Fat Margaret - Estonian Maritime Museum

Fat Margaret (Paks Margareeta) is a formidable 16th-century artillery tower that now houses the Estonian Maritime Museum. Located at the end of Pikk Street near Tallinn's Old Town harbor, this stout bastion was built to defend the city and impress arriving ships. Today, visitors climb its thick stone walls to discover exhibits on shipbuilding, fishing, naval warfare, and underwater archaeology. The museum's collection includes vintage vessels, diving gear, and a fascinating array of treasures recovered from Baltic shipwrecks. Climb to the top for panoramic views of the harbor and the red rooftops of Old Town. The tower's name comes from its massive size (25 meters in diameter) and a legend about a portly cook named Margaret. It's a must for history buffs and anyone curious about Estonia's deep connection to the sea.

Don't miss

• Climb the spiral staircase to the rooftop viewing platform
• See the 16th-century cannonballs and medieval weaponry
• Explore the shipwreck hall with recovered artifacts
• Check out the vintage diving suits and underwater cameras

Tickets & tours

Ways to visit Fat Margaret - Estonian Maritime Museum

Cheapest way inBudapest: Margaret Island Loop Cruise with a Drink4.9★ · 23 travelers~2 hoursFree cancellationFrom$16 per personSee dates →Most bookedGuided Old Town Tallinn Historical Walking Tour4.8★ · 471 travelers2–3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$41 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 inside, but no flash near delicate artifacts.
• Be prepared for steep, narrow stairs – over 200 steps to the top.
• The tower can be chilly; bring a light jacket even in summer.
• Euros are accepted; credit cards are widely used.

A bit of history

Built between 1511 and 1530 as part of Tallinn's fortifications, Fat Margaret was used as a gunpowder store and prison over the centuries. The Estonian Maritime Museum moved here in 1981, preserving the tower's historic character.