The Best 5 Parks in Tallinn
Stashed away just outside the city walls are a bunch of awesome parks!
These green spaces are perfect for chilling out, getting some fresh air, and take some nice walks.
So, whether you're after some peace and quiet in a pretty garden or fancy a walk along the beach with the wind whipping through your hair, Tallinn's parks have something for everyone. Here's the lowdown on the top five green spaces you gotta check out:
Kadriorg
Imagine yourself strolling through a doorway into a living postcard. That's the entrance to Kadriorg Park, a 70-hectare masterpiece where manicured gardens meet wildflower meadows, and history whispers from centuries-old trees.
The crown jewel of the park is the grand Kadriorg Palace, a baroque beauty that now houses the Estonian Art Museum. Its pastel facade and formal gardens, filled with colorful blooms in spring and summer, transport you to a bygone era. But venture further, and the park unfolds like a surprise box.
Kadriorg Park is more than just a scenic escape. It's a cultural hub. Explore the Kumu Museum, Estonia's largest art museum, and delve into its collection spanning centuries. Or visit the Kadriorg Art Museum for a glimpse into foreign masterpieces. The Mikkel Museum, tucked away in a charming wooden house, celebrates the works of Estonian sculptor Amandus Adamson.
Whether you seek a quiet escape with a book under a shady tree, an afternoon exploring art and history, or a family picnic on the lush green lawns, Kadriorg Park has something for everyone. It's a vibrant tapestry woven from nature, art, and history, waiting to be unraveled.
Cool fact: they use Roomba kind of robot to cut the grass in Kadriorg!
And they once had automatic bus driving you around, click here to find more about this.
1.5 The Japanese Garden
We couldn’t leave out this hidden pocket within Kadriorg, but we won’t count it as a separate park.
Here, the vibrant flower beds and manicured lawns give way to a serene sanctuary – the Tallinn Japanese Garden. It's a compact haven designed for tranquility, where every element whispers balance and harmony.
Imagine smooth gravel paths, gently raked, guiding your steps. Weathered rocks stand like miniature mountains, their surfaces whispering of time. Bonsai trees, with their miniature giants' stature and gnarled branches, add a touch of whimsy to the lush greenery.
Designed by a Master: Masao Sone, a renowned landscape architect from Kyoto, designed the garden. He drew inspiration from the existing park features like the northeast pond and limestone slopes, incorporating traditional Japanese garden elements.
Cool fact: I’ve seen so many squirrel jumping around and walking on trees there!
2. Toompark
Toompark, perched atop Toompea Hill in Tallinn's Old Town, offers a charming escape within the city walls. Though smaller compared to other parks, its magic lies in its elevated location and the captivating views it unveils.
The park's crowning glory is its breathtaking views. Gaze out over a sea of red-tiled rooftops that characterize Tallinn's Old Town.
Running through it, Šnelli Pond, the only remaining part of the city's former moat irrigation system, sits at the heart of the park.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Snelli_tiik.jpg
3. Glehn Park
Forget fancy gardens and long beaches for a sec. On the edge of Tallinn, tucked away amongst whispering trees, there's a park unlike any other – Glehn Park. It's a place bursting with strangeness and wonder, straight out of a storybook.
Imagine walking into a forgotten fairy tale. Tall trees stand guard, their branches reaching towards a big, kinda crumbly castle – Glehn Castle. This used to be the home of a cool dude named Nikolai von Glehn, and the castle's wild design shows off his artsy side.
As you explore further, the park keeps surprising you like a magic box. Look out for statues with a twist – maybe you'll spot the mighty Kalevipoeg, a hero from Estonian legends, or even a goofy crocodile sculpture!
Glehn Park isn't just about weird stuff, though. It's a great place for a peaceful walk in nature, a chance to learn about Tallinn's unique history, and maybe even get your imagination fired up.
4. Pae Park
In Lasnamäe lies Pae Park. This cool park is a giant green space built right around a calm lake, but here's the surprising twist: that lake used to be a giant limestone quarry!
The name "Pae Park" actually means "Limestone Park" in Estonian, a hint to its industrial past. But worry not, nature has taken over and transformed this old quarry into a peaceful haven.
Pae Park is great for runners, walkers, and even those who like to walk with sticks (called Nordic walking). There's also an outdoor gym if you fancy a workout.
A giant playground with swings, slides, and climbing things will keep your kids busy for ages (if you have any). There's even a special area for your dog to run around and play with other pups.
Want a quiet moment? Head to a special platform overlooking the lake. You can see for miles and it's super peaceful.
5. Tondiraba park
Tallinn's newest green giant, Tondiraba Park, is a must-visit for nature lovers and sports enthusiasts alike.
This 29-hectare park boasts the Baltics' largest sports and playground complex, with jogging and cycling paths, dog parks, and even a skate park.
But Tondiraba Park isn't all about getting active. Over 85% of the park's natural beauty has been preserved, with woodlands, ponds, and local wildlife offering a peaceful escape from the city.
So lace up your shoes, grab your picnic basket, and explore this unique blend of nature and recreation in Tallinn!
I hope you enjoyed this article, and that you discovered something new today.
Indeed these are not all the parks of Tallinn, and the preference are subjective, so feel free to open Google Maps, look for Park in the search box, and discover amazing places.
If you’re still in the mood of discovering new stuff:
