Paldiski Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture, and more in this complete travel guide to Paldiski, Estonia.


If you want to explore the untamed, rugged beauty of Estonia, Paldiski is the right place for you. This small industrial town, located on the stunning north coast of Estonia, is perfect for tourists who are interested in exploring the country’s natural attractions, culture and history. The town itself is rich in history and is known for being the home of one of the largest military ports in the Soviet Union.

This comprehensive travel guide covers everything you need to know about Paldiski, Estonia, including the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, local culture, and more.

Introduction to Paldiski

Paldiski is located about 50 km west of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. The town was originally established as a fishing village on the Pakri Peninsula, but grew rapidly during the Soviet era when it became an important naval base. Today, Paldiski is a small town with a population of around 4,000 people.

List of Places to Visit in Paldiski

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Museum of Paldiski - Learn about the town’s rich maritime history and the role it played during the Soviet era.
  • Pakri Lighthouse - This restored 19th-century lighthouse offers stunning views of the surrounding coastline.
  • Pakri Barracks - A former military complex that was used by the Russian Tsarist army and later by the Soviet army.

Natural Attractions of Paldiski: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Pakri Nature Reserve - Spanning over 20 square kilometers, this protected area is a prime example of Estonia’s unique coastal landscape.
  • Keila Joa Waterfall - Less than 20 km from Paldiski, this beautiful waterfall is worth a visit.
  • Pakri Islands - A group of two islands, accessible by boat from Paldiski or nearby ports. These islands offer beautiful scenery and birdwatching opportunities.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Paldiski

  • Paldiski Coastal Trail - This 6km trail runs along the shoreline of Paldiski and offers stunning views of the Baltic Sea and the Pakri Islands.
  • Pakri Cliff Trail - Another scenic trail that leads hikers through the unique coastal landscape of Pakri Peninsula.

Best Things to Do in Paldiski: Activities and Tours

  • Boat Tour to Pakri Islands - Take a guided boat tour to the Pakri Islands to explore their natural beauty and wildlife.
  • Paldiski Adventure Park - An outdoor adventure park with ziplines, rope bridges, and obstacle courses.
  • Kayaking in Pakri Peninsula - Rent a kayak and explore the coastline of Pakri Peninsula.

Week-Long Itinerary for Paldiski

Day Activities
Day 1 Museum of Paldiski, Pakri Lighthouse
Day 2 Pakri Nature Reserve, Keila Joa Waterfall
Day 3 Pakri Cliff Trail, Paldiski Coastal Trail
Day 4 Kayaking in Pakri Peninsula
Day 5 Boat Tour to Pakri Islands
Day 6 Paldiski Adventure Park
Day 7 Pakri Barracks

Food and Drink Scene of Paldiski

Must-Try Dishes

  • Kilu rull - A traditional Estonian dish made with smoked sprat and rolled in rye bread.
  • Rosolje - A beetroot and herring salad with boiled potatoes, carrots, and onions.
  • Karask - A dense type of Estonian bread made from barley or rye flour.

Local Beverages

  • Saaremaa Gin - A locally produced gin, infused with Estonian herbs and spices.
  • Vana Tallinn - A herbal liqueur that has been produced in Estonia since the 1960s.
  • Saku Originaal - Estonia’s most popular beer, brewed in the small town of Saku.

Where to Stay in Paldiski: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • Padise Manor - A historic manor house turned hotel, located about 10 km from Paldiski.
  • Neeme Guesthouse - A cozy guesthouse located in the nearby town of Neeme.
  • Paldiski Hostel - A budget-friendly hostel located in the center of town.

What to Buy in Paldiski: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Amber jewelry - Amber is a common gemstone found in the Baltic region and is often used to create beautiful jewelry.
  • Local handicrafts - Estonian handicrafts, such as woolen mittens and woodcarvings, make great souvenirs.
  • Baltic sprat - A popular snack in Estonia that is often found smoked or canned.

Local Culture and Customs of Paldiski

Paldiski has a rich maritime history, and the town still has a large seafaring and fishing community today. The town is also known for its Soviet-era buildings, which tell the story of Estonia’s complicated political past. Estonians are proud of their national identity and take great pride in their cultural traditions, such as folk songs and dance.

Best Time to Visit Paldiski

The best time to visit Paldiski is during the summer months, from June to August, when the weather is warm and sunny. However, visitors who are interested in outdoor activities such as hiking and birdwatching may prefer the cooler, less crowded months of April, May, and September.

Do’s and Don’ts of Paldiski

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink.
  • Explore the natural beauty of Pakri Peninsula.
  • Learn about the town’s rich history and culture.

Don’t:

  • Disturb the natural environment.
  • Leave trash behind in the parks and natural reserves.
  • Disrespect local traditions and customs.

Safety and Health

Safety in Paldiski

Paldiski is generally a safe town to visit, but visitors should take normal safety precautions when traveling in unfamiliar areas. Be cautious when exploring natural reserves and be aware of potential hazards such as slippery terrain and falling rocks.

Health in Paldiski

Estonia has a modern healthcare system and visitors can expect to receive excellent medical care if needed. Visitors should make sure they have adequate health insurance coverage before traveling to Estonia.

Getting to Paldiski: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Paldiski

The closest airport to Paldiski is the Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport, which is approximately 50 km away. From the airport, visitors can take a bus or hire a taxi to reach Paldiski.

Bus Stations Near Paldiski

Paldiski has a bus station located in the center of town, with regular bus services connecting Paldiski to Tallinn and other nearby towns.

Other Options

Visitors can also rent a car to explore Paldiski and the surrounding areas at their own pace.

How to Get Around in Paldiski

Paldiski is a small town, and most attractions are within walking distance. Alternatively, visitors can rent a bike or car to explore the area more efficiently.

Where to Go Next from Paldiski: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • Tallinn - Estonia’s beautiful capital city, just a short drive or bus ride away from Paldiski.
  • Haapsalu - A charming seaside town known for its historic castle and healing mud spas.
  • Hiiumaa Island - Estonia’s second-largest island, located about 100 km from Paldiski. Known for its unspoiled nature and traditional way of life.

Conclusion

Paldiski is an undiscovered gem in Estonia, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and culture. From the rugged coastline to the Soviet-era buildings, Paldiski is a must-visit destination for any traveler interested in the real Estonia.

Houses along Sadama street from the Soviet era - you will see lots and lots of these Houses along Sadama street from the Soviet era - you will see lots and lots of these Paldiski railway station building Paldiski railway station building Bank and Pakri lighthouse, situated about 5 km north Bank and Pakri lighthouse, situated about 5 km north View from the road towards Padise (just south of the port) across the bay View from the road towards Padise (just south of the port) across the bay Abandoned military building in Klooga Abandoned military building in Klooga Peetri Toll tavern is inside an old customs building Peetri Toll tavern is inside an old customs building