Racism in Tallinn?

I%26#39;m planning a week%26#39;s trip to Talinn with a friend in October.

Having just read a post in the Latvia forum about serious racism in that country, as an Asian from Hong Kong myself, I%26#39;m concerned if the same exists in Talinn (or Estonia in general) given the similarities in these two Baltic countries.

Any expert/locals/expereienced people who may give me some insight on this? Any safety concern for people of different race visiting Estonia?

Many thanks.

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Hi,

I have been to Tallinn three times, I am brown-skinned and some of my friends are black-skinned. You may get some curious looks from locals, but on the whole everyone is wonderfully friendly and welcoming in Tallinn. Learn a few words in Estonian (Hello, how are you, thank you, goodbye, etc) and the locals will warm to you even faster.

My black friends have had one or two comments, but nothing serious and the fact we are returning in August for a fourth trip, tells you what we think of Tallinn.

You%26#39;ll have a wonderful time in Tallinn :)

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There have been a few incidents, but I think they gained that much (local) attention rather because of their exceptionality. Even there is some racism (unfortunately, there always are some people with narrow minds), the public display is unlikely. Unless Estonian lads get very drunk, then they can get out of control. But then there is no difference, which minority one belongs to - if you are black, Asian, gay, a woman or just have wrong smile :). Yes, there are probably some bars that one should avoid, but I suppose anyone in the right mind would avoid them. Can%26#39;t give you any names, because I just don%26#39;t know. Well, and dark alleys and strange neighbourhoods.

Given Estonian history, Asian people should be less concerned than black. Former Soviet Union (that Estonia belonged to) had a number of Asian republics. And people in Estonia are more used to their looks and ways that they are to black people. Unwanted staring in the streets is less likely. And compared to the situation in Moscow, which (as reports say) is getting increasingly unpleasant for minorities from Soviet Union%26#39;s former Asian republics, the attitude here is based on other grounds. The republics had a similar fight for freedom that created a certain bond.

Common caution is good everywhere, but there is no reason to be scared. I hope.

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Honestly, I don%26#39;t see many Asian people here in Tallinn too often but when I do, I do not see them treated any differently. I definitely don%26#39;t think you would have to fear for your safety or anything like that. But, to be honest, I have heard anecdotally that there is more racism in Tartu...I can%26#39;t speak to that directly because I haven%26#39;t been there yet.

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I am also brown skin and visit Tallinn about 15 times. I dont have any problems!

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There were black students at the Naval Academy in Tallinn even in Soviet time (1970s). Nobody gave them a second glance, so they were obviously a familiar sight.

Tallinn is one of Europe%26#39;s major tourist attractions nowadays, and you would have to have green skin or two heads to attract any attention in the Old Town or any other of the areas where tourists spend practically all their time.

I wouldn%26#39;t advise you to go out to the grotty Soviet-built multistorey suburbs, though. But that goes for white people, too.

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I saw a black guy on the tram to work today here in Tallinn. People were looking at him a little and he seemed uncomfortable...I wanted to walk over and say to him %26#39;don%26#39;t worry, they look at me here too!%26#39; (and I am white but I am still different)

I saw two Asian girls on the street the other day asking directions and a girl was politely telling them how to get where they were going. This is major in Tallinn to have someone give you directions...so I don%26#39;t think there was any thought one way or another about them being Asian, but it did make me think of your post.

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John, the black guys in the naval academy made all the heads turn in the 70s-80s. In all connotations embedded in the phrase :)

There weren%26#39;t so many of them, so back then they were a sight. Odd and hot. Outcast and loved. But that was a long time ago. And in a very different country called Soviet Union.