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    St. Olav’s Church Tower and Observation Platform

    Towers & viewpointsChurches
    Make the vigorous climb to the top of Tallinn's iconic, Gothic church, once the tallest building in the world. 

    Once upon a time, from 1549 to 1625 to be precise, this Gothic church was the tallest building in the World. But it’s gigantic, 159-metre spire, meant as a signpost for approaching ships, also turned out to be a very effective lightning rod. Throughout the church's history lightning hit the spire repeatedly, completely burning down the structure three times.

    Nowadays its smaller, 124-metre spire still dwarfs most of Tallinn’s buildings and remains an important symbol of the town. From April to October, visitors can make the vigorous climb to the top of the stone portion of the tower for magnificent and dizzying views of Old Town, Toompea hill and the port area.

    The church itself dates back to at least 1267 when it is thought to have served a group of Scandinavian merchants who settled in the area. Various legends insist the church got its name from either the giant or the mysterious stranger who built it, however it was in fact dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway.

    Its current shape and size were set in the 16th century. Inside are high, vaulted naves and a historicist interior design that dates to the time it was rebuilt after a fire in 1830.

    Services on Sundays at 10am and 12pm.

    Entrance to the church is free.
    Entrance to the tower is free with Tallinn Card.
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    TripAdvisor® Traveler Reviews

    TripAdvisor logo tripadvisor rating 4.5 of 5

    based on 1599 reviews

    • Worth it for the views

      tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
      June 25, 2022 By richardmP1661JV

      The church inside is very much on the less is more spectrum. The real treat is the tower. Yes it is a long and exhausting climb but it is completely worth it. The views across Tallinn and out to the... Read more comments

    • The most amazing experience... as always!!

      tripadvisor rating 5 of 5
      June 9, 2022 By DrSoulpr

      I got in the church, bought some keychains to cooperate and a ticket to go up the tower (a must for the fit 😄). Then had the opportunity to hear the organ playing because the person was practicing... Read more comments

    • Spectacular city views from the church's tower

      tripadvisor rating 4 of 5
      May 20, 2022 By Ahmed O

      View from the tower is spectacular. I am not that fit or sporty person but I took the 200 something steps to the observation platform in just 2 shoots with just one break for a couple of minutes... Read more comments