Kakumäe

If you are looking for something more than an ordinary Sunday stroll, the Kakumäe hike is made just for you. It is a varied journey where Tallinn’s modern architecture meets wild nature and fascinating military history.

The hike begins at the Rocca al Mare Circle K petrol station, from where we first head through the forest to the Estonian Open Air Museum. Soon the exclusive Merirahu residences begin to show through the trees, and we move up onto the bluff to admire the view over Tallinn Bay. Before long we reach Haven, one of Estonia’s most modern and grand yacht marinas. The trail then runs along the edge of the high bluff, where the forest floor hides little footbridges, hillocks and tree roots that make the hiking varied and playful. But Kakumäe is not only nature – on the edge of the bluff and deep in the forest we pass the massive concrete structures of Peter the Great’s coastal battery, silent witnesses to the grandiose defence systems of their day.

If the weather allows, the journey continues right at the water’s edge, where you can test your balance hopping across the shore boulders. In warm enough weather it is an experience in itself to cross Kakumäe beach wading knee-deep in the water — or why not go for a swim.

The route is about 10 km long.

If needed, you can ride back to the starting point by public transport.