Pirita-Kose

The Pirita-Kose hike offers a rare chance to weave together the enjoyment of nature and Tallinn’s fascinating historical events. The journey begins at the Pirita Health Sports Centre, from where we first pass the mysterious chapel of the Koch family and continue between two dignified cemeteries straight into the primeval valley of the Pirita river. Protected as a landscape reserve since 1957, this area is a true natural pearl of Tallinn, home to rare and protected plants such as the small pasque flower and the Baltic orchid. As the hike continues, nature’s peace gives way to exciting and at times dark history when we reach the abandoned Kose summer manor. The history of this place hides memories of dramatic Soviet-era events and mass executions, while offering adrenaline to those who want to seek out the well-hidden entrance of the former command centre. The path then runs past the gigantic structures of Peter the Great’s naval fortress belt, which bring us to the neighbourhood of the historic K. Päts Open Air School. A suspension bridge is not something usually associated with Tallinn, but we get to cross the Pirita river on a genuine, swaying suspension bridge. Depending on the hikers’ thirst for adventure and the weather conditions, we can choose either an exciting “kamikaze trip” along the edge of the Tallinn Botanic Garden, or move like calmer, civilised people along the pavement between the botanic garden and the Tallinn TV Tower. If you wish, we can visit the Tallinn TV Tower. Towards the end of the trek we make a detour to the Forest Cemetery, where many great figures important to the Estonian state and culture rest, and we also pass through the German war cemetery. At the end of the hike we visit the Chapel Hill of the Pirita convent and, if you wish, the famous Pirita convent ruins known from the cult film “The Last Relic”, one of Tallinn’s most iconic landmarks.

The walk is about 10 km long.

It takes 3-5 h.

Entrance to the Pirita convent ruins is 3 euros; tickets can be bought from the machine on site.