Tallinn’s most popular beach area is Pirita, a suburb situated at the point where the Pirita River flows into the Baltic Sea. The sailing events of the 1980 Moscow Olympics were held here, and a lively marina stretches along the river’s western bank.

Pirita Beach

Running east of the river mouth is the forest-backed Pirita beach, a 3km-long stretch of fine white sand that offers great views west towards Tallinn’s port. Inland from the beach, next to the main road bridge across the river, rowing boats, kayaks and pedaloes provide the ideal means of transport with which to explore the Pirita’s reed-fringed inland stretches.

St Bridget’s Convent

East of the road bridge loom the ruins of St. Bridget’s Convent (Pirita klooster), founded in 1407 when Tallinn merchants invited the Swedish Brigittine Order to the city. The order was unusual in admitting both male and female novices, who resided in different wings under the strict rule of a single abbess. The convent was destroyed and abandoned during the Livonian Wars and all that survives now is the shell of its church, whose hugely impressive facade recalls the gabled merchants’ houses of Tallinn’s Old Town. Beyond the church lie the traces of old cells, backing onto a tributary of the Pirita River.

Practical Info

By bus: Pirita can be reached on buses #1, #1A, #34 and #38 from Viru väljak.