Finns’ pent-up hunger for tourism is now unleashed in Tallinn – the new Proto science center attracts especially families with children

/ Tourism

Almost as many Finns visit Tallinn as before the corona pandemic. Two new trends are quick departure decisions and the growth of family tourism.

– This is a wonderful, beautiful city. Estonian handicrafts and folklore are interesting, Kuittinen says and then turns to the others.

– And then you wanted to go there, whatever it was…

– Proto! comes the group’s response. The trip is completed by staying at a spa hotel in the center.

A man in virtual reality glasses stands in the basket of a hot air balloon.
The Proto Science Center markets itself as a center for virtual reality, among other things. Here you dodge mountains and buildings with a hot air balloon.

Proto opened in the popular Noblessner area just before the corona pandemic in 2019.

After suffering the pandemic, the science center has managed to profile itself as a novelty destination of interest to people of all ages, where the laws of physics become familiar by playing, literally.

The number of Finns drops to the level of the record year

Domestic tourism alone would not be enough to keep the businesses of Tallinn’s trendy areas, i.e. Noblessner, Telliskivi and the old town, alive.

Much depends on foreign tourists, almost half of whom have traditionally been Finns.

A lighted and decorated Christmas tree in Tallinn's Raatihuone square surrounded by people.
Around the fir tree in the town hall hall, you can hear a multilingual chatter.

According to the statistics of the year that ended, the number of overnight stays by Finns was, according to Hurskainen, about 83 percent of the level of 2019 before the corona virus. And it was an all-time tourism year in Estonia.

A dark-haired woman in a pink scarf and a gray winter coat looks directly into the camera and smiles.
There is no typical Finnish tourist or just one reason to go to Tallinn, says Silja Hurskainen.

There have been a couple of changes in Finns’ tourism to Estonia since the pandemic.

One is the increase in family tourism.

– It seems to be a recent change. There have been interesting family destinations in Tallinn and families feel that it is nice to come here, Silja Hurskainen estimates.

A woman dressed in a dark blue winter coat and a colorful neckerchief has wrapped her arms around a boy dressed in an orange coat.
While moving around Tallinn with her son Juha, Lyydia Ludwig noticed that the abundance of Finns can be seen and heard.

Another trend is that the decision to go on a trip is made on a quick schedule.

– During the pandemic, we are used to the fact that changes take place. So, until the very last minute, we are waiting to see if we can start, says Hurskainen.

A woman in a mustard-colored beanie steps out of the door of the R14 restaurant, next to which is a red Michelin sign.
Finns are also drawn to Tallinn by contemporary Estonian cuisine with Michelin recommendations.

– I’d rather go this way than that way to Stockholm. Somehow Eastern (Europe) has always interested me more, says Ludwig.

The Ludwigs are also supposed to go to Proto, if they have time from other things to do.

A middle-aged woman with a beanie wearing a topcoat is standing in a glass lantern-like cube with a fir tree and Christmas lights.
Tallinn’s old town is an enduring favorite among tourists. At the turn of the year, there were only a fraction of Russians on the move compared to previous years.

– It was known that it is an idyllic Christmas here, let’s make all the places pretty. The children have liked it and enjoyed it, says Hillu.

The trio planned to stay in Estonia for a whole week.

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