The Other Side of Tallinn

Hello! My name is Erik. I have lived in Tallinn my entire life and love its rich as well as complex history, culture and identity. I want everyone who visits my home city and country - whether alone, with friends or family - to enjoy themselves, to have fun on my tours and to feel free to ask whatever question comes to mind. And to leave with a fond memory and warm feeling - a sense of having learned something and discovered something they had not expected. I always focus on what exactly any particular client is looking for, whether it be a more fun and relaxed walked through the Old Town or a more academic analysis of how the Livonian Order functioned and eventually ceased to exist in the 16th century. Or perhaps, just find the best pub or cafe in town and sit down and chat. Guiding, history, cultures, mythology, folklore and religions are my passions. I always want to learn more and to introduce others to my discoveries as well. I want people to find out more than just when a building was built and in which style, or when a war started and who won. I want to reveal the intricate and often surprising stories behind these locations and events. History is a massive story connecting so many elements together. Guiding is in my blood and I truly love it. I am a third-generation tour guide and would not have it any other way. While my career as a guide began as a way to make extra money next to university, I quickly fell in love with it. It became my full-time job and calling. As tour guides, we are blessed with a unique opportunity - for our travelers, who entrust us with their free time and money, we are ambassadors to our nations. It is a responsibility I do not take lightly. We introduce them to our culture and history, often giving a lasting view. I want to show people more than just the tourist spots. I want them to find out how people lived here centuries ago and how they live here now. What food do we eat, what sports do we watch, how our school system works, etc. While I love talking about the history of the region, I understand that for people with little knowledge of the area, it can be tricky to wrap their heads around everything during a single tour. As such I appreciate any question people want to ask. I fully believe, there is no such thing as a dumb question. If a person wants to learn something new, and is willing to put themselves out there, admitting they do not know something, then that is only worth praising. I always want people to get answers to their questions, but often find that the best way answer, is perhaps not with a straight answer immediately, but instead first giving people the context they need to know, in order to fully appreciate the answer. I look forward to introducing Tallinn and Estonia to you. When you are in the region and want a tour, let me know! - Tour guide since 2010 - Certified tour guide in Tallinn, Estonia - license by the Tallinn Guide Association Certified to hold tours in the following museums - Kadriorg Art museum - Niguliste church - Tallinn Town Hall - Tallinn Town Hall Pharmacy - The Great Guild (a branch of the Estonian History Museum) - The Dome Church (St Mary's Cathedral) - Estonian Maritime museum - Fat Margaret Tower - Estonian Maritime museum - Seaplane Harbour - Tallinn TV Tower - Estonian Open Air Museum - Tallinn's Bastion Tunnels - Ruins of Padise Convent (outside of Tallinn) - Ruins of St Bridgette's Convent In addition I am trained to host tours in the following locations, though they do not require official certification - Lahemaa National Park - Haapsalu - Pladiski - Kalamaja area of Tallinn I cannot hold tours in any museums not listen under my Credentials (please keep in mind, not all museums require certification to hold a tour).