Estonian Maritime Museum

The Estonian Maritime Museum, located in Tallinn's Seaplane Harbour (Lennusadam), is one of the most interactive and visually striking museums in the Baltic region. The main exhibition is housed in two massive concrete hangars built in 1916 for seaplanes, which themselves are architectural marvels with their thin-shell concrete roofs. Inside, visitors can explore a vast collection of maritime artifacts, including the 1936 submarine Lembit, an icebreaker, and various historic vessels. The museum offers hands-on experiences such as flight simulators, a rope maze, and a chance to walk through the submarine's cramped interior. The setting along the waterfront adds to the appeal, with outdoor exhibits of ships and a café overlooking the harbor. What makes this museum distinctive is its blend of history and technology, preserving Estonia's maritime heritage while engaging visitors of all ages. The hangars' dramatic architecture and the sheer scale of the exhibits create an immersive experience that goes beyond traditional museum displays.

Don't miss

• Tour the submarine Lembit, one of the few surviving WWII-era submarines in the Baltic
• Explore the historic seaplane hangars with their impressive concrete domes
• Try flight simulators and interactive exhibits for a hands-on experience
• See the icebreaker Suur Tõll and other historic ships in the outdoor harbor
• View the collection of naval uniforms, weapons, and maritime artifacts

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Estonian Maritime Museum

Cheapest way inTales of Old Tallinn 2-hour Walking Tour4.9★ · 69 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$33 per personSee dates →Most bookedBoston Tea Party Ships and Museum Admission4.7★ · 2,733 travelers~1 hourFree cancellationFrom$36 per personSee dates →Private & flexibleTallinn Old Town Private Walking Tour with Native Estonian Guide5★ · 13 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$115 per personSee dates →

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Know before you go

• Photography is allowed, but flash may be restricted in some areas.
• Wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking, including on ships.
• Audio guides are available in multiple languages.
• The on-site café offers light meals and drinks with a view of the harbor.

A bit of history

The Seaplane Harbour hangars were built in 1916-1917 by the Russian Empire to house seaplanes. After Estonia's independence, they were used by the Estonian Navy. The museum opened in 2012 after extensive restoration, preserving the original concrete shell structure. The submarine Lembit served in the Estonian Navy from 1937 to 1940 and later in the Soviet Navy.