Noblessner- A Trendy New Seaside Quarter to Discover in Tallinn

A cool urban environment with magnificent seaside views not to miss while in Tallinn is the former submarine shipyard Noblessner Quarter. One of the fastest developing, and the most interesting areas in Tallinn today.

Situated next to the trendy Kalamaja district and the renowned Seaplane Harbor, Noblessner wins your heart with its distinctive and colorful architecture, boldly combining old and new, retro and modern, bold and minimal. Inspiring style angles and irresistible design can be found in many of the area’s shops, restaurants and bars as well.

Noblessner Quarter | Nordic Experience

The former submarine shipyard Noblessner is the fastest developing, and thus the most interesting, area in Tallinn today. The old factory halls have been woken to a new life of apartments, trendy shops, and cafes, bistros, art galleries. 
Noblessner Shipyard | Nordic Experience

From submarines to the new millennium

The history of Noblessner dates back to the early 20th century. That’s when Tallinn – or Reval, as it was called back then – was about to become home to Peter the Great’s war harbor. The original plans were never fulfilled, yet a huge submarine shipyard was built in the area now known as Noblessner. The yard was named after the two businessmen running it, Emanuel Nobel and Arthur Lessner. The former was related to the Nobel prize founder Alfred Nobel: Emanuel was his nephew.
Noblessner soon became famous for its submarines built for the needs of the Russian Empire. As Estonia gained independence in 1918, the shipyard started manufacturing smaller vessels instead of submarines. During the Soviet era, ‘Factory nr 7’ repaired ships damaged in World War II, as well as submarines, fishing boats and metal structures used in ports.

After the restoration of Estonian independence in 1991, the shipyard continued its work for another ten years. Even after that, boats never disappeared from Noblessner; the last vessels were built in 2018. Additionally, Noblessner’s Marina and Noblessner Yacht Club Sailing School NYCS have operated in the area since 2009.

Today’s Noblessner has risen to its glory during the past few years. It is far from finished, though, so the building and renovation works will continue until the end of the 2020s.

What to do in Noblessner?

Noblessner wins your heart with its distinctive and colorful architecture, boldly combining old and new. Style and design can be found in many of the area’s shops as well.
Shishi is an Estonian-Norwegian interior decoration brand with an impressive store full of products, each piece more imaginative than the other. Whether you need a vase, a fake plant, a candle holder or something unique to catch the eye, this is where you’ll find it. Collections change twice a year, and before Christmas, Shishi becomes a true wonderland of holiday decorations. Shishi is also known for its outlet, located in the same building.

Shishi | Nordic Experience

Home furnishing store Kalhoj focuses on Scandinavian-style tableware and accessories, northern delicacies and beverages and quality children’s clothing. In case you’re more into diamonds and other fine jewelry, you’ll find them nearby at the jewellery shop Baltic Brilliant.
Kalhoj | Nordic Experience
Style and beauty can also be found at the beauty salon Biomarketi Ilu- ja Tervisetuba. The ‘beauty and health room’ of the health store Biomarket lets you enjoy facials, manicures and pedicures carried out with ecological Dr. Hauschka products. Make-up and make-up lessons are also available.
You won’t be left hungry in Noblessner either. 180° is an elegant fine dining restaurant run by Michelin-starred chef Matthias Diether. The restaurant guide White Guide Nordic has quite appropriately ranked it one of the top three restaurants in Estonia.
180° Restaurant | Nordic Experience

Põhjala Tap Room
 is a beer lover’s heaven. Named among the world’s top 100 breweries, Põhjala’s restaurant delights its visitors with a whopping selection of 24 tap beers. The food menu consists of Texan BBQ dishes and all kinds of snacks to go with beer. The work of the brewers can be followed through the restaurant’s big windows, and if you book your visit in advance, you can tour the brewery with a guide. Beer and other souvenirs, such as T-shirts and caps with Põhjala’s logo, can be bought at the brewery’s store.
pohjala tap room noblessner | Nordic Experience
More art will be offered at Kai Art Center. An old factory houses a top quality exhibition space, auditorium, restaurants and facilities for several Estonian art organisations.
kai kunstikeskus | Nordic Experience
PROTO Invention Factory is an entertaining yet educational center for the whole family, using virtual reality as a gateway to showcase the great inventions of the past and the things not yet seen. How was the ride with the world’s first automobile? What would it be like to have a stroll in the center of the earth? PROTO is the place to find out.
proto avastustehas | Nordic Experience
In Noblessner, new shops and services are sprouting up non-stop. This is an area where you’ll find something new and exciting with every visit! Book your private Tallinn city tour including the Noblessner area here:
www.nordicexperience.com

How to get to Noblessner?

The easiest way to get to Noblessner is by bus number 73. Hop in at the city center, ride along Kalaranna Street and hop off at the stop called ‘Noblessneri’. Go down the stairs and you’re there.
Bus number 3 drives Noblessner-bound from the city center, as well. Hop off at the stop called ‘Volta’ and you’ll find yourself at Tööstuse Street on the south side of the Noblessner area.
You can also take a seaside stroll from the Seaplane Harbour to Noblessner. On the way, you’ll be able to admire the museum’s outside exhibits such as the icebreaker Suur Tõll, the walk from old town takes about 20 minutes.

 

Tip of The Month- Our Staff Picks and Recommendations

A perfect way to wrap up a day spent a memorable day in Tallinn, our staff tops picks

  • Tallinn Zoo a perfect family activity or a walk at any age!  

Tallinn Zoo is situated in the beautiful and naturally diverse Veskimetsa park forest. Discover the zoo with the most fascinating collection of animals in Northern Europe!

The zoo is located only 15 minutes from the Tallinn city center.

Image result for jääkaru tallinna loomaaed"

African giants (elephants and rhinos), majestic predators, playful primates and a large number of other exotic and endangered species are represented. The zoo also includes an impressive polar bear world and a children’s petting zoo. The zoo even boasts the best collection of mountain goats and sheep in the world! Here you will find a remarkable number of eagles, vultures and an impressive variety of owls and cranes.

The zoo is home to more than 11,000 animals representing almost 600 species and sub-species from Australia to Alaska.

  • St. Olav’s Church and Tower- best views of Tallinn!

Make the vigorous climb to the top of Tallinn’s iconic, Gothic church, once the tallest building in the world.

Once upon a time, from 1549 to 1625 to be precise, this Gothic church was the tallest building in the World. But it’s gigantic, 159-metre spire, meant as a signpost for approaching ships, also turned out to be a very effective lightning rod. Throughout the church’s history lightning hit the spire repeatedly, completely burning down the structure three times.

Get an insiders view of Tallinn Old Town, culture and history on a private tour in Old Tallinn on 2h Tallinn Private Old Town Walking Tour and learn the legends of Saint Olaf’s church. Once upon a time, from 1549 to 1625 to be precise, this Gothic church was the tallest building in the World. But it’s gigantic, 159-metre spire, meant as a signpost for approaching ships, also turned out to be a very effective lightning rod. Throughout the church’s history lightning hit the spire repeatedly, completely burning down the structure three times.

Scenic summer aerial view of the Old Town architecture in Tallinn, Estonia

Nowadays its smaller, 124-meter spire still dwarfs most of Tallinn’s buildings and remains an important symbol of the town. From April to October, visitors can make the vigorous climb to the top of the stone portion of the tower for magnificent and dizzying views of Old Town, Toompea hill and the port area.

The church itself dates back to at least 1267 when it is thought to have served a group of Scandinavian merchants who settled in the area. Various legends insist the church got its name from either the giant or the mysterious stranger who built it, however it was in fact dedicated to King Olaf II of Norway.

Its current shape and size were set in the 16th century. Inside are high, vaulted naves and a historicist interior design that dates to the time it was rebuilt after a fire in 1830.

  • Old Town Ice Rink- there is nothing more beautiful and classic, then taking a twirl or a tumble while enjoying some good old ice skating in the enchanting medieval old town. Especially when the days are short and the many festive lights add a romantic touch! 
  • Kumu Art Museum- the most versatile and resourseful art museum in Estonia! By far the nation’s largest and most cutting-edge art museum, Kumu displays Estonian-created works from the 18th-21st centuries. A must-see for culture creatures, Kumu, the main building of Art Museum of Estonia, serves both as Estonia’s national gallery and as a centre for contemporary art. The complex itself is a work of art – it was opened in 2006 after nearly a decade of planning and construction, and is considered a modern architectural masterpiece. Curves and sharp edges mark out the copper and limestone structure, which is built into the side of a limestone cliff. Kumu’s exhibition aims to appeal to diverse audiences. Exhibitions display both classical and contemporary art and everything in between. The program features art from the 18th century until today, Estonian art until the Second World War, art of the Soviet era and temporary exhibitions of contemporary art.
    In 2008, the European Museum Forum, which operates under the auspices of the Council of Europe, awarded Kumu the title of ‘European Museum of the Year’.
  •   Kadriorg Park & Pirita Seaside – beautiful nature, fantastic views over Tallinn bay and the best location for a seaside stroll! Tours to Kadriorg & Pirita seaside are available here: Tallinn Tours
  • With its popular beach, adventure park and yacht harbor, Pirita is Tallinn’s destination for summer fun and breathtakingly beautiful nature. The district is located only a few kilometers from the city center and is easily accessible by public transport, bike or car. In the early 20th century, this seaside area began to develop into a destination for Sunday rides and bathing, and the sandy beach is still a huge draw whenever the weather turns warm. A short walk along Pirita promenade will bring you to the Estonian History Museum at Maarjamäe Palace: their permanent exhibition takes you on a journey from the birth of the Republic of Estonia to the modern-day. Also located in Maarjamäe, is the Estonian Film Museum, an intriguing outdoor exhibition of Soviet monuments, and a relaxation area for kids and adults alike. Next to the museum complex, you will find the thought-provoking and beautiful Memorial to the Victims of Communism and its neighbor, an architectural ensemble from the 1970s dedicated to the defenders of the Soviet Union.A quieter way to enjoy Pirita is to head across the road to the Pirita River delta and rent a rowboat, canoe, or a water bicycle. This is also the location of Pirita’s own little piece of medieval architecture: the ruins of the 15th-century St. Bridget’s Convent. The convent is still active today, although it is housed in a modern building next door.

Kadi

Our dedicated and most wonderful colleague, our Customer Service Coordinator

In her free time Kadi enjoys ice skating, Italian cuisine and travelling. She speaks fluent Italian and Turkish!

What to do in Tallinn over Easter?

Easter vacation fun and activities in Tallinn from sightseeing to museums

By visitallinn.ee

On a Good Friday (19.04) and Easter Sunday (21.04) there are some changes to the regular opening hours of Tallinn’s museums and sights. On Saturday, April 20, however, the museums and attractions are open as usual. 

Easter Traditions in Estonia

Estonia may be one of the least religious countries in the world, but when it comes to religious holidays, Estonians generally give the nod or combine it with one of their own folk traditions.*
Easter, commemorating the crucifixion and celebrating the resurrection of Jesus – a Jewish preacher and religious leader who became the central figure of Christianity – may have had a completely alien connotation for Estonians before the Teutonic Knights brought Christianity to the country in the 13th century, but in Estonia’s folk calendar, Easter is celebrated as a spring holiday to welcome the arrival of the lighter and warmer season.

Image result for lihavõtted eesti munad evm

Image by Estonian Open Air Museum

Once the Christian customs mixed with the local traditions, a new set of habits emerged over time.

In the folk calendar, Kevadepüha or spring holiday falls anywhere between 16 March and 20 April in the week leading up to Easter. Traditionally, this week was important for completing household chores, such as cleaning after a long winter. The weather during the week could apparently predict the climate for the summer. If it was raining, a wet summer was to follow and if there was fog, a hot summer was in store.

Read more about Estonian Easter Traditions here: Easter in Estonia

So to have an exciting and memorable Easter weekend in Tallinn here’s a list of places open and welcoming visitors over the holidays. Happy Easter!
The Tallinn TV Tower is open to visitors during the holiday. In addition to the marvelous panoramic views of the city from 170 meters high up, the new exhibition “GENE-IUS” guides you through genetics, the history of it and its promising future.
The Estonian Open Air Museum, which maintains and showcases Estonian heritage and keeps the traditions alive, offers visitors a chance to take part in local Easter games and songs along with typical festive food on April 21. Of course, the egg is a focal feature of Easter celebrations. At the museum, you can try your hand in dyeing eggs, participate in an egg cracking competition and go on an egg hunt.
The residents of the Tallinn Zoo gladly welcome all visitors every day of the year. On Saturday, April 20, the zoo celebrates mink day, and on Sunday, April 21, you can find out more about the animals with lectures by the lion’s at 13:00 and by the polar bear center at 14:00.
Open in Tallinn over the Easter holidays:
Museums and sights:
  • Estonian Museum of Natural History
  • Estonian Health Care Museum
  • Museum of the Estonian Drink Culture (19.04 open, 21.04 closed)
  • Tallinn Town Wall
  • Marzipan room
  • Energy Discovery Center
  • Seaplane Harbor
  • KGB Prison Cells
  • Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom
  • Estonian Open Air Museum
  • Tallinn Zoo
  • Tallinn TV Tower
  • Tallinn Botanic Garden
  • St. Bridget’s Convent Ruins
  • Cathedral of St Mary the Virgin (Dome Church’s) Tower (except during church service)
  • Holy Spirit Church (except during church service)
Sightseeing tours:
Cafés and restaurants:
  • Restaurant Peppersack
  • Kehrwieder Chocolaterie
  • Restaurant Platz
  • Restaurant Scheeli
  • Restaurant Spot
  • Restaurant Ribe (19.04 open, 21.04 closed)
  • Restaurant Cantina Carramba
You can also ask advice at the tourist information center in the Old Town (Niguliste 2) from 9:00 until 18:00 on April 19 and from 9:00 until 16:00 on April 21.
In addition to the above, there is lots to discover in Tallinn. For more, see the Tallinn tourism website visittallinn.ee
or call/write us for local expert tour tips.
Book your tour here:

Nordic Experience 
Call us +372 5900 5151

E-mail: sales@nordicexperience.com

Happy holidays!

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