Pirita and Viimsi

Its refreshing pine scent is only a couple of kilometres away from the city centre. And 15–20 minutes away, in Viimsi, you’ll come to find romantic islets and old fishing villages next to modern homes.

Pirita’s seaside area became the destination for Sunday trips and sunbathing already in the beginning of 20th century. In order to enjoy the charm of Pirita in peace and quiet, you’d have to go across the road from the beach to the mouth of Pirita river where row boats, canoes and paddle boats can be rented. Or marvel at the ruins of the Pirita Convent from the 15th century, the place for the grandiose Birgitta festival in August. You can also stay over at the convent still active in the stylish building next to the ruins.

Dishes and a view to the sea can be enjoyed in pubs and restaurants next to the beach. The TV tower with the highest observation platform in Estonia can be located if you head a bit more inland. If the weather is warmer, it’s nice to combine a visit to the tower with touring around the botanical garden right next to the tower.

The whole Pirita area is a nice area to walk and do sports in: the beach, promenade, adventure park, official fitness trail as well as the paths under the forest are a good for this.

Only 15 minutes from the city centre, you’ll find an entirely different world, the peninsula of contrasts – Viimsi. There is a place here that you cannot pass without getting your feet wet. Viimsi also has little romantic islands, where you can enjoy a view of the bright lights from the capital city. Beach villages and rustic fishermen’s houses stand side by side with modern 21st century homes. You can also find a magical spot where the sun rises from the sea and sets in the sea.

Viimsi delights with:

• countless culture events: theatre plays, concerts, festivals
• exciting dishes from gourmet to farm market
• traces of two significant figures in Estonian history – Johann Laidoner and Lennart Meri
• seal observation trips at sea
• catches of fish at harbours at dawn
• beautiful Frog of the North stairs on the background of the sparkling silhouette of night-time Tallinn
• exciting nature trails, boulders that drifted here during the ice age, ancient woodlands, sandy and rocky beaches, forests filled with wonderful berries and mushrooms and many other wonders of nature

Sources: visittallinn.ee, visitviimsi.com