even warm. Amazing vases, sets of glasses, wine glasses and other ceremonial dishes, as well as window pendants, various figures and decorations for walls are sold in shops at workshops.
It is rather difficult to decide which souvenirs to bring from Tallinn, since the choice is huge. There are the simplest glass baubles, and stained glass copyright works, and all kinds of pleasant gifts - from simple fridge magnets to functional exclusive products. But each of them is a symbol of the Estonian capital, and therefore the memory of it will not be erased over the years.
Ceramics and forging
Ceramics are still as traditional in modern Tallinn as they were in the Middle Ages. Products that tourists buy are still unique: these are ceramic copies of the most famous buildings, souvenir plates with images of the most wonderful places in the capital and the country. And just like on woolen sweaters, socks and mittens, national ornaments triumph here - ceramics, glassware, and linen towels accept them equally gratefully.
In addition to beer mugs, colored glasses and souvenir plates, turn your eyes to forged products. What can be brought from Tallinn from this category of goods? For people who are not constrained in means, figurines of animals and knights are in demand. Yes, they are quite large and heavy, but they will decorate an apartment or a country house, making the interior truly unique. Can't afford such a purchase? No problem! Tallinn is full of smaller forged ashtrays, coasters and vases.
Marzipan
The treat, which consists of sugar and almonds, was invented in the Middle Ages as a medicine, it was made and sold only in pharmacies. This was mentioned in written sources in 1422: the Tallinn City Hall pharmacy began selling a new drug invented there, the Mitridacium, which cured the seriously ill ratman from the city council. Judging by the legends, he was invented by a very clever student Mart, since the pharmacist, who was entrusted with the manufacture of the medicine, became ill. The student used completely different ingredients, which he considered the most delicious. The author of the drug had to try the first dose, so as not to expose the noble patient to the risk of poisoning. If the medicine is bitter, the ratman may well refuse it, watching how the pharmacist’s pupil wrinkles. And if so, add sweetie ...
Naturally, the patient liked the drug. And not only. Almonds relieved him of abdominal pain. Further, the medicine was called March bread. Over time, special forms for baking appeared in the town hall and ... marzipans with the coat of arms of Tallinn. In addition, the production of marzipan figures began. The healing properties of almonds are well known today, it is literally a panacea. Student Mart was not mistaken in the ingredients. And this delicacy has become a hallmark of the city and country.
Candy
Estonian sweets are known all over the world, and it is not only marzipan, but also Kalev chocolate. Having visited the museum-shop of marzipan, every tourist learns what to bring home from Tallinn. That is why the ancient cafe Maiasmokk on Pikk street, 16, is an obligatory item in the plans of each guide.
Here you can fashion a figurine out of a sweet mixture on your own and according to your own taste. And which chocolate to buy? The most famous and prestigious brands of Estonia are Kalev, Kalevipoeg, Linda. If you have a sweet tooth friend (and who doesn’t have one?), Be sure to bring them one of the best gifts in the national style. Sixty-odd kinds of sweets and chocolates of the aforementioned companies are bought in a store on 7 Roseni Street.
More from tasty
Another national food product that was considered (and still is considered) by many as medicinal is the Old Tallinn liqueur, which has become the same symbol as marzipan. It is purchased by tourists from all over the world. The drink is in no way inferior to the famous Riga Balsam from neighboring Latvia, in any case, it enjoys no less popularity with guests of the capital.
And what else to bring from Tallinn from groceries? First of all, fish products - sprats and spicy herring. Well and, of course, magnificent Estonian cheeses. Tourists willingly buy them in large quantities - for themselves, and for friends, and for loved ones. Also, fragrant honey, delicious pastille and various preserves, boiled in a makeshift way according to old recipes and only from seasonal berries and fruits, hand-picked, are often brought to different countries from Estonia.
Glycerin soap
Handmade soap is always a great souvenir accepted with gratitude as a gift. Especially if it is a soap of high quality and attractive appearance. Glycerin cooked in Tallinn is especially appreciated by tourists. It is cooked at home, flavorings, spices and all other ingredients are used only natural and healthy for the skin. Tallinn Tallinn glycerin soap with cinnamon, which is called "Christmas Pie", was especially fond of everyone .
It is produced only in small batches, despite high demand. It contains only natural oils, spring water, honey, milk, dried flowers and herbs, spices, natural glycerin of plant origin. It is these components that help soften and refresh the skin. Tallinn soap foam beautifully, has good cleaning properties and is absolutely harmless. Such a tool is sold everywhere - both in souvenir shops and in markets.
Shops and shops
The most popular shops are the “Courtyard of the Masters” in Katarina Lane and the “Krambude” shop, where gift sets and souvenirs are made according to medieval samples, which means they have a special touch. The Eesti Käsitöö store in the Old Town is also popular.
Tourists also love the nearby Rewill shop, where handicrafts of craftsmen “settled”. Stained glass workshops are located in different places, but products of Dolores Hoffman are of particular interest. It’s there, in Katarina’s alley.