Tallinn to Paldiski: Cliffs, Waterfall & Rummu Quarry Day Trip

Summary

Estonia’s rugged cliffs, Soviet secrets & quarry moonscapes in one day

You’ll leave Tallinn behind for wild coastal cliffs, stand close enough to Keila-Joa waterfall to feel its spray, and wander through Paldiski’s Soviet shadows before reaching the eerie blue waters of Rummu Quarry—all in one day with a local guide who actually grew up nearby. It’s not neat or polished but it gets under your skin.

What’s the experience like?

“Wait, we’re really going inside that old plane?” That’s what I blurted out when our guide, Mart, waved us over at Paldiski. He just grinned and told me to climb up—so I did. The cockpit smelled like cold metal and dust, and the dials looked frozen in time. It was weirdly moving, sitting where Soviet pilots once sat. Earlier that morning we’d left Tallinn with a couple of other travelers (no more than eight of us), and Mart started telling stories before we even hit the first bend out of the city.

The limestone cliffs at Türisalu were our first stop—wind biting a bit, gulls screeching overhead. You could smell pine and sea salt mixing together. Mart pointed out old bunkers half-swallowed by moss; he said as kids they used to sneak around here before anyone cared about fences. We moved on to Keila-Joa waterfall, which he called “the most romantic spot in Estonia”—I laughed because honestly it was just loud and wild with spray everywhere, but I kind of got what he meant. There were locals walking their dogs who nodded at us like they knew we didn’t belong but didn’t mind.

Paldiski itself felt strange—half-abandoned blocks, echoes of Russian everywhere (I tried a word or two; Mart snorted). The town’s old military vibe is still there if you look close enough. But nothing prepared me for Murru quarry. The water was this impossible blue under a gray sky, and the ground crunched weirdly underfoot—like walking on broken pottery or something lunar. We all went quiet for a minute just taking it in. I’m not sure why that stuck with me so much.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Paldiski and nearby natural sites

• See limestone cliffs at Türisalu and Pakri
• Admire Keila-Joa waterfall
• Discover former Soviet town of Paldiski
• Explore Murru prison quarry landscape
• Sit in old Soviet military airplane cockpit

Top questions

How long does the Paldiski & Rummu Quarry day trip from Tallinn take?

The tour lasts approximately 7 hours including travel time from Tallinn.

Is hotel pickup included for this Tallinn to Paldiski tour?

The tour includes pickup; check your booking details for exact arrangements.

What are the main stops on this coastal cliffs day trip?

You’ll visit Türisalu and Pakri limestone cliffs, Keila-Joa waterfall, Paldiski town, Murru prison quarry, and an old Soviet airplane cockpit.

How many people are usually on this small group tour?

The group size is capped at eight travelers per tour.

Is lunch included on the Paldiski & Rummu Quarry day trip?

No lunch is included; bottled water is provided but bring snacks or plan for food stops.

Are there any fitness requirements for this Estonia day trip?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness as some walking is involved.

Can children join this Tallinn to Paldiski tour?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult; infant seats are available if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water for everyone in the group, all local taxes covered up front so there are no surprises later, fuel surcharge already sorted out by your driver-guide (who’s also your storyteller), plus specialized infant seats if you need them—and yes, it runs rain or shine so dress for whatever Estonia throws at you.