Seaside Tallinn
30.04.2020
Tallinn boasts a 46km coastline and a vibrant maritime history.
Sea is a key ingredient in Tallinn’s natural appeal. From a medieval trade centre to Tsarist stronghold, the city and the local culture have been greatly influenced by its advantageous geographical position. A good way to experience the beauty of Tallinn bay is to walk, cycle or rollerblade down Tallinn’s paved promenades, sunbathe on the beach, and swim or sail along the calm waters of the Tallinn coast.
Kadriorg park and its Japanese garden is a great place to start off your daytrip along the Tallinn coast. The park is situated close to the nearly 2km long Pirita promenade, a paved path tracing a curve from Kadriorg to Pirita. The promenade opens onto a scenic view of Tallinn city centre, Viimsi peninsula and the Gulf of Finland. Take a relaxing stroll through the nearby pine woods and you will arrive at Pirita beach, largest and most popular sandy beach spot in Tallinn. Here you'll find ball courts, playgrounds, water sport equipment rental and cafes.
Rocca al Mare Promenade is a 2.5 km paved path passing through a peaceful residential area in Northern Tallinn, connecting Stroomi beach and Rocca al Mare. Stroomi beach is a child-friendly sandy beach in Northern Tallinn, which has ball courts, trampolines, a cafe and a park with grass pits, benches and barbecuing areas.
On the coast of Kalamaja in Northern Tallinn you can explore the region's biggest maritime centre Seaplane Harbour as well as Tallinn Creative Hub and their community garden, Pada, which is open during summer season. The historic Kalamaja park and nature protection area is also nearby.
Beautiful walks in Tallinn coastal area
Coastal activities
Tallinn's many ports and harbours offer an excellent opportunity to take off and explore the attractive cityscape from an entirely new angle. Many tour operators offer day trips on the coast. Tallinn coast is also great for many seaside activities from surfing, boat rental on Pirita River to bicycle rental. Most of the coastal area in Tallinn is covered with bicycle paths. To enjoy the panorama of Tallinn from the sea, a ride on old sea vessel "Katharina" is a must during summertime.
During winter, the coast of Tallinn often freezes over offering very unique and local experiences, such as winter swimming to those who wish to explore the charm of the all four seasons! Below are some suggestions where to look for when planning your coastal break.
Places to enjoy adventurous sports in Tallinn
Seaside dining
Every year new venues open up around Tallinn’s well developing coastal areas. Although summer provides the best opportunities for enjoying the coastal milieu, many seaside restaurants remain open during the winter season and turn from large summer terraces to cosy, warm interiors to enjoy a hot drink and gaze at the frozen sea. Below are seaside restaurants and bars in Tallinn and its surrounding areas.
Events by the sea
As the long days of summer approach, Tallinn's coastal areas turn into busy cultural venues hosting a variety of regular and one-off events. The most well-known of these is the Tallinn Maritime Days in Northern Tallinn, a weekend festival celebrating Estonian maritime culture and presenting an eclectic programme of entertainment for everyone. The Community Garden of Tallinn Creative Hub offers also culture activities for every generation during summer season.
The Song Celebration, that brings the whole country together every five years, takes place on the Tallinn's Song Festival Grounds with amazing views on the coastline. Birgitta Festival is held in the medieval surroundings of the 15th-century Pirita convent, hosting an international programme of classical and modern theatre acts. On the last Sunday of August, the coasts of the Baltic Sea light up, celebrating the end of the summer with the Night of Ancient Lights. One of the most attractive contemporary museums in Tallinn, Seaplane Harbour hosts a range of different events inspired by maritime culture.
A short drive away from Tallinn, Museum of Coastal Folk in Viimsi hosts a number of indoor and outdoor events throughout the year, most importantly the Coastal Folk Festival in July, Christmas Village in December. Viimsi Open Air Museum organises farmers market every Saturday all year round as well as Estonian Open Air Museum in Rocca al Mare offers wide range of activities throughout the year. Each summer Fish Market is open on Saturdays in Kalamaja near Culture Cilometre and Café Klaus.
Check the cultural calendar for more events.