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How to enjoy winter like a local in Tallinn
21.11.2023
Time to get out and enjoy the winter in true Estonian style! If you have never seen snow or wonder how Estonians make it through the coldest season of the year, stop all you are doing and keep reading.
Enjoying the great outdoors is a way of life in Estonia, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that the secret of enjoying winter like the locals is to do a lot (a lot-lot) of winter sports.
Here is our list of the best places to have fun in the snow in Tallinn.
Ski in the beautiful forests of Nõmme
Bring out your inner athlete on the cross-country ski tracks of Nõmme. Take the bus or train to Nõmme (southern part of Tallinn) and head to Nõmme Sports Centre. Do not worry about proper gear: you can rent skis on the spot.
Nõmme is famous for its lovely pine forests. There's really nothing better than a beautiful wintry day in nature with perfectly sliding skis under your feet!
Skate in the picturesque Old Town of Tallinn
If you want to practice your spins, axels, jumps and lifts, head straight to the Uisupark ice rink on Harju Street in the Old Town. The rink is located in the heart of the medieval Old Town and a popular place to have a romantic date or just fun with your friends.
Don't worry, you don't have to be a professional figure skater to glide on the ice. You are welcome to join even if you have never been on skates before. Skating is a lot of fun!
A top tip: in addition to the Old Town, you can find ice rinks in Kadriorg, Nõmme, Mustamäe, and Lasnamäe.
Sledge at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds
Sledging is the perfect choice for kids (and adults, if you ask us). So much joy, giggles and positivity are in the air when Estonians gather to sledge!
Almost every Tallinner has their own favourite little sledging hill in the city, but the most popular one is located at the Song Festival Grounds.
You can also sledge in Hirve Park, Pirita sports centre, Tallinn Botanic Garden, and the Estonian Open Air Museum - simply do not forget to bring your own sledge (you can easily find one in the local supermarkets) and be careful when riding down the hills at high speeds.
Snowfight!
When there is snow, it requires a proper snow fight! But play snow fight only in places where the snow is clean such as in parks, beaches, and forests - you don’t want to risk getting gravel into your snowballs.
For more relaxed snow-related entertainment, build a snowman or a castle.
A top tip: the best time to build stuff from snow is when the temperatures are around 0 degrees Celsius (32 degrees Fahrenheit). When it's much colder, the snow simply does not stick.
Where to enjoy winter sports activities in Tallinn
Visit Tallinn.ee for a comprehensive list of places in Tallinn to enjoy winter sports.