Toompea Castle
The pink parliament on the limestone cliff — Estonia's seat of power since the 9th century, and the postcard view of Tall Hermann tower.
Pink baroque facade of Toompea Castle housing the Estonian Parliament
What to expect at Toompea Castle
Toompea Castle crowns the limestone hill above the old town and has been the fortress of whoever ruled Estonia for a thousand years — Danes, Teutonic Knights, Swedes, Russians, and now the Riigikogu parliament. The candy-pink baroque facade you see from Lossi plats hides a medieval core, and the Estonian flag on Tall Hermann tower is raised at sunrise every day to the national anthem. It's the single most photographed building in the country.
Come early — around 8:00 — to catch the flag ceremony without crowds and to shoot the pink facade in soft light before tour buses arrive from the cruise terminal. Book a free guided tour of the parliament chamber at least a week ahead through the Riigikogu website; slots fill fast in summer. Combine with Alexander Nevsky Cathedral directly opposite and the two viewing platforms 200 metres away.
Questions about Toompea Castle
The courtyard and exterior are free. A guided tour of the parliament interior is $6 per person, booked via riigikogu.ee.
Exterior access is always free. Interior tours are free during the annual Open Doors Day in April.
Allow 1-2 hours: 30 minutes for the exterior and flag ceremony, plus a 45-minute guided interior tour if booked.
The interior closes on parliament session days (usually Mon and Thu afternoons), all public holidays, and weekends for tours.
Yes — guided interior tours require online booking at least 5 days in advance. Exterior visits need no booking.
Bus 3 or 4 to Toompea stop, or a 10-minute uphill walk from Viru Gate through the old town.
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