Cycling in Tallinn – a simple route for culture lovers in Kadriorg
Tallinn is a great city for cycling – there are no big hills, new cycling paths are constantly being created and the distances are not too long. Cycling gives you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace. Hop on the saddle and get ready to be greeted by amazing views and cultural experiences!
One of the best areas for experiencing a combination of culture and nature is the Kadriorg Park and its surroundings. You can admire the sea, enjoy a break in urban nature and visit world-class museums.
We have created a sample route for those who want to enjoy a short bike ride in Kadriorg with plenty to see and do. The route is about 5-7 kilometres long, depending on where you start your journey.
Recommendation: Visiting all of the museums on the route is free with a Tallinn Card! Download the Tallinn Card app, buy a city ticket and get personalised recommendations during your visit.
Starting from the city centre: along Reidi Road to Russalka
Reidi Road is a spacious pedestrian and cycling path that connects the harbour area with Kadriorg and the beginning of Pirita Road. The road begins near Rotermanni Quarter, more specifically next to Nautica Centre, and passes Terminal D at the harbour. Getting to Reidi Road is quick and easy if you've come to Tallinn by ship from Finland. Just follow the signs pointing to Pirita.
Bike along Reidi Road to the Russalka memorial – the prominent angel monument by the sea commemorates a 19th century shipwreck. Turn right at the monument, cross Narva Road and continue along the beautiful avenue towards Kadriorg Park.
Alternative starting point: Pirita Harbour
From here it’s easy to get to Kadriorg along Pirita Road. Exit the harbour area onto the pedestrian road on Pirita Promenade and turn right towards the city centre and Kadriorg.
You’ll pass several sights worth visiting on your way to Kadriorg Park:
- Admire the ruins of the Bridgettine Convent, which was built in the 15th century.
- Take a break by the imposing memorial dedicated to the victims of communism.
- Discover Estonian history at the Maarjamäe Palace Museum. Entrance is free with a Tallinn Card.
- Visit the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds, an important site for Estonian culture and history.
After passing the Song Festival Grounds and heading towards the city, you will see the Russalka memorial on your right. Turn left at the monument, cross Narva Road and continue along the beautiful avenue towards Kadriorg Park.
Places for taking a break and enjoying culture
1. Kadriorg Park and Art Museum
Bike along the avenue straight towards the centre of the park. After about 900 metres, you will reach the Kadriorg Art Museum. Entrance to this and all the museums mentioned here is free with a Tallinn Card. Don't forget to visit the beautiful Baroque-style park behind the museum.
2. Mikkel Museum
Next to the Kadriorg Art Museum, on the opposite side of Weizenbergi Street, is the small Mikkel Museum. The main exhibition is upstairs and the regularly changing temporary exhibitions are downstairs.
3. Kumu Art Museum
From the Mikkel Museum, bike up Weizenbergi Street for about 300 metres until you reach the main building of the Estonian Art Museum – KUMU. The building was designed by Finnish architect Pekka Vapaavuori and it’s the heart of Estonian art.
4. Children’s Museum Miiamilla
Do you have young children with you? There is a lovely children’s museum called Miiamilla on Weizenbergi Street. It’s the perfect stop for young cycling enthusiasts. There is also a diverse playground in front of the museum, and in the summer there is a public drinking fountain nearby. NB! Since this is a small museum, you need to book an appointment in advance. You can do this conveniently on the Miiamilla Museum website.
5. Cafés and restaurants in Kadriorg and Pirita Harbour
Cycling will inevitably make you hungry and thirsty. There are several bike-friendly stops around Kadriorg. If your journey begins and ends in Pirita Harbour, you'll find great places to eat there too. By the way, using the Tallinn Card will earn you a 10% discount in the Kadriorg Art Museum café.
6. The return journey
When you've had your fill of culture, you can return to the city centre or Pirita by the same route you came from. If you’re headed back to Pirita, take a fun selfie at the big "Tallinn" sign by the beach!
Before you leave, take a look at Luigetiik and the surrounding seating areas at the intersection of Weizenberg and Poska Streets.
Practical tips for cycling in Tallinn
- Download the free Tallinn Card app: It acts as your guide to the city and provides you with more information about the sights. You can buy a Tallinn Card directly from the app and access the museums without buying a separate ticket.
- If you didn't bring your own bike, you can rent one:
- You can rent a bike and a helmet from City Bike in the Old Town. You can rent a bike free of charge for three hours using a Tallinn Card.
- You can find green Bolt and pink Rekola Bikesharing rental bikes in different city districts. To use them, you need to download their free mobile apps. You will find the rental prices and instructions in the apps.
- If you’re riding an electric bike, you can get help and advice from the Voltride shop (Telliskivi 57D).
- Wearing a helmet: In Estonia, wearing a helmet is compulsory for cyclists under 16 years of age.
- Tap water in Tallinn: Safe and drinkable. You can get water from public drinking fountains in the summer. You can use this map to see where the fountains are.
- Wheel maintenance spots: If you need to adjust your saddle or pump your tyres, there are public bike maintenance spots in Tallinn where you can find the necessary tools. Find them on the map layer labelled "rattaparanduspunkt".
- Want to cycle further? Tallinn cycling paths are marked on this map.