Rummu Quarry & Coastal Cliffs: Small-Group Day Trip from Tallinn

Summary

Half-day journey from Tallinn into Estonia’s wild history, Rummu quarry’s blue water, Soviet relics and Baltic sea cliffs with local stories

You’ll wander through mossy tunnels at an abandoned fortress, feel spray from Keila waterfall, taste Estonian lunch in a local café, stand above Rummu quarry’s surreal blue lake and sandy hills, and catch windswept views from Pakri coastal cliffs—all with a small group led by someone who knows every story behind these places.

What’s the experience like?

Someone hands me a flashlight before we duck into the old naval fortress near Suurupi — the kind of place that smells like wet stone and moss, where your footsteps echo weirdly. Our guide, Mart, grins and tells us to watch our heads (I still bumped mine). It’s strange how quiet it gets down there, except for someone’s nervous laugh bouncing off the walls. When we come out again, the forest feels brighter than before. I didn’t expect to feel so jumpy just walking through old tunnels.

We pile back in the van and drive past fields that look endless. Keila waterfall is louder than I thought — you can hear it before you see it. There’s this manor house across the river, all pale yellow and stately, but I mostly remember the bridges and how slippery they were after last night’s rain. In Paldiski, Mart points out old apartment blocks with peeling paint and satellite dishes everywhere. He jokes about Soviet “charm” while a woman in a headscarf sweeps her stoop and gives us a nod.

Lunch is at some small café (I can’t pronounce the name), where I order something with potatoes because that felt safest. The others try Estonian soup; one guy says it tastes like dill and summer together. Then we’re off to Pakri cliffs — windy as anything, hair in my face, Baltic Sea stretching forever under this red lighthouse that’s closed for repairs (Mart shrugs: “Estonia is always fixing something”). The air smells salty and sharp up there.

Last stop: Rummu quarry. The sand is soft but gets everywhere — my shoes are probably still full of it. We climb up these dunes for a view over water so clear you can see roofs of sunken buildings below. Some people swim; I just sit there watching sunlight flicker on turquoise water and thinking about all those stories Mart told us about Soviet prisons here. It’s odd how beautiful it is now. On the way back to Tallinn everyone’s quiet for a bit — maybe tired or just letting it sink in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore coastal and historical sites

• Hike along Suurupi coast
• Explore abandoned military base
• Visit Keila waterfall and manor park
• Drive through Paldiski city
• See red Pakri lighthouse and cliffs
• Visit submerged Rummu quarry and hills

Top questions

How long does the Rummu quarry & coastal cliffs tour take?

The tour lasts approximately half a day—expect around 5–6 hours including driving time from Tallinn.

Is entry to Rummu quarry included?

Yes, entrance to Rummu Quarry is included in your tour price.

Can solo travelers join this small-group tour?

Solo travelers can join if there are already other participants booked on that day.

Is lunch provided during the day trip?

No set lunch is included; you’ll stop at a local café where you can order Estonian food separately.

Are there any physical requirements for this tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness—there’s walking on uneven ground and some climbing at Rummu quarry.

What languages are spoken by guides?

The local guide speaks English; other languages may not be available.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip from Tallinn?

No hotel pickup; you’ll meet at a central location in Tallinn before departure.

Can I swim at Rummu quarry during the tour?

If weather allows (in summer), swimming is possible—bring your own gear if interested.

What’s included

Your day includes transport by air-conditioned vehicle from Tallinn with a small group of fellow travelers, entrance ticket to Rummu Quarry, guided walks through historic sites and nature spots like Keila waterfall and Pakri cliffs—with plenty of stories along the way—but lunch is at your own expense during our café stop in Paldiski.