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Town in Estonia
Photo: Liilia Moroz, CC BY 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Paldiski is a small port town on the shore of Baltic Sea, in Harjumaa county in northwestern Estonia. Here the drab Soviet past meets the sea and the cliffs with wind power plants. The natural surroundings are interesting: the cliffs to the sea, the lighthouses outside town, and the wind farms, of which there are probably more than anywhere else in the country.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Amandus Adamsoni Ateljeemuuseum
Old summer studio of Amandus Adamson (1855–1929), one of the most famous sculptors in Estonian history. Built according to his own design, the quirky wooden building is an attraction in itself. Today works of Estonian artists are exhibited here, and it's also an event venue.
Peetri kindluse bastionid / Muula mäed
The remains of a fortress on a hill, with low overgrown ramparts. There are great views to the sea and the port functions.
Püha Georgi kirik
Here the first Orthodox church in Paldiski was built in 1721, and in the late 18th century it was rebuilt in its current grey stone form. It looks pretty modest as it lacks a tower and is almost hidden by trees.
Nikolai kirik
Built in 1842, though its "cubist" form may make you think it's newer. The church fell into serious decay during Soviet times, and was restored into its current shape.
A modern wooden Orthodox church.
Salavat Yulaev was one of the leaders of the 1773–1775 Bashkir uprising (also known as Pugachev's Rebellion) against the Russian Empire. He was caught, tortured, and sent to a penal colony the opposite end of the empire like the common practice was back then, which meant Rogervik (Paldiski retained its Swedish name) where he reportedly died in 1800. In 1989 Soviet authorities erected a monument to him, which still stands.
From Estonia's highest lighthouse (52 m) you can enjoy views of the Baltic Sea, but it's rather expensive compared to the lighthouses on Hiiumaa island.
Leetse mõis
The remains of a grand manor, just the walls remain of the main building, in addition to stairs down to the sea, the decorated gate, and the manager's house. On the way here, you will pass the "sarcophagi" with the deactivated nuclear reactors from the former submarine training facility.
Suur-Pakri kabel
The ruins of the abandoned church and cemetery.
Ämari lennuväe kalmistu
This cemetery is the last resting place of a number of Estonia's fighter pilots who served in the air force under Soviet rule before 1991. Pilots of which the aircraft were downed and recovered have their graves decorated with the tail fin of their aircraft instead of a generic tomb stone, making the cemetery look like a squadron of jet fighters buried in the forest.
Ostrich farm.
Pizzeria with very good ratings online, part of a national franchising chain. Has moved to the Coop supermarket building.
Tavern in an old customs house (from the Imperial time) just outside the port. Slavic and international cuisine; not everything on the menu is always available, just the dishes written on the blackboard. On the second floor there's a photo exhibition of Paldiski in the bygone times.
Bakery and café.
An Estonian chain restaurant with a large menu of Chinese, Thai and Indian dishes.
Estonian and international cuisine.
Eatery in the port administration building; basic Estonian food with a short menu changing every day.
Cocktail bar and event venue, apparently the closest thing to a nightclub in town.
The "Paldiski beer bar" is a local bar, also serving bar snacks.
The only hotel in Paldiski, reportedly clean but a bit dated. Free Wi-Fi, ensuite bathrooms and tv in rooms.
Villas and a campsite near the Pakri lighthouse. There's a café as well.
Cabin accommodations with sauna, kitchen and free Wi-Fi. Canoe rental.
Another supermarket, with modern products and Russian-style borscht.
The first floor is a supermarket, on the second household goods. A good place to find Slavic products, Russian beers, confectionary.
By train
Trains run from Tallinn Balti Jaam, with about hourly departures. The trip generally takes 54 minutes and a ticket costs €4.
By bus
Buses – the Tallinn region bus line 145 – depart almost hourly during daytime, though not from the bus station but from Tallinn Balti Jaam, going clockwise around the old town via Viru Hotel and…
By car
Paldiski is a 50-km drive from Tallinn along highway 8. From the south-west, you can get in from Haapsalu along highways 9 a short bit, 17 to Padise and 174 to Paldiski; that is a 70-km drive.
By boat
DFDS operates almost-daily freight ferries from Kapellskär, Sweden that also carry passengers (with cars). The crossing takes around 10 hours.
There's no public transport but as a small town, Paldiski can be explored on foot.
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Tallinn · International · TLL
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