Rahumäe and Järve – From the Shit Factory to the Elite District!

They say you can’t make bread out of crap - but you can make fertilizer. The facility that carried out this unpleasant yet necessary task was known as the pudretivabrik (“powder factory”). Isn’t it a paradox that it was located in Järve, an area that, during the 1920s–1930s, began to develop into an elite district? On our Rahumäe and Järve walking tour, we’ll track down this controversial plant and also take a peek into the closed world of the wealthy - how did the rich and famous live back in the day? Industrialist Karl Kaddak, sea captain Oskar Tiidemann, poet Marie Under, and statesman Ado Birk - they’re just the tip of the iceberg. We’ll admire the grand villas of the Näituse area, discover Nõmme’s oldest houses, and, as the cherry on top, visit Nõmme’s largest and most famous mansion, which, paradoxically, has brought happiness to no one. This is a highly diverse tour, where we’ll talk about industry, success, and happiness, as well as funerary culture and cemeteries.

Duration: ~ 2h 30min
Length: ~ 7 km
Tour guide: Mihkel Reile
Languages of the tour: Estonian
Start and end location: Pärnu mnt 145, Oravamäe park. Link to Google Maps

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Clients speak

"I’m one of those who has always dreamed of a truly remarkable birthday. Not the usual sit-around-the-table kind, but one that offers genuinely memorable experiences. Ideally something unexpected and exciting, so that even years later everyone would fondly remember, “Wow, that was amazing!” I soon realized that Matkafy Laternamatkad ticks every box on my wish list. Even though there are 55 different tours on the adventure list, I never hesitated to take my friends to the abandoned Murru prison, exploring the buildings and area where the saying truly fits: “If these walls could talk…” How often in life do you get the chance to walk among apocalyptic walls and experience the real stories hidden inside? When this long-awaited day finally arrived, I couldn’t hide my excitement and thrill. Everything was perfectly planned. Our guide Mihkel Reile received nothing but praise from the guests: “So humorous!”, “So knowledgeable!”, “Easily captures everyone’s attention”, “Where did they find such a charming guy?”, “Wow, how clearly and engagingly he tells stories!” In addition, for this tour that exceeded all expectations, a romantic birthday table was set up in a quiet wooded corner, tailored exactly to my wishes. This was the best birthday of my life! Honestly. A unique and adventurous tour, perfectly suited for any celebration and season."

Liis Lusmägi

15.07.2024

"Thank you very much for organizing such a pleasant hike! The feedback was extremely positive, and the new knowledge was later shared with colleagues as well."

Kätlin Keinast

29.04.2026

"Big thanks from the whole team for the great organization and the fantastic guide! Everyone was very satisfied and will definitely spread the good word! 😊"

Pille-Riin Hütt / Restoran Kaspervik

11.11.2024

Book as private tour

You can book this tour only for your group if you wish

The price of a private tour designed specifically for your group of 1–30 people is €600 + VAT.
For groups of 31–60 people, the price is €20 + VAT per person.

For groups of 61–240 people, we will prepare a personalized offer.

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