Seaplane Harbour Museum

Lennusadam

A maritime museum set in striking seaplane hangars, featuring a real submarine, historic ships and interactive exhibits. It is one of Tallinn's most engaging attractions for families and history lovers.

Things to do

• Explore the Lembit submarine — Climb inside the 1936 British-built EML Lembit, one of the world's oldest surviving submarines, and see its cramped crew quarters and torpedo tubes.
• Marvel at the seaplane hangars — Admire the vast 1917 reinforced-concrete domed hangars, a pioneering feat of engineering built for the Imperial Russian Navy.
• Board the Suur Tõll icebreaker — Step aboard the century-old steam-powered icebreaker moored outside, exploring its engine room, cabins and deck.
• Try the flight simulators — Test your piloting skills in interactive seaplane and aircraft simulators throughout the exhibition floor.
• See the Short 184 seaplane replica — View the full-scale replica of the British Short 184 seaplane suspended dramatically above the main hall.
• Walk the harbour promenade — Stroll the waterfront outside the museum for sea views and access to nearby historic ships and the Kalamaja district.
• Explore interactive kids' exhibits — Let children enjoy the yellow submarine play area, aquarium and hands-on maritime activities designed for families.

Food to try

• MARU restaurant lunch — Dine at the museum's on-site MARU restaurant serving Estonian and international dishes with harbour views.
• Silgusoust (Baltic herring) — Sample this traditional creamy Estonian dish of fried Baltic herring, a staple of coastal cuisine.
• Kama dessert — Try kama, a nutty Estonian mix of roasted grain flour blended with kefir or yoghurt, often served chilled.
• Black bread (leib) — Taste dense Estonian rye bread, a beloved national staple usually served with butter and local dishes.
• Kalamaja café culture — Head to the nearby bohemian Kalamaja neighbourhood for hipster cafés serving coffee, pastries and craft treats.

Local customs & good to know

• Buy tickets online in advance — Purchase timed tickets ahead during summer and holidays, as the museum is one of Tallinn's busiest attractions.
• Allow at least two to three hours — The exhibits are extensive across three levels plus outdoor ships, so plan enough time to see everything.
• Combine with Kalamaja and Telliskivi — The museum sits near the trendy Kalamaja district and Telliskivi Creative City, ideal for a full afternoon.
• Estonians value quiet and order — Locals appreciate calm, respectful behaviour in cultural spaces, so keep noise moderate and follow exhibit rules.

Nearby

• Telliskivi Creative City — 1 km
• Tallinn Old Town — 1 km
• Toompea Hill — 2 km
• Tallinn — 2 km