Paldiski: Cliffs, History and Hiking Trail

Paldiski combines a distinctive coastal landscape with a complex history. The Paldiski hiking trail is a circular route that leads from the town to the North Estonian Klint and Pakri Cape, continuing via the Pakri Wind Farm and back to Paldiski. This makes it a route where cliffs, sea views and traces of history come together in a distinctive sequence.

Hiking on the Klint and at Muula mäed

The Paldiski hiking trail begins at Paldiski railway station. Its starting point is therefore easy to reach for visitors arriving by car or train. The Muula mäed are a particularly distinctive landscape feature: the fortification was cut into a high limestone cliff and comprised five bastions. Today, Muula mäed are ideal for walks and for photographing views of the sea.

The Pakri Landscape Protection Area is also one of the important natural features around Paldiski. It protects a species-rich coast and rare habitats. The Pakri Lighthouse stands at the northwestern end of the Pakri Peninsula. The new stone lighthouse was completed in 1889, 80 metres from its predecessor.

Museums between the Studio and the Customs House

The Amandus Adamson Studio Museum is located in the sculptor’s summer studio in Paldiski. It displays the artist’s personal furniture, family photographs and documents, complementing the experience of the landscape with a biographical perspective. Various art workshops are planned there for the summer; visitors can also book a guided tour.

The Paldiski Local History Museum is housed in the historic Peetri Customs House. Its permanent exhibition includes “Historical Weapons from Around the World”, which displays around 150 objects. The building and the exhibition focus on different aspects: they cover both the town itself and a collection that extends beyond Paldiski.

A Town with a Long and Eventful History

Paldiski’s history dates back at least to the Middle Ages. The area was inhabited by Estonian Coastal Swedes for centuries. In the early 18th century, Peter the Great decided to establish a naval base in Paldiski. At the same time, the town was completely closed to the public from 1962 to 1994. This period is one of the defining historical facts about the town and explains why different historical layers meet in Paldiski.

Another visible testimony to its history is the present-day stone Orthodox Church of St. George. The Neoclassical religious building features Baroque elements; services are held there on Sundays. For a culinary addition, Peetri Toll Tavern serves Russian-influenced dishes in historic Estonian and Baltic German interiors.

Paldiski as a Starting Point

Paldiski is about an hour from Tallinn by train. Those looking for a hotel in Paldiski will find a destination where nature, maritime landscapes and cultural history exist in close proximity.

For the overall travel overview: Paldiski City.