We know Estonia
24.11.2014 | Culture

Outside of the Old Town

Outside of the Old Town

Kalamaja & Kopli

Kalamaja (Fish house) is a historic suburb filled with wooden houses and old factories. From the 14th century, Kalamaja has served as Tallinn’s main fishing port and was home to fishermen and fishmongers. When the railroad connected Tallinn with St. Petersburg in 1870, many factories opened. The colourful wooden houses you still see today were built in the 1920s and 1930s to house the growing working population.

Kalamaja has seen a revival over the last few years as artists and other bohemian types moved in for the large spaces and cheap rent. Restaurants and cafés began to open, and the area continues to grow .

Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam)

Have you ever seen the hull of a real submarine from below? Or better still, crawled through the narrow living and working quarters of a fully refurbished sub from the 1930s?

The submarine Lembit was one of two Estonian submarines built in the UK in the mid 1930s. Another sight is an authentic replica of the Short Admiralty Type 184 seaplane,  a British two-seat reconnaissance, bombing, and torpedo carrying folding-wing seaplane used in the Estonian war of Independence in the early 1920s and later for mail service. The museum is located in the former seaplane hangars built during WWI by the Russian tsar. The construction is architecturally unique since it was the largest armoured concrete ceiling in the world at the time of construction.

Küti 17 / Vesilennuki 6, Tallinn

Check on the map

By tram: No. 1 or 2 from the city centre to the Linnahall stop. From there, by foot along the Cultural Kilometre trail.

Patarei Prison (Patarei Vangla)

Patarei Prison gives an eerie glimpse into gloomy Soviet era prison life. For a small entrance fee you can take a self-guided tour through the dark halls of this old sea fortress that has served as barracks, and then as a prison during Soviet times.

Kalaranna 2-2a

Check on the map

By tram: No. 1 or 2 from the city cen- tre to the Linnahall stop. From there, by foot along the Cultural Kilometre trail, just before the Seaplane Harbour.

Kadriorg

Kadriorg Park is the area that houses the Presidential Palace (Presidendi kantselei) and the Kadriorg Palace (Kadrioru loss), and the KUMU Art Museum. (All located on Weizenbergi). Kadriorg means Catherine’s Valley in Estonian, and dates back to the 18th century. The park and the palace were built by Peter the Great, who apparently helped in its building. As was customary at the time, the main house was named after his wife. There are plenty of other things to see in this beautiful and prestigious park. From the Kadriorg Palace, head straight along the park trail to the Russalka monument, located at the shore of the Gulf of Finland. The famous Song Festival Grounds (Lauluväljak) are only a short walk from the park as well.

Pirita

Pirita is an area located a short distance to the east of the city centre and offers a variety of things to see and do. Start by visiting the ruins of St Birgitta’s Convent ruins (Pirita klooster) whose colourful history dates back to the 15th century. A stroll through the ruins and the surrounds, including the small cemetery, is a moving reminder of the past. Its proximity to the Pirita River and the beach makes it perfect as part of a day excursion. The 2km long beach can attract up to 30,000 visitors a day in summer. Also located a short distance from the beach is the city’s Botanical Gardens (Botaanikaaed) and the famous Tallinn TV Tower (Teletorn), which is a must see as it not only provides a number of interactive exhibits but also offers one of the best views of the city and the district. A starting point for information on these can be found at:

St Birgitta’s Convent ruins (Pirita klooster)-Kloostri tee 9, Tallinn

Check on the map

Tallinn TV Tower (Teletorn) – Kloostrimetsa tee 58A, Tallinn

Check on the map

Botanical Gardens (Botaanikaaed) – Kloostrimetsa tee 52, Tallinn.

 

Estonian Open Museum (Eesti Vabaõhumuuseum)

Visitors can catch a glimpse of the Estonian countryside and village life from the past. The venue has a distinctive rural atmosphere that includes various farm buildings as well as its own church, tavern, and schoolhouse. Several mills, a fire station, fishing net sheds, a dancing area, and a village swing add to the character of the place. Some of the country’s iconic windmills can also be seen. Various demonstrations, displays and interactive activities help bring the past to life and provide visitors with a fun and educational experience.

Vabaõhumuuseumi tee 12, Tallinn.

Check on the map

TEXT KRISTINA LUPP, PHOTOS ANDREI CHERTKOV

To learn more about this and similar topics

28.3.2024 | Culture

A huge stork’s nest has appeared in Noblessner

A huge stork’s nest has appeared in Noblessner

A huge stork’s nest has appeared at the top of an old mast in Noblessner in Tallinn. The light … Read more

27.3.2024 | Culture

Dominic Miller to perform in Tallinn

Dominic Miller to perform in Tallinn

Guitar virtuoso Dominic Miller, known for his collaborations with Sting, will perform at Cathouse Concert Hall in Tallinn tomorrow … Read more

27.3.2024 | Culture

Mozart’s Requiem to be bought to life

Mozart’s Requiem to be bought to life

This week, Mozart’s timeless Requiem will be performed at concerts in Tartu (March 28), Tallinn (March 29), and Pärnu … Read more

26.3.2024 | Culture

Light festival and rave in Tartu tonight

Light festival and rave in Tartu tonight

This evening, March 26, at 7 pm, the resumption of the flight connection between Tartu and Helsinki will be … Read more

25.3.2024 | Culture

Estonia’s most significant music event has grown into one of Europe’s largest.

Estonia’s most significant music event has grown into one of Europe’s largest.

Estonia’s most famous music event – Tallinn Music Week – starts next week. The festival, which is being organised … Read more

25.3.2024 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

07.03–23.04,Tribute to Queen, around Estonia 09.03–18.05,December Rain Ballet, Tartu 23.03–25.05, Musica Sacra Concert Series, Pärnu 25.03, Commemoration Day of … Read more

22.3.2024 | Culture

Eduard Zentšik’s new exhibition reflects on the concept of beauty

Eduard Zentšik’s new exhibition reflects on the concept of beauty

The opening of Eduard Zentšik new exhibition “The Magic of Beauty” will be held on March 23 at the … Read more

22.3.2024 | Culture

Grammy-winning jazz quartet Yellowjackets to perform in Tallinn

Grammy-winning jazz quartet Yellowjackets to perform in Tallinn

Legendary US jazz fusion band the Yellowjackets are set to perform at Viimsi Artium in Tallinn on May 13. … Read more