Tallinna Teletorn
About
The Tallinn TV Tower, locally known as Tallinna teletorn, stands in the suburb of Pirita, six kilometres north‑east of Tallinn’s historic centre. Completed in 1980, the 314‑metre structure was originally built to enhance television and radio transmission for the Moscow Summer Olympics and to serve as a symbol of Estonia’s emerging communications independence. Since its grand opening on 11 July 1980, it has become a must‑visit landmark, drawing both locals and international tourists who seek a bird‑eye view of the city and the surrounding Gulf of Finland. Beneath its striking superstructure, the tower houses a 38‑metre diameter observation deck at 170 metres, two high‑speed elevators, and a restaurant that serves Estonian cuisine while guests admire the cityscape below. The interior has been revitalised in 2012 by the design studio KOKO Arhitektid, who restored the original stained‑glass windows by Dolores Hoffmann and introduced multimedia displays that allow visitors to compare the present view with historic ones. The tower’s history is intertwined with Estonia’s transition from Soviet rule to independence. It was the tallest non‑building structure in the country until 2009, and its broadcasting equipment still supports several national radio stations. After a brief closure for renovation in 2007, the tower reopened in April 2012, welcoming visitors to its observation deck and restaurant once again. Today it remains a symbol of modern Estonian engineering and an iconic point of reference for tourists exploring Tallinn’s skyline. The experience at Tallinna teletorn offers more than just a skyline view: the restaurant provides a unique taste of local cuisine, and the museum‑style exhibition of historical broadcast equipment showcases the tower’s role in Estonia’s media history. Visitors can access the tower via two elevators, explore the exhibition spaces, and finish their visit with a sunset view over the Baltic Sea.
Highlights
- Observation Deck
- Stained‑Glass Art
- Restaurant with a View
- Tallest Non‑Building Structure
Must-See Areas
Good to Know
Good for
Best time to visit
Spring and early autumn (April–June and September–October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds, making for a relaxed visit.
At a glance
- Typical visit: about 1 hour 30 minutes