Paldiski

Paldiski is a place that has carried a veil of secrecy for decades. In Soviet times it was a completely closed military town that, for ordinary people, did not even exist on the map. Although not a trace remains today of the once-gigantic nuclear submarine training centre known as the “Pentagon”, a mysterious atmosphere still hovers over Paldiski.

Paldiski’s history, however, reaches much further back than the Soviet era. Once known as Rogerwiek, the harbour was one of Peter the Great’s favourite places, because the sea here stayed ice-free all year round. At the same time as Kadriorg palace was being planned for Tallinn, a mighty bastion began to be built here – you can grasp its scale today by walking on the historical Muula hills. If you feel nostalgia for the Estonian kroon, know that it was on the Paldiski cliff that the famous view was captured which adorned our 100-kroon Koidula note.

Today Paldiski and the Pakri peninsula offer experiences for every taste. Here stands Estonia’s tallest lighthouse – Pakri, from whose top platform enchanting views open far out to sea in clear weather. It is also the perfect place to experience the power of wind farms – here you can hear with your own ears the pulsing of the air stirred by the giant blades. Local colour is added by the peculiar “dachas”, or summer cottages, which are a sight in their own right.

Several churches await culture and architecture lovers in the town, the most impressive of which is certainly the Church of St Sergius of Radonezh, under the Moscow Patriarchate. For art lovers, an obligatory stop is the home studio of Amandus Adamson, author of the Russalka memorial. This charming “doll’s house” offers an intimate insight into the great man’s work and talent. You can end the journey at the dignified main building of the Paldiski railway station, dating from 1870, marking the time when the historic Paldiski-Tallinn-St Petersburg railway line opened.

Tour starts: Tallinn, or if you wish we meet in Paldiski.

Transport: a bus can be ordered, you can come with your own bus, or travel there by train.

If you wish, we can do a bike tour.

Catering: if desired, at a local restaurant by group order.