A historical treasure in Viimsi
Text Mark Taylor
Photo: Sandra Niinepuu
The Estonian War Museum is located in the historic surroundings of Viimsi Manor near Tallinn. The manor once belonged to General Laidoner, who victoriously led the Estonian War of Independence. It is an important destination for all military history lovers. The museum’s mission is to preserve, study and present Estonia’s military history and heritage, covering periods from ancient battles to the present day.
The museum’s collections consist of a wide range of military equipment, weapons, uniforms and other artefacts related to military history. For example, you can learn a lot about the Estonian War of Independence (1918-1920), which is a key part of the history of Estonia.
One of the museum’s new attractions is the armoured train No 7 “Wabadus”. This spectacular armoured train is on display in the museum’s courtyard and offers visitors a unique insight into the military technology of the past.
Six wide-track and five narrow-track armoured trains operated during the 1918 War of Independence. The “Wabadus” on display in the museum is not one of the trains from the War of Independence, but a brand new train, the 7th. For the train, 50 metres of real railway track was built in the courtyard of Viimsi Manor with historic wooden sleepers.
In 2019, the armoured train “Wabadus” travelled along the Estonian railways as a travelling exhibition of the War Museum. From 2020, it stood at the Tapa depot waiting for the completion of the railway in the courtyard of the Estonian War Museum. Now the long wait is over and it can be seen by all at the museum.
The museum and the military technology hall are open from Wednesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm. During the winter season, the military technology hall is open by appointment only. A normal-price ticket costs €7 and a family ticket costs €14 (including two adults and children). A reduced ticket costs €5.
The museum is also accessible with Tallinn Card and Museum Card.
For more information, visit the Estonian War Museum website.
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