Tallinn is renowned for its picturesque medieval Old Town, but its Soviet past has also left an indelible mark on its urban landscape more “Grandeur and Brutalism: The Best of Soviet Architecture in Tallinn”
Tag: Photography
The Legacy of the 1980 Moscow Olympics in Tallinn: Soviet Architecture
The Moscow Olympics of 1980 were not just a global sporting spectacle; they were an opportunity for the Soviet Union to showcase its architectural prowess. Tallinn played its part in this grand narrative as the host city for the sailing events. more “The Legacy of the 1980 Moscow Olympics in Tallinn: Soviet Architecture”
Abandoned Estonia: 8 More Urbex Locations in Tallinn and beyond
Nestled within the intriguing landscapes of Estonia, lies a captivating world of forgotten stories and enchanting decay; the realm of “Abandoned Estonia.” more “Abandoned Estonia: 8 More Urbex Locations in Tallinn and beyond”
Naissaar: abandoned bunkers and Soviet secrets
If I was to tell you that right next to Tallinn, within view of Old Town, there was a heavily restricted Soviet military complex more “Naissaar: abandoned bunkers and Soviet secrets”
9 travel tips to help you explore Estonia like a real traveller
How can I make the most of my time in Estonia and have a real adventure? Good question.
Here are nine tips I’ve developed during my time in Estonia that I believe will help you to explore the city like a real traveller. more “9 travel tips to help you explore Estonia like a real traveller”
Hidden Tallinn Tours {Reviews and Testimonials}
My favourite part of giving tours of Tallinn is undoubtedly the people that I get to meet. Many of these travellers come here to immerse themselves in a new culture more “Hidden Tallinn Tours {Reviews and Testimonials}”
Linnahall: portrait of an abandoned Soviet-era concert hall
Linnahall (a.k.a V. I. Lenin Palace of Culture and Sports) is one of the biggest eyesores in all of Tallinn; drab, grey and ugly… perhaps this is why I love it so much. more “Linnahall: portrait of an abandoned Soviet-era concert hall”
Põhjala Tehas: abandoned rubber factory in Kopli
Something is stirring on the western shore of Kopli peninsula. A dormant industrial complex, left behind by the twenty first century, is beginning to wake up from its thirty-year slumber. more “Põhjala Tehas: abandoned rubber factory in Kopli”
Alternative Tallinn Travel Guide: Discover the real Hidden Tallinn
More than ten years of knowledge and experience, in one place. Here is my Alternative Tallinn Travel Guide.
more “Alternative Tallinn Travel Guide: Discover the real Hidden Tallinn”
~{Forgotten Tallinn Series, Ep.3}~ Kopli Lines, Abandoned Ghost Town
Derelict; dangerous; destroyed; destitute. Kopli Lines has been one of the most problematic areas of Tallinn for decades. Vacant shells of former homes sporadically occupied by squatters and always in the news for the wrong reasons;
more “~{Forgotten Tallinn Series, Ep.3}~ Kopli Lines, Abandoned Ghost Town”
~{Forgotten Tallinn Series, Ep.2}~ A Photographic Tour of Kopli
Once upon a time in a mystical land called Kopli one intrepid traveller decided to take a walk with his camera.
Deeper and deeper into this dangerous district he delved, documenting the darker side of Tallinn.
more “~{Forgotten Tallinn Series, Ep.2}~ A Photographic Tour of Kopli”
A Beginners’ Guide to Tallinn
Dynamic, yet peaceful.
Modern, yet traditional.
Nordic future, Soviet past.
Fiercely patriotic; yet outward-facing. more “A Beginners’ Guide to Tallinn”
8 Abandoned Places to explore in and around Tallinn
[Originally posted in 2017. How things have changed. You can see my updated list here]
Estonia is full of secrets.
Museums and history books will tell you the official stories but the real secrets are hidden below this superficial surface.
more “8 Abandoned Places to explore in and around Tallinn”
A Beginners’ Guide to the Estonian Craft Beer Revolution
Picture the scene: it’s 2009 and a pair of fresh-faced students had ventured to Tallinn for their first back-packing experience. more “A Beginners’ Guide to the Estonian Craft Beer Revolution”
Cycling in Tallinn: The 5 best rides in the Estonian capital
There is no better way to explore Tallinn than on two wheels. Cycling offers the kind of flexibility, freedom and fun that motorised transport simply cannot. Hidden side-streets, secret forest paths and enticing neighbourhoods all become accessible when you venture out on a bicycle. more “Cycling in Tallinn: The 5 best rides in the Estonian capital”
5 Legends of Tallinn Old Town (and where to find them)
Did you now that Tallinn Old Town is absolutely teeming with myths and legends?
You didn’t?
more “5 Legends of Tallinn Old Town (and where to find them)”
Exploring the Abandoned Volta Factory
Another rumour circles. Abandoned factory in Kalamaja, easy access and full of trees. It’s time to explore. more “Exploring the Abandoned Volta Factory”
Hara: Abandoned Soviet Submarine Base
It was the last day of our London to Tallinn bike ride and – by sheer coincidence – my birthday. Such days deserve celebration and I cannot think of a finer way to mark the occasion than a visit to an abandoned submarine base, hidden deep in the peaceful forest ambience of Laahemaa National Park. more “Hara: Abandoned Soviet Submarine Base”
Cycling from London to Estonia: Summer Adventure
Adventure, exploration and freedom are the guiding principles of any great trip. Here at Hidden Tallinn, we try to delve beyond the everyday sights and sounds of the cities and towns to bring you the hidden stories and cool places that make Estonia such a rich and fascinating country to explore. more “Cycling from London to Estonia: Summer Adventure”
The Old Town Pervert
The Old Town rewards the eagle-eyed traveller. From the Devil’s Wedding to the ‘L’ in the Old Town Square, hidden stories permeate this town. For those in the know (or, to be more accurate, those who read this blog), the sheer volume of Myths and Legends in the Old Town alone add a rich layer of intrigue and charm to this already beautiful city. more “The Old Town Pervert”
Why the construction of Tallinn will never be complete: The Old Man of Lake Ülemiste
A word of warning; should you be out wandering through the Old Town after dark on a cold autumn night and a strange old man approaches you, be wary, for he has a question for you…
“Is the city finished yet?” more “Why the construction of Tallinn will never be complete: The Old Man of Lake Ülemiste”
Soviet Statues – Abandoned and Unloved
The Soviet obsession with statues is clear. From Berlin to Bishkek, the former Iron Curtain cities are littered with these grand images of strength and unity – propaganda and personality cult – like the scattered wreckage strewn across the landscape in the wake of a mighty storm. more “Soviet Statues – Abandoned and Unloved”
A Surprise in the Forest
On a bike ride through the surrounding forests of Tallinn one might stumble upon a few surprises. This huge statue depicts Kalevipoeg, son of Kalev, the mythical founder of Tallinn, a very important figure in Estonian mythology.
Abandoned Water Tower, Telliskivi
“Empty your mind. Be formless. Be shapeless. Like water, my friend.”
Information on this beautiful abandoned water tower is pretty limited.
Standing on the abandoned rail tracks more “Abandoned Water Tower, Telliskivi”
Re-visiting Patarei: Abandoned Soviet Prison
Guided Tour of Patarei (2014)
“This place is not fit for humans and never has been”
Still utterly fascinating and darkly captivating, Patarei Prison sits ominously on the Baltic coast;
more “Re-visiting Patarei: Abandoned Soviet Prison”