Embassy of Finland

The property between Kohtu and Pikk Jalg streets has not only a long a rich history but also one of the best views in Toompea. The complex was competed in 1850s and belonged to the von Uexkülls. During the first years of Estonian independence in a lot of magnificent real estate in the Old Town was on the market. Their Baltic German owners had been deprived of most of their income by the land reform and could no longer manage the upkeep of the houses. The von Uexküll’s residence was bought bynone other than the Estonian head of state Konstantin Päts who soon after offered to rent a part of it to the Finnish embassy. A few years later, Päts had to sell the property to settle some debts he had with a bank but he remained living on the premises as a tenant until 1938. This situation where the head of a state lives on the territory of another country’s embassy is unique in the world history. The Finnish Embassy in Tallinn left after the Soviet occupation. For a time the buildings were used as a dormitory and later as the premises of the Estonian National Library. After Estonia regained its independence, Finland got back the property and after a full renovation the embassy moved back in.

At least one of the buildings of the complex is haunted by a ghost that goes by the name the Black Baron. The Baron himself is not seen but the candle he carries walks around and lights the rooms. Things are known to go missing and doors unlock on their own. The Baron was actually a goldsmith of great skill and he sold his jewellery both to the upper and lower town. Unfortunately he was also an avid practicioner of black magic. The pieces he made were cursed and arguably the people who wore them died soon after. His ill intentions caught up with him in death and his spirit was doomed to wander around and never find rest in payment of his work.