Seaplane Harbour travel guide

Seaplane Harbour, located in the heart of Tallinn, is a historic and unique maritime museum. It was first established in the early 20th century as part of Peter the Great's naval fortress.

One of its most iconic features, the seaplane hangars, are a remarkable piece of military architecture. These were constructed during the First World War and are the world's first reinforced concrete shell structures of such a grand scale.

Over the years, the harbour has witnessed significant events and developments. It was used as a submarine factory during the Soviet era and was later abandoned post-independence. In 2012, following comprehensive renovations, it was reopened as a maritime museum.

Today, Seaplane Harbour serves as a testament to Estonia's rich maritime history, offering visitors a chance to explore various vessels, including the Lembit submarine, the oldest in the world. The museum also showcases a myriad of other exhibits that provide a deep insight into naval warfare, maritime trade, and the evolution of shipbuilding.

Seaplane Harbour, also known as Lennusadam, is unique in its architectural grandeur, being housed within a historical seaplane hangar with a strikingly imposing dome structure. The hangar itself is an engineering marvel, built during the Tsarist era of Russia, and is one of the world’s first reinforced concrete shell structures. The heart of the museum is the 1936 submarine Lembit, which is the only surviving naval ship of pre-World War II Estonia. It is also one of the few surviving submarines from that era worldwide. Visitors can explore the submarine's interior and experience the life of a submariner firsthand.

The museum also features a full-scale replica of a WWI seaplane, offering an immersive, historical experience. The museum's exhibits are not confined to the hangar alone. Outside, you will find a collection of historic ships, including the century-old icebreaker Suur Tõll, which visitors can board and explore. Additionally, Seaplane Harbour offers hands-on exhibits that appeal to both children and adults, making it a family-friendly destination. The museum's interactive displays, including flight simulators, offer a modern and engaging approach to learning about Estonia's maritime and military history.

Located in the dynamic Tallinn City, the popular Seaplane Harbour is easy to find and can be explored during a short weekend escape in the beautiful street of Tallinn or as a stop on your countrywide road trip through Estonia.

Tallinn is a perfect holiday destination for those who crave a mix of history, culture, and modern amenities. With its distinct architecture, famous museums, and delicious culinary scene, Tallinn offers something for everyone.

Take a stroll through the charming streets and alleys to discover hidden gems and enjoy the local atmosphere. Visit this popular landmark in Tallinn and immerse yourself in the city's rich history and culture at top attractions, including the remarkable Kadriorg Park, Freedom Square, Viru Gate, Tallinn Town Hall, and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.

Whether you're looking to indulge in shopping or explore the nightlife, Tallinn has it all. Don't forget to sample the delicious cuisine, from traditional dishes to modern fusion.

Experience the best of both worlds in Tallinn, a place where the past meets the present, and you'll create unforgettable memories that will last a lifetime.

Click the travel guides below to learn more and get ready to make unforgettable memories in Estonia!

Seaplane Harbour is conveniently accessible by various transportation options in Tallinn, Estonia. If you're flying in, Tallinn Airport is approximately 4.2 miles (6.8 km) away from Tallinn. From there, you can easily reach Seaplane Harbour by taxi or shuttle.

For those already in Tallinn, buses, taxis, and walking are viable options to reach Seaplane Harbour, which is located 1 mile (1.7 km) from the city center. You can also rent a car and drive to Seaplane Harbour, providing flexibility to explore at your leisure. Its exact address is Vesilennuki 6, 10145 Tallinn, Estonia.

With your transportation plans sorted, get ready for an unforgettable experience at Seaplane Harbour!

The best time to explore Seaplane Harbour is during the late spring and summer months, from May to August. This period offers the most pleasant weather, with average temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C, allowing for comfortable exploration both outdoors and within the museum's exhibits. During these months, Seaplane Harbour is abuzz with activities, including special exhibitions, maritime festivals, and workshops. Moreover, the long summer days in Estonia mean more daylight hours for sight-seeing. In addition to this, visiting in late spring or early summer helps avoid the peak tourist season in July and August, providing a more relaxed atmosphere. However, those who don't mind braving the cold might consider a winter visit, when Seaplane Harbour's festive activities, such as the Christmas Market and Ice Sculpture Festival, create a magical setting. Regardless of the season, it is recommended to check the museum's schedule in advance and plan for a weekday visit if possible to avoid larger crowds.

To truly enjoy your visit to Seaplane Harbour, joining a tour that features this popular port in Tallinn is highly recommended. As one of Estonia's most iconic attractions, Seaplane Harbour draws visitors from around the world. Booking a tour in advance allows you to skip the lines and ensures a smooth, enjoyable experience.

Find the best and most popular tours and tickets to Seaplane Harbour starting at just 89 EUR below.

There's no better way to discover the wonders of Seaplane Harbour and other top attractions in Tallinn than with a perfectly planned holiday package! Travel packages to Tallinn include everything you need to fully immerse yourself in Seaplane Harbour's wonders and in the beauty and history of the region. These packages offer the perfect opportunity to delve into Seaplane Harbour and experience a variety of activities and destinations tailored to suit all types of travelers.

Keep reading to discover the best travel plans and insider tips for uncovering the charm of this one-of-a-kind port in Estonia.

With a rental car, discovering the popular Seaplane Harbour and Estonia's captivating landscapes becomes a breeze, allowing you to explore at your own pace. Upon arrival, international travelers can choose from 3 reputable rental car companies near Tallinn Airport and the street of Tallinn, making transportation seamless and efficient.

Rental car companies in Estonia cater to a variety of preferences, offering vehicles ranging from compact and midsize to premium, estate, and even camper vans or convertibles. To select the perfect ride, consider your itinerary and specific travel plans in Tallinn and beyond.

Conveniently explore Seaplane Harbour and plenty more captivating attractions in Tallinn by staying at a top-rated hotel in the center of the street. With comfortable accommodations and easy access to Seaplane Harbour and other notable landmarks, wake up well-rested every day, ready to explore all that Tallinn has to offer.

Discover the best hotels for visiting Seaplane Harbour below.

Aside from Seaplane Harbour, Tallinn is home to numerous other top attractions waiting to be explored. From museums and architectural masterpieces to sculptures and natural wonders, the street offers a diverse range of sights to behold. For the ultimate sightseeing tour around Tallinn, there are a number of attractions every itinerary should include, namely Kadriorg Park, Freedom Square, and Viru Gate.

Kadriorg Park is a bucket-list park and top attraction in Tallinn, drawing numerous travelers and locals every year. As evident by its average rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars in 16,000 reviews, this attraction is a popular place to visit for anyone with time to spend in the street. The exact address of Kadriorg Park is A. Weizenbergi 26, 10127 Tallinn, Estonia.

Another appreciated attraction in Tallinn is Freedom Square. Like Kadriorg Park, this is one of the most popular sites to visit in the street. With an impressive average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars among 13,000 visitors, it’s also one of the highest-rated. The exact address of this establishment is Vabaduse väljak 9, 10142 Tallinn, Estonia.

Viru Gate is also a clear favorite among travelers seeking to experience the uniqueness of Tallinn. This establishment and top attraction in Tallinn has been rated an average of 4.7 out of 5 stars by 10,000 visitors. This attraction is located at the address of Viru tänav, Müürivahe 31, 10140 Tallinn, Estonia.

Check out our full list of top attractions in the street of Tallinn below.