Located on Estonia's northern coast, this former Soviet naval base has remnants of military installations and a small museum documenting its Cold War history.
Paldiski sits 50 kilometers west of Tallinn on Estonia's Baltic coast. Walk through abandoned Soviet military buildings, climb the 275 steps of Estonia's tallest lighthouse, or hike along the limestone cliffs of the Pakri Peninsula. The town's two ice-free ports link Estonia to Sweden, while the nearby Pakri Islands hide centuries-old erratic boulders and rare coastal plants.
Getting to Paldiski
Regular trains connect Tallinn and Paldiski every day. The journey takes about an hour, ending at the wooden station building from 1870. If you're driving from Tallinn, follow the coastal road for 45 minutes.
Exploring the Pakri Peninsula
Start your visit at the Pakri lighthouse, which rises 52 meters above the limestone cliffs. After climbing 275 steps to the top, you'll see the entire peninsula, the Baltic Sea, and on clear days, the silhouettes of the Pakri Islands. Follow the marked walking paths along the limestone cliffs to several viewing platforms. Eight modern wind turbines spin nearby, marking the contrast between Paldiski's industrial present and military past.
Soviet Military Legacy
Look for the tall chimney of the former Nuclear Submarine Training Centre in the town center. While the building remains closed to visitors, you'll find an exhibition about its history at the entrance. Until 1994, the Soviet military controlled Paldiski completely - no civilians could enter without permission. This period left its mark on the town's appearance, with concrete apartment blocks and old military structures scattered throughout the streets.
Pakri Islands
The two islands - Väike-Pakri and Suur-Pakri - lie within view of the mainland. Swedish coastal communities lived here for centuries, leaving behind old farmhouses and stone walls. Today, you can explore marked hiking trails or camp overnight. The islands contain some of Estonia's largest erratic boulders, with some measuring 21 meters around. To visit, contact local boat operators in advance - there's no scheduled ferry service.
Current Developments
New projects are changing Paldiski's landscape. Construction workers are building a floating LNG terminal in the North Port, and NATO plans to complete a new platform by 2026. Together with the nearby Ämari air base, these projects are turning this former Soviet town into an important point for Western military and energy infrastructure.
