If you’re looking for a day trip that’s… well… different, then Paldiski’s your place. Before 1994, this little port town was a busy Soviet military base, home to nuclear rockets and submarines, and at one point, 16,000 military personnel. After the military had gone, the population was drastically reduced (now hovering at about 4,300) and Paldiski descended into a nightmarish state of decay. Additionally, you can see how Paldiski is now finally coming around, with new investments and development, particularly in its port area. And there’s another reason to make the trip - the Pakri peninsula on which it sits is home to some beautiful natural scenery and some rare wildlife. If it’s the soviet ruins and depressing side of Paldiski you are looking for however you’d better act fast, the ruins are quickly being torn down to make way for a brighter and, in our opinion, more boring town. Main attractions include the Pakri wind farm, the red lighthouse, Peter the Great era train station, Amandus Adamson Studio Museum, Pakri Islands, remaining military installations, ostrich farm and the surrounding nature.
Tourist information: www.paldiski.ee.

Getting there
Bus N°145 leaves from a bus stop behind the Balti jaam train station, ride takes about an hour. The train leaves from Balti jaam and it will take precisely an hour to get there.