No more than in an hour’s drive from the Estonian capital, there are many interesting natural and architectural objects located that are indeed worth seeing. We have compiled for you a list of the most interesting and outstanding ones.
The Jägala Waterfall is the widest natural waterfall in Estonia with the width of 50+ m and the height of about 8 m.⠀
You’d better go there in spring, when the snow melts and the flow becomes even more rapid and spectacular, or in winter, when the waterfall almost freezes and turns into a cluster of curious-looking icicles.
Location: Jägala juga
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
The Viru swamp formed from the former Lake Viru, which began to overgrow 5,000 years ago. It is located 30 min from Tallinn towards Narva.
A 3.5 km boardwalk is laid along the swamp (the full route is 6 km). The observation tower, which is located approximately in the middle of the trail, can be also reached with a pram or in a wheelchair. The trail is equipped with signs and introduces visitors to the marsh vegetation, former sand dunes and beautiful coniferous forest.
Location: Viru Raba
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
This quiet charming village on the Gulf of Finland, in Lahemaa National Park, was first mentioned in historical letters in 1453.
People come here to enjoy the sea and the view from the tower overlooking the peninsula as well as to hide from the bustle of the city in one of the many cozy coastal houses.
Previously, almost every family had a captain or navigator, and this place was home to a maritime school, which explains why it’s called the “Captains’Village”.
Location: Majakamäe kivi, Käsmu
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
Called Saula Siniallikad is Estonian, these crystal clear springs are located in the middle of the forest. They differ in size and color, ranging fron green-blue to brown and gray-blue.
Finding and exploring all three main springs is a curious adventure requiring a kilometer walk along the forest path, through the pedestrian bridge over the Pirita river. There is marshy soil all around, so you’d better not come close to the water.
Location: Saula Siniallikate matkarada
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
Within a 30 min drive from Tallinn, you will find Keila waterfall and Schloss Fall. With its height of 6m and the width of 70m, Keila waterfall is the most picturesque in Estonia. The road from the park to the waterfall runs along the river channel through two suspension bridges. You can also go hiking and explore the beautiful surroundings, by following a 3 km long nature trail.
Location: Keila juga
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
People come to the Pakri peninsula to watch the sea from a 25 m high cliff. The peninsula clint is guarded by the state: this is a natural scarp of international importance, a unique coastal cliff in Europe with bare Paleozoic strata.
The Pakri lighthouse, founded by Peter the Great in the 17th century, is also located here. The lighthouse stands on the natural elevation, on the edge of a high limestone rock. In 1889, the new stone lighthouse was built just 80 meters from the old one. Being 55 m high, this new lighthouse has become one of the highest in Estonia.
Location: Pakri Cliff
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
The tavern is located in the seaside town of Paldiski, 500 m from the railway station, in a picturesque park near two old churches. “Peetri Toll” means “Peter’s Customs” in Estonian.
Several centuries ago, when Peter the Great founded the Baltic Port, the Customs office in this building was hosting the traders declaring goods.
On the ground floor you will find a decently priced ascetic restaurant. On the second floor, there is a large hall and a museum with weapons and lavish paintings. Upon request, restaurant workers will set a table for you there, with a presentation made of old city photos included.
Location: Mere 10, Paldiski
Read more: http://en.peetritoll.ee/
Most of the monasteries in Estonia used to belong to the monastic order of the Cistercians, just as the Padise Monastery built in the 14th century. Its construction took more than 200 years, but after the wars, only its ruins remained. In the 1930s, restoration began, and now this medieval monastery is considered a state cultural monument. Its church hall has a good acoustic shape and is therefore used as a venue for concerts and special events.
Location: Padise klooster
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
The former prison has initially turned into a commercial entertainment for tourists. Previously, prisoners used to work at Rummu’s quarry known as a rich limestone deposit. After the liquidation of the prison, the quarry along with equipment and buildings was quickly flooded. Now Rummu is known for its crystal clean water and is a great place for divers and extreme sports fans.
On the other side of the quarry you will find the Paekalda Recreation Center where you can enjoy renting a boat or canoe, basking in sauna, staying overnight in big round barrels on the water, diving, and fishing on ice in winter.
Flooded prison location: Rummu Quarry
Opening hours: in summer from 10.00 till 21.00,
From September 1st till May 31st upon reservation
Prices: from 3€
Camping coordinates: Paekalda Holiday Center
Read more: https://www.paekalda.ee/
Not far from the Estonian airfield Ämari, there is an unconventional cemetery of military pilots. Apart from usual tombstones, tails of planes stick out of the ground, resembling shark fins in the sea and looking pretty mystical from aside.
The first fragments of aircrafts – the parts of apparatus recognized as unsuitable for flight – were installed here in Soviet times in memory of those who died during the military service. It was impossible to use crashed planes otherwise, since there was almost nothing left of them, except for small pieces.
The cemetery on the way to the Ämari airbase and can be seen from the road through the dense forest.
Location: Ämari Pilots ’Cemetery
Working hours: 24/7
Admission: free
Material prepared by Yuliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)
