Tallinn is a mix of east and west. Its Nordic Lutheran culture and language connect it with Scandinavia's Stockholm and Helsinki. But two centuries of Tsarist Russian rule and nearly 50 years as part of the Soviet Union have blended in a distinctly Russian flavor. Tallinn has modernized at an astounding rate since the fall of the Soviet Union, while also remaining one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the north of Europe. For more information on the Rick Steves' Europe TV series — including episode descriptions, scripts, participating stations, travel information on destinations and more — visit www.ricksteves.com.