In the first part of our review (Biophysics, 63, 858 (2018)) we analyzed a structure of the linker histones of the H1 family, their post-translational modifications, and the role of the histone H1 in the formation of compact transcriptionally inactive chromatin. In the second part of the review, we describe the current understanding of the role of the linker histones in structural organization of chromatin: from nucleosomes to metaphase chromosomes. The various aspects of interactions of the linker histone H1 with other elements of chromatin, including DNA and nuclear proteins, are discussed.