Long Leg Street Pikk Jalg
Walk through history on Pikk Jalg, Tallinn's charming 'Long Leg' street, leading to Toompea Hill via a medieval gate tower.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Long Leg Street Pikk Jalg
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk through history on Pikk Jalg, Tallinn's charming 'Long Leg' street, leading to Toompea Hill via a medieval gate tower.
"A fascinating piece of Tallinn’s medieval history and a hidden gem for those exploring the Old Town."
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobblestones and incline make comfy footwear essential for exploring Pikk Jalg.
📸 Capture the History
Great photo opportunities of medieval architecture and city views, especially with good lighting.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Long Leg Gate Tower
Entrance to Pikk Jalg
A 14th-century gateway connecting lower and upper Tallinn, offering a tangible link to medieval history.
Cobblestone Street Views
Pikk Jalg Street
Experience the timeless beauty of hand-finished cobblestones, a picturesque path with enchanting views.
Toompea Hill Ascent
Top of Pikk Jalg
The gradual incline offers a rewarding walk to the upper town, with historical buildings and city vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigate the Inclines
Embrace the Medieval Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobblestones and incline make comfy footwear essential for exploring Pikk Jalg.
📸 Capture the History
Great photo opportunities of medieval architecture and city views, especially with good lighting.
Pikk Jalg (Long Leg) street in Tallinn
⬆️ Choose Your Leg Wisely
Pikk Jalg is scenic but long; Lühike Jalg is a steeper, shorter stair alternative.
🎨 Be Aware of Graffiti
Some visitors note graffiti, which can detract from the historic charm.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
The cobblestones and incline make comfy footwear essential for exploring Pikk Jalg.
📸 Capture the History
Great photo opportunities of medieval architecture and city views, especially with good lighting.
⬆️ Choose Your Leg Wisely
Pikk Jalg is scenic but long; Lühike Jalg is a steeper, shorter stair alternative.
🎨 Be Aware of Graffiti
Some visitors note graffiti, which can detract from the historic charm.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Pikk Jalg a charming and historically significant walk, appreciating the medieval atmosphere and the Long Leg Gate Tower. The cobblestone street offers picturesque views, though some note the presence of graffiti. The incline requires comfortable footwear, and the alternative Lühike Jalg offers a steeper, shorter path.
"The Pika jala väravatorn, or Long Leg Gate Tower, is a fascinating piece of Tallinn’s medieval history and a hidden gem for those exploring the Old Town. This towering gate, built in the 14th century, was one of two main gateways connecting the lower town with the upper town on Toompea Hill. Its unique name, “Long Leg,” reflects the steep incline leading up through the gate—a route historically used by nobility and officials.
As you pass through the gate, you can’t help but feel a connection to the past. The stone walls and arched entrance give a sense of Tallinn’s old-world charm, and the view looking back over the lower town is enchanting. It’s a perfect photo spot for capturing Tallinn’s medieval atmosphere and makes for a great start or end point when exploring the upper town."
Wisanu Tuntawiroon
"Long Leg Gate and tower is a lovely walk up or down the hill while exploring the medieval city."
The WWII Professor
"Beautiful walk along the city wall along the presidential palace as well as some old buildings. Perfect for a evening stroll and there's quite a bit of elevation changes and stairs so wear some comfortable shoes. You can get some good clicks if you have good lighting in a sunny day. There are some shops also to do some suvernior shopping including some art galleries as well. You can even go to the back garden of the presidential palace which I though was nice. If you go below the city wall there's a nice part where you can have a nice picnic or just relax on a bench."
Chamara Sandakelum
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pikk Jalg (Long Leg Street) is located in Tallinn's Old Town, easily accessible on foot from the lower town. It leads up to Toompea Hill. You can also consider the steeper but shorter Lühike Jalg (Short Leg) nearby for an alternative route.
While public transport can get you to the vicinity of the Old Town, Pikk Jalg itself is best explored on foot. The nearest stops are usually a short walk away from the Old Town's main entrances.
The most enjoyable way to explore Pikk Jalg is by walking. Take your time to appreciate the historic cobblestones, architecture, and the gradual ascent towards Toompea Hill.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, walking down or up Pikk Jalg street is free and open to the public. It's a public thoroughfare within Tallinn's Old Town.
Pikk Jalg is an outdoor street and is accessible 24/7. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for the best experience and safety.
The Long Leg Gate Tower is part of the street and does not have a separate entrance fee for viewing from the outside. Access to any internal exhibitions or specific parts of the tower would require separate ticketing, if available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Pikk Jalg offers a historic cobblestone street experience, the Long Leg Gate Tower, and leads to Toompea Hill. You can enjoy the medieval atmosphere, take photos, and explore nearby attractions on the hill.
The street has a significant incline and cobblestones, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues. The alternative Lühike Jalg is even steeper with stairs.
Yes, Pikk Jalg is a very photogenic street with its historic architecture and cobblestones. The Long Leg Gate Tower also provides excellent photo opportunities.
While Pikk Jalg itself is primarily a historic passage, you'll find souvenir shops and art galleries nearby, especially as you approach Toompea Hill.
Pikk Jalg (Long Leg) is a longer, sloping street, while Lühike Jalg (Short Leg) is a much steeper, shorter path with stairs, serving as a shortcut between the lower and upper towns.
📸 📸 Photography
Early mornings or late afternoons offer the best light for photography on Pikk Jalg, minimizing crowds and creating a more atmospheric feel.
The Long Leg Gate Tower, the cobblestone street itself with its unique texture, and the views looking back towards the lower town are prime photography spots.
Generally, there are no specific restrictions on photography on Pikk Jalg as it's a public street. However, always be respectful of private property and individuals.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the street itself is a passage, the destination at the top of Toompea Hill offers more for families, including parks and viewpoints. If you have strollers, be prepared for a challenging push uphill on Pikk Jalg; Lühike Jalg is generally not stroller-friendly due to its stairs. Pack snacks and water, as amenities directly on the street are limited.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers & Explorers
Consider using Pikk Jalg as part of a larger exploration of Toompea Hill, which offers stunning panoramic views of the city. The Spanish embassy is also located nearby, adding a touch of modern relevance to the historic surroundings. The option of Lühike Jalg provides a choice for a quicker ascent if you're on a tight schedule or prefer a more challenging route.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of Pikk Jalg and the Gate Tower
The Long Leg Gate Tower (Pika jala väravatorn) stands as a testament to Tallinn's defensive past. Built in the 14th century, it was one of the two main gateways controlling access to the upper town. Passing through this imposing stone structure offers a tangible connection to centuries of history, evoking images of knights, merchants, and the daily life of medieval Tallinn. The tower's architecture is characteristic of Hanseatic-era fortifications, designed to withstand sieges and control movement within the city.
Today, Pikk Jalg remains a charming, albeit sometimes steep, walk. It’s a popular route for tourists exploring the Old Town, offering picturesque views and a sense of stepping back in time. While the street retains its historical character, some visitors have noted the presence of graffiti, which can occasionally detract from the pristine medieval ambiance.
Navigating the 'Legs' of Tallinn
Lühike Jalg, on the other hand, is a much shorter and steeper passage, essentially a series of stairs and a narrow lane. It's often referred to as a 'shortcut' for those looking for a quicker ascent or descent. Travelers often debate which 'leg' is preferable, with Pikk Jalg offering more of a leisurely stroll and Lühike Jalg providing a more direct, albeit more strenuous, climb. Both are essential for understanding the unique topography and historical development of Tallinn.
When planning your visit, consider your fitness level and desired experience. If you enjoy a more relaxed exploration with picturesque views, Pikk Jalg is ideal. For those seeking a more direct route or a bit of a workout, Lühike Jalg is the choice. Many visitors opt to experience both, perhaps ascending via one and descending via the other, to fully appreciate the distinct character of each historic passage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit