Scheduled tours

It's no secret that Kopli in the 90s was a crime-ridden place. On this tour, we will leave the history of Põhja-Tallinn for another time and dive straight into true crime stories instead. We'll wander around the crime scenes, tell stories of the incidents that took place and explore the general conditions of the times that caused this criminal atmosphere. Obviously, none of us would want to be in the midst of these terrifying events, but from a modern perspective these stories are fascinating, strange and frightening. Some can even be somewhat humorous when viewed from a distance. The stories of our crime tour are based on the memories of a former patrol police officer, who was often the first to arrive at the scene and record the incident.

Did you know that the part of a porcini mushroom growing above the ground is like an apple on an apple tree – except that the tree itself grows underground? On four consecutive weekends in September, we will head into the forests of different locations across Harju County to discover the mushroom species characteristic of each area. During the excursion, you will hear fascinating stories about the mysterious world of fungi and learn how to recognize, identify, and distinguish different mushroom species. The mushroom course is led by Kert, a PhD in Natural Sciences and lecturer at Tallinn University. His expertise extends far beyond mushrooms alone. In addition to teaching mushroom identification, he shares captivating insights into forests, nature, and ecosystems, and is happy to answer all participants' questions. During the course, we will become familiar with both edible and poisonous mushrooms, learning their key characteristics and typical habitats.

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and rubber boots or other high waterproof boots. If you wish, you may also bring a mushroom basket. Don't be discouraged by a little mushroom rain – damp weather often provides the best conditions for finding mushrooms and makes the experience even more memorable! After our walk through the forest, all participants will be treated to a warm cup of tea while we share impressions, examine the mushrooms we have found, and warm up before heading home.

The Autumn 2026 Mushroom Course Series includes four excursions:

★ 5 September – Aegviidu

★ 13 September – Saku

★ 19 September – Klooga

★ 27 September – Harku Bog

Perhaps there is no place with more stories circulating about it than a psychiatric hospital. On the Seewald tour we'll go and find out how a beautiful former summer manor became a medical facility. We'll take a look at the historical buildings of Seewald and talk about what happens in these dignified houses now and what happened in the past. Since it's no secret that the hospital has been considering moving for a long time, we'll also discuss the future prospects of this breathtakingly exciting place. In the last part of the tour you'll get a popular science overview of psychiatry and treatment methods and find out what Seewald actually deals with, both in the present and in the past.

Perhaps there is no place with more stories circulating about it than a psychiatric hospital. On the Seewald tour we'll go and find out how a beautiful former summer manor became a medical facility. We'll take a look at the historical buildings of Seewald and talk about what happens in these dignified houses now and what happened in the past. Since it's no secret that the hospital has been considering moving for a long time, we'll also discuss the future prospects of this breathtakingly exciting place. In the last part of the tour you'll get a popular science overview of psychiatry and treatment methods and find out what Seewald actually deals with, both in the present and in the past.

We all know there's a convent in Pirita, but what is life like there? Who are the people today who have chosen the life of a nun, and why have they done so? All will be explored on the Pirita tour! In addition, we will walk through the beautiful old valley of Pirita, enjoy the beautiful views of the river bends, and listen to fascinating stories about Pirita's past. Pirita also has a darker side - we'll talk about the immense underground city of the Soviet army and recall the NKVD's acts of terror at the Scheeli manor!

On the 90s Õismäe and Astangu crime tour, we walk on the border of two worlds: on one side, idealistic Soviet urban planning; on the other, the grim era of the 1990s, when criminal groups operated in these districts and scores were settled brutally. During the tour, we explore the notorious Perm mafia and the Linnuvabrik underworld groups, and learn about the bloody confrontations associated specifically with Õismäe. What brutal acts made locals avoid certain places after dark? We will also discover how Väike-Õismäe was built and why it appears perfectly circular on the map. The stories take us to Astangu as well, where we talk about former secret military sites and restricted zones hidden in the forest. Join this tour and uncover the hidden history of one Tallinn district - a place where ideal urban planning met the military world of the Cold War, and where the turbulent 90s left their mark.

Kose and bunkers go together like Roosmaa and Tuuli. And there is plenty of reason for that. At a time when people in Estonia are talking about the lack of shelters, Kose and its surroundings actually have as many as seven of them – covering thousands of square meters! The largest and most famous of these is the 2,500 m² bunker of the government of the Estonian SSR, located beneath the former Kose Service School. It contains 144 rooms, and of course we’ll take a look inside. But that’s not all. In fact, Kose is a settlement in Estonia with more than 1,000 years of history. It is home to the largest ancient treasure hoard ever found in Estonia, the oldest preserved church in Harju County, remarkable architecture from both the 19th and 20th centuries, and beautiful natural views along the Pirita River. At the same time, there is also the “wise men’s club” behind the bus station, the typical intrigues of a small town, and even a few crime stories of its own.

Apparently everyone knows Pärnu as the summer capital with its beautiful beaches! This time, however, we will leave the seaside stories aside and head instead into medieval Pärnu, where Hanseatic trade flourished and tavern life buzzed - yet crime was also present, and even Christian morals began to waver! Did you know that medieval Pärnu was a border town much like Narva today? On one side of the river ruled the Teutonic Order, on the other the Bishop’s state, creating the twin towns of New Pärnu and Old Pärnu! But what made this place so special that Estonia’s oldest traces of human settlement are found along the banks of the Pärnu River, and later both military force and political cunning were used to claim it?!? And we do not wish to speak only about distant times during this tour. Naturally, we will also explore some of the more exciting landmarks from later eras along the way: we will search for the site where the famous Manifesto of Independence was first read aloud, discuss Soviet-era plans for the district centre, admire magnificent urban villas, and listen to city gossip from different periods of history! P.S. If you have not yet set foot on Pärnu’s brand-new bridge, we will correct that mistake as well!

Did you know that the part of a porcini mushroom growing above the ground is like an apple on an apple tree – except that the tree itself grows underground? On four consecutive weekends in September, we will head into the forests of different locations across Harju County to discover the mushroom species characteristic of each area. During the excursion, you will hear fascinating stories about the mysterious world of fungi and learn how to recognize, identify, and distinguish different mushroom species. The mushroom course is led by Kert, a PhD in Natural Sciences and lecturer at Tallinn University. His expertise extends far beyond mushrooms alone. In addition to teaching mushroom identification, he shares captivating insights into forests, nature, and ecosystems, and is happy to answer all participants' questions. During the course, we will become familiar with both edible and poisonous mushrooms, learning their key characteristics and typical habitats.

Please wear weather-appropriate clothing and rubber boots or other high waterproof boots. If you wish, you may also bring a mushroom basket. Don't be discouraged by a little mushroom rain – damp weather often provides the best conditions for finding mushrooms and makes the experience even more memorable! After our walk through the forest, all participants will be treated to a warm cup of tea while we share impressions, examine the mushrooms we have found, and warm up before heading home.

The Autumn 2026 Mushroom Course Series includes four excursions:

★ 5 September – Aegviidu

★ 13 September – Saku

★ 19 September – Klooga

★ 27 September – Harku Bog

The Astangu tour is one of our more special ones, taking you to underground ammunition caves that are closed to the general public. We explore a former Soviet military base, take a look at abandoned structures and talk about Peter the Great's Naval Fortress. Tour stops include the ruins of Mäepealse village, crossing Tallinn's only rapids and enjoying the untouched wilderness. We share incredible stories of criminal activity in the Astangu forest you won't hear anywhere else. If you think you know everything about Astangu based on ChatGPT, military history pages and urban legends - think again, because you haven't been to Matkafy's Astangu tour yet!

Kose and bunkers go together like Roosmaa and Tuuli. And there is plenty of reason for that. At a time when people in Estonia are talking about the lack of shelters, Kose and its surroundings actually have as many as seven of them – covering thousands of square meters! The largest and most famous of these is the 2,500 m² bunker of the government of the Estonian SSR, located beneath the former Kose Service School. It contains 144 rooms, and of course we’ll take a look inside. But that’s not all. In fact, Kose is a settlement in Estonia with more than 1,000 years of history. It is home to the largest ancient treasure hoard ever found in Estonia, the oldest preserved church in Harju County, remarkable architecture from both the 19th and 20th centuries, and beautiful natural views along the Pirita River. At the same time, there is also the “wise men’s club” behind the bus station, the typical intrigues of a small town, and even a few crime stories of its own.

“Oh, stop talking!” is something you might hear being shouted at someone who talks too much. At Padise Monastery, this lesson would probably have earned you extra points – excessive talking was considered a sin, and the monks spent much of their day in silence. This time, however, we are going to sin with a clear conscience and chat our way through the entire hike! Did you know that the brothers of the monastery woke up as early as 3:15 a.m., were expected to report each other’s transgressions, and ate only once or twice a day – and even then, quite sparingly? It may not sound like the life of your dreams, but why on earth did medieval people want to enter a monastery? We’ll find out on our hike! And that’s not all. We’ll also explore other chapters of Padise’s history: the ancient fortress and harbour site, the manor, the Koidula collective farm, and, let’s not leave this one out, the grim episode of how monks were killed and the monastery was set on fire during the St. George’s Night Uprising.

At first glance, the Veerenni area might not seem very attractive for exploration, but let's hold on a moment - this is where Tallinn's medieval gallows hill was located. Did you know that the Hanseatic city of centuries past used five methods to punish criminals: hanging, breaking wheel, being buried alive, decapitation by sword, and burning at the stake? Furthermore, it wasn't a random choice which horrifying method was used - we'll explore this grim topic directly in the epicenter of those historical events, Veerenni! But that's not all, as we'll also take a significant leap in time on the topic of crime and pass by the old Tallinn Prison, looking for the site where one of Estonia's last cinematic prison escapes took place. We will also explore lighter topics - Veerenni can be considered Estonia's oldest medical campus and the factory campus of one of our most powerful industrial companies of all time, the Luther Factory. Of course, we'll visit and talk about these as well.

Do you believe that people once had dignity, manners, ideals, and virtues? But was it all really like that? In Tsarist-era Tallinn, there was actually a brothel law and an official red-light street! What's more, brothels were completely legal, ran advertisements, and in some suburban areas, it was taken for granted that a young woman might earn a living in a house of ill fame for some time in her life!

This time, we'll talk about the sinful life of the Tsarist era. We'll explore the former suburbs, walk along the red-light street, and even find the last relic - the former brothel of Madam Schwappach! To keep things from getting too one-sided, we will also look at the industrial heritage of the former Härjapea River. We will find out why this very river can be considered the source of Tallinn's industry!

This tour is about one of the darkest chapters of Estonian history - the concentration camp in Klooga and its bloody end. We’ll get an overview of the Third Reich’s camp system and the horrors of daily life in them. To not get too morbid, we’ll also talk about Klooga’s nicer sides - the stunning pine forest, the garden suburb, and the present day of the area. Some humorous stories from the Soviet era are also included, of course. Admittedly, the Klooga tour is one of the more controversial topics in Matkafy’s line-up and isn’t suitable for young children. It’s worth remembering that we must not let the past fade into oblivion - only then can we ensure that these atrocities never happen again.

The year was 2002 when a scandal exploded across newspaper headlines: “Rich People’s Shit in the City Dweller’s Coffee Water.” At the center of the scandal was one of the first upscale residential developments of newly re-independent Estonia - Kodala. On this hike, we’ll take a fascinating journey back in time to the world of the nouveau riche of the 1990s, exploring what the dream homes of that era looked like and who could afford to live in them. Today, however, Kodala is just a tiny part of Järveküla - Estonia’s largest village, with nearly 4,000 residents! Before the hikers’ eyes unfolds the story of a village with ancient roots growing into what is essentially a small town. What makes this place so special that it has attracted inhabitants for more than 800 years? We’ll seek out the site of an ancient settlement, peek at Mõigu Manor, admire the picturesque Old Järveküla, and explore new developments from three different decades. And of course, we’ll finally find out what that whole “rich people’s shit” story was really about!

Murru prison is an environment that is both mysterious and exciting as well as scary and thought-provoking. We hope that no one ever has to end up behind bars themselves, but we do hope you join us for an absolutely thrilling experience in the former prison complex! The Murru prison tour is very special in the Matkafy series because we spend a significant amount of time exploring the interiors of the former correctional facility. We will talk about the prison life of the past and the events that took place there. But not just that - we'll also briefly cover the history of the entire Rummu settlement and its state today. The Murru prison tour is a real treat for those who want to experience apocalyptic views, get acquainted with former prison life, and feel the magic of abandoned buildings!

Murru prison is an environment that is both mysterious and exciting as well as scary and thought-provoking. We hope that no one ever has to end up behind bars themselves, but we do hope you join us for an absolutely thrilling experience in the former prison complex! The Murru prison tour is very special in the Matkafy series because we spend a significant amount of time exploring the interiors of the former correctional facility. We will talk about the prison life of the past and the events that took place there. But not just that - we'll also briefly cover the history of the entire Rummu settlement and its state today. The Murru prison tour is a real treat for those who want to experience apocalyptic views, get acquainted with former prison life, and feel the magic of abandoned buildings!

Did you know that during the Soviet era, the "Athens of Emajõgi" was a town closed to foreigners? Why was that, and why is Tartu even called the "Athens of Emajõgi" in the first place? Find out on the tour! In reality we will not only delve into recent history on the Tartu tour, but also cover the story of Tartu's formation and development over 1,000 years. We'll learn why this city has been such an important and desired location for authorities and foreign conquerors. We will explore how much medieval architecture has been preserved in Tartu and imagine what the city would look like today if it hadn't been bombed or burnt down numerous times over the centuries. We'll walk along the medieval city wall and learn about the most important and magnificent objects built during the Tsarist era. To not get too academic, we'll also peek into student life over four centuries. Who knows, maybe we'll even have a laugh!

Perhaps there is no place with more stories circulating about it than a psychiatric hospital. On the Seewald tour we'll go and find out how a beautiful former summer manor became a medical facility. We'll take a look at the historical buildings of Seewald and talk about what happens in these dignified houses now and what happened in the past. Since it's no secret that the hospital has been considering moving for a long time, we'll also discuss the future prospects of this breathtakingly exciting place. In the last part of the tour you'll get a popular science overview of psychiatry and treatment methods and find out what Seewald actually deals with, both in the present and in the past.

Do you remember the times when everyone from the capital would rush to shop at Rõõmu Kaubamaja and bathe at Keila’s water park? Keila is no ordinary suburb of Tallinn, it’s like rock’n’roll - settled in the ancient times, built in the medieval times, repeatedly ruined in wars and always showing the way in the modern times. Neither the administrative reform nor the devil himself can get the better of Keila. Keila’s landmark buildings take us on a journey through the town’s history and shine a light on the phenomenon of this inspiring small town!

This exclusive Matkafy tour offers a rare opportunity to meet the man who in 1986 found himself right in the epicenter of events - as a liquidator in the Chernobyl nuclear disaster zone! For this special tour, we’ve chosen Paldiski, which housed a reactor of the same type. We’ll take a walk through the beautiful nature of Pakri and talk about the events from 40 years ago. You’ll learn why and how Allar was sent to Chernobyl, what he had to do there, what life was like on site, and whether the radiation exposure affected his health later in life. This is a rare chance to ask questions and hear fascinating material straight from the source, unfiltered and first-hand. Don’t miss it - this isn’t a regular Matkafy tour but a one-of-a-kind interview walk!

P.S.! We’ll also hear a tragicomic story of how Allar managed to avoid being sent onto the reactor roof. Sadly, many others weren’t as lucky - and are no longer with us today.

We all know there's a convent in Pirita, but what is life like there? Who are the people today who have chosen the life of a nun, and why have they done so? All will be explored on the Pirita tour! In addition, we will walk through the beautiful old valley of Pirita, enjoy the beautiful views of the river bends, and listen to fascinating stories about Pirita's past. Pirita also has a darker side - we'll talk about the immense underground city of the Soviet army and recall the NKVD's acts of terror at the Scheeli manor!

Nikolai von Glehn can be considered the father of Nõmme. He was a man who dared to think big and wasn't afraid to differ from the mainstream of his time. Of course, he also had his weaknesses. Although Glehn had studied economics, he was never a successful businessman nor systematic enough to realize his comprehensive vision for the town. As a result, many of his ambitious ideas remained only on paper, and instead of great respect, the founder of Nõmme was seen more as an eccentric at the end of the Tsarist era. On this tour we'll explore what the founder of the town envisioned for the future of Nõmme. We'll see which of his plans were realized and which ones went differently. Unlike the Matkafy series' Estonian Rupublic-era Nõmme tour, this tour visits Nõmme's oldest and most historically rich places.

The Astangu tour is one of our more special ones, taking you to underground ammunition caves that are closed to the general public. We explore a former Soviet military base, take a look at abandoned structures and talk about Peter the Great's Naval Fortress. Tour stops include the ruins of Mäepealse village, crossing Tallinn's only rapids and enjoying the untouched wilderness. We share incredible stories of criminal activity in the Astangu forest you won't hear anywhere else. If you think you know everything about Astangu based on ChatGPT, military history pages and urban legends - think again, because you haven't been to Matkafy's Astangu tour yet!

On the 90s Õismäe and Astangu crime tour, we walk on the border of two worlds: on one side, idealistic Soviet urban planning; on the other, the grim era of the 1990s, when criminal groups operated in these districts and scores were settled brutally. During the tour, we explore the notorious Perm mafia and the Linnuvabrik underworld groups, and learn about the bloody confrontations associated specifically with Õismäe. What brutal acts made locals avoid certain places after dark? We will also discover how Väike-Õismäe was built and why it appears perfectly circular on the map. The stories take us to Astangu as well, where we talk about former secret military sites and restricted zones hidden in the forest. Join this tour and uncover the hidden history of one Tallinn district - a place where ideal urban planning met the military world of the Cold War, and where the turbulent 90s left their mark.

It's no secret that Kopli in the 90s was a crime-ridden place. On this tour, we will leave the history of Põhja-Tallinn for another time and dive straight into true crime stories instead. We'll wander around the crime scenes, tell stories of the incidents that took place and explore the general conditions of the times that caused this criminal atmosphere. Obviously, none of us would want to be in the midst of these terrifying events, but from a modern perspective these stories are fascinating, strange and frightening. Some can even be somewhat humorous when viewed from a distance. The stories of our crime tour are based on the memories of a former patrol police officer, who was often the first to arrive at the scene and record the incident.

Every Estonian is familiar with Kalamaja and Kopli, but nestled between them is the subdistrict of Karjamaa, which many aren't even aware of. There's a reason for this, as it has historically been a partially military area. This is where the grandiose Peter the Great's Naval Fortress began to rise during the Tsarist era, and its barracks were later turned into Estonia's own military factory, Arsenal. We'll investigate how much of this mega-project was completed, what was left unbuilt, and how much remains today. The neighborhood of Sitsi is also on the edge of Karjamaa. This is where the Baltic Manufactory was built, which could be considered Kopli's oldest major industrial site. During the Tsarist era, the factory's female workers were mockingly called the Sitsi sl*ts. Why? Find out on the tour! In passing, we'll also talk about the highly controversial needle exchange point in Põhja-Tallinn, which is located in this very neighborhood!

In many people's minds, Kopli is associated with slums, but 100 years earlier that role belonged to Kassisaba, Kelmiküla, and Uus-Maailm. Today these are city centre subdistricts, but when the Baltic Railway was completed in 1870, it was built with a wide curve around Tallinn's built-up area. And as we all know, the areas along the railway attract all sorts of shady characters! On this tour we'll search for that century-old slum romance.

We'll explore the origins of the quirky neighborhood names and the fights between local guys' crews that were a part of slum life. Of course, we will also seek out the area's most iconic objects, such as the Wismari Hospital and sobering-up station, the school building from "Wikman Boys", and the mysterious radio signal jamming station. We'll also pass by the America tavern building, which gave its name to both the neighborhood and its streets, and the Railway Technical School, whose exterior you can still admire for its original Baltic Station building's beauty. However, we'll also encounter some more vulgar things: Tallinn's medieval breaking wheel site and Tallinn's oldest operating sex shop.

Please note that on this tour, we also pass by the Estonian Internal Security Service building - don't tell your secrets too loudly here!

Every Estonian is familiar with Kalamaja and Kopli, but nestled between them is the subdistrict of Karjamaa, which many aren't even aware of. There's a reason for this, as it has historically been a partially military area. This is where the grandiose Peter the Great's Naval Fortress began to rise during the Tsarist era, and its barracks were later turned into Estonia's own military factory, Arsenal. We'll investigate how much of this mega-project was completed, what was left unbuilt, and how much remains today. The neighborhood of Sitsi is also on the edge of Karjamaa. This is where the Baltic Manufactory was built, which could be considered Kopli's oldest major industrial site. During the Tsarist era, the factory's female workers were mockingly called the Sitsi sl*ts. Why? Find out on the tour! In passing, we'll also talk about the highly controversial needle exchange point in Põhja-Tallinn, which is located in this very neighborhood!

The Astangu tour is one of our more special ones, taking you to underground ammunition caves that are closed to the general public. We explore a former Soviet military base, take a look at abandoned structures and talk about Peter the Great's Naval Fortress. Tour stops include the ruins of Mäepealse village, crossing Tallinn's only rapids and enjoying the untouched wilderness. We share incredible stories of criminal activity in the Astangu forest you won't hear anywhere else. If you think you know everything about Astangu based on ChatGPT, military history pages and urban legends - think again, because you haven't been to Matkafy's Astangu tour yet!

The Paljassaare peninsula is just 5 km from Tallinn's Old Town, but few have explored it. On this tour we'll discover Paljassaare's rich military heritage, enjoy beautiful sea views, and learn about the area's history and development. We'll find out that just a hundred years ago, these were actual islands that were joined with the mainland through human effort. We'll also discover why and when Tsar Nicholas II visited Paljassaare!

Perhaps there is no place with more stories circulating about it than a psychiatric hospital. On the Seewald tour we'll go and find out how a beautiful former summer manor became a medical facility. We'll take a look at the historical buildings of Seewald and talk about what happens in these dignified houses now and what happened in the past. Since it's no secret that the hospital has been considering moving for a long time, we'll also discuss the future prospects of this breathtakingly exciting place. In the last part of the tour you'll get a popular science overview of psychiatry and treatment methods and find out what Seewald actually deals with, both in the present and in the past.

Murru prison is an environment that is both mysterious and exciting as well as scary and thought-provoking. We hope that no one ever has to end up behind bars themselves, but we do hope you join us for an absolutely thrilling experience in the former prison complex! The Murru prison tour is very special in the Matkafy series because we spend a significant amount of time exploring the interiors of the former correctional facility. We will talk about the prison life of the past and the events that took place there. But not just that - we'll also briefly cover the history of the entire Rummu settlement and its state today. The Murru prison tour is a real treat for those who want to experience apocalyptic views, get acquainted with former prison life, and feel the magic of abandoned buildings!

Who wouldn’t know the stunning Kadriorg Palace and rose garden?! Good, we’ll leave them behind this time and explore the hidden corners that seem entirely out of place in Kadriorg. We’ll find out whether Kadriorg has a darker side and discuss the rise, fall and new coming of the district. Learn about 19th century summer holidays and how the holidaymakers actually spent their time in the summer. Truth be told, we will also take a short look at the mandatory sights of Kadriorg and finally solve the mystery that has locals scratching their head – why is there a dead-end tramway on Poska street that is never in use?

The Kalamaja district has now developed into a diverse living environment, but things haven’t always been so rosy. On this tour, we’ll explore the development of this region and conditions through the ages. We’ll hear blood-curdling and sometimes appalling stories originating from Kalamaja. Have you heard of the savage murder at the butcher shop of Kalamaja? Or the man who managed to hang himself twice? But where did the production of the famous Tallinn Sprats begin? Have you been to the spots where Andrei Tarkovski’s famous “Stalker” movie was filmed? All of this and more will be explored on the Kalamaja tour!

On this tour of Vaksali and the city centre, we'll explore several landmark places in this historical area. One of the most notorious is the building known as the "gray house", which housed the former NKVD pre-trial detention centre. We'll recount the memories and horrors of former Forest Brothers and other political prisoners, as well as the interrogation methods used by the NKVD in this building, where the main result was "25 + 5" (a sentence of 25 years in a labor camp plus 5 years in exile). Since Tartu was the cradle of our national awakening, we'll also take a quick journey back to that period and see where a modern-day Khrushchev-era apartment building now stands on the site of Koidula and Jannsen's home. By the way, Nikita Khrushchev also personally visited Tartu, and there are some funny stories about that - we'll hear them on the tour. We'll talk about student organisations, the Vanemuine Theater, and the building on the same street where the most important document in Estonian history was signed - the Treaty of Tartu. We will discuss the events of that time, the victory of our War of Independence, and the background behind it.

Perhaps there is no place with more stories circulating about it than a psychiatric hospital. On the Seewald tour we'll go and find out how a beautiful former summer manor became a medical facility. We'll take a look at the historical buildings of Seewald and talk about what happens in these dignified houses now and what happened in the past. Since it's no secret that the hospital has been considering moving for a long time, we'll also discuss the future prospects of this breathtakingly exciting place. In the last part of the tour you'll get a popular science overview of psychiatry and treatment methods and find out what Seewald actually deals with, both in the present and in the past.

How does a glass of sparkling Eau de Vosy mineral water in the drinkhalle of an imperial resort sound? Exquisite, right? But would you take a sip of seawater from the murky Haapsalu Bay? No thanks! Was Haapsalu really as sophisticated as they say or was this actually Estonia’s first big marketing ploy? Let’s investigate! We’ll become snobby summer residents who explore different eras of the resort lifestyle and find out just how many emperors actually holidayed in Haapsalu, where they stayed and how they spent their time here! More than that, we’ll peek back into the distant Middle Ages and discuss the mysterious Bisphoric of Ösel-Wiek. Did you know that Haapsalu was built as the capital of this bishopric on essentially empty land? This tour is a fun journey into the history of an Estonian small town with both its moments of glory and its low points!

It's difficult to find a place in Estonia with a richer military past than Paldiski. The famous Pentagon of submariners, the nuclear reactor, the missile base - this is just the tip of the iceberg for a Soviet-era closed military town. All of this is discussed on this tour, and what's even more exciting, we will do it through the memories of the men who served on nuclear submarines! But did you know that even Peter the Great had big plans for Paldiski, that an attempt was made to build a breakwater between the peninsula and the Pakri Islands, and that free apartments have been handed out in the city even in modern times? Paldiski also has a milder side, though. There were times when the town was known as a summer resort, not to mention that famous cultural figures have lived and worked there. Naturally, we will touch on these topics as well!

We all know there's a convent in Pirita, but what is life like there? Who are the people today who have chosen the life of a nun, and why have they done so? All will be explored on the Pirita tour! In addition, we will walk through the beautiful old valley of Pirita, enjoy the beautiful views of the river bends, and listen to fascinating stories about Pirita's past. Pirita also has a darker side - we'll talk about the immense underground city of the Soviet army and recall the NKVD's acts of terror at the Scheeli manor!

Oh, the wonderful Noblessner district - we all know it! But do you also know that it was originally a submarine factory? Okay, but what about the once great electrical industry of Volta and Kalamaja's last functioning large-scale factory, Tallinn's Machine factory, located right next door? It is the stories of these three factories that are the focus of this tour. But not only that, we also look around the far side of Kalamaja and search for the last undeveloped corners of this settlement. PS! In our stories, in addition to well-known history, we also rely on original material - the memories of long-term employees!

Lasnamäe, March 2025 – the police knock on the door of a noisy party apartment. Upon seeing the police, a young man in a festive mood rushes to the window and jumps from the 8th floor… in his drunken state, he forgot he wasn’t at home, where he actually lives on the first floor! Lasnamäe is the largest district of Tallinn and a pleasant place to live. Unfortunately, it is also a place where the Pae bomber operated, where a beautiful body of water is popularly known as the “corpse pond,” and where there isn’t a building from whose window someone hasn’t fallen. This time, we will take a look at the darker side of Lasnamäe and discuss why its thickets are filled with syringes and why some of Tallinn’s most notorious murders have taken place in its wastelands. We will talk about youth gangs of the 1990s, drug addiction, bomb explosions, and explore a few shady spots that even today you might not dare to visit alone!

Murru prison is an environment that is both mysterious and exciting as well as scary and thought-provoking. We hope that no one ever has to end up behind bars themselves, but we do hope you join us for an absolutely thrilling experience in the former prison complex! The Murru prison tour is very special in the Matkafy series because we spend a significant amount of time exploring the interiors of the former correctional facility. We will talk about the prison life of the past and the events that took place there. But not just that - we'll also briefly cover the history of the entire Rummu settlement and its state today. The Murru prison tour is a real treat for those who want to experience apocalyptic views, get acquainted with former prison life, and feel the magic of abandoned buildings!

We all know Glehn Castle and the fact that Nikolai von Glehn founded Nõmme, so we can skip those and focus instead on the magnificent villas and the rapid developments in the early times of the Estonian Republic. Admittedly, Nõmme transformed from a small resort village to an elite garden suburb precisely thanks to the continuous development work and thoughtful planning of the time. On this tour we visit the southern areas of Nõmme to admire that former glory. Even more excitingly, we'll talk about daily life during different periods through locals' memories, and observe some of the ambitious plans of the past. Not everything came to fruition, but we'll also explore the places where Nõmme's airfield was supposed to be, a new central square with a town hall, and - believe it or not - a hydroelectric power station!

Many have been to Ülemiste City and some people still remember the highly secretive Dvigatel factory that was located there during the Soviet era. On this tour we'll explore the former factory based on the memories of former workers. Using unique original material, we will shine light on the more curious aspects of life in the factory and the attitudes that prevailed amongst the workers. We will find out what was made and where. The hike is a real treat for all industrial history enthusiasts as well as people currently working or studying in Ülemiste City!

Did you know that during the Soviet era, the "Athens of Emajõgi" was a town closed to foreigners? Why was that, and why is Tartu even called the "Athens of Emajõgi" in the first place? Find out on the tour! In reality we will not only delve into recent history on the Tartu tour, but also cover the story of Tartu's formation and development over 1,000 years. We'll learn why this city has been such an important and desired location for authorities and foreign conquerors. We will explore how much medieval architecture has been preserved in Tartu and imagine what the city would look like today if it hadn't been bombed or burnt down numerous times over the centuries. We'll walk along the medieval city wall and learn about the most important and magnificent objects built during the Tsarist era. To not get too academic, we'll also peek into student life over four centuries. Who knows, maybe we'll even have a laugh!

This tour is about one of the darkest chapters of Estonian history - the concentration camp in Klooga and its bloody end. We’ll get an overview of the Third Reich’s camp system and the horrors of daily life in them. To not get too morbid, we’ll also talk about Klooga’s nicer sides - the stunning pine forest, the garden suburb, and the present day of the area. Some humorous stories from the Soviet era are also included, of course. Admittedly, the Klooga tour is one of the more controversial topics in Matkafy’s line-up and isn’t suitable for young children. It’s worth remembering that we must not let the past fade into oblivion - only then can we ensure that these atrocities never happen again.

Tallinn's Old Town is undoubtedly Estonia's largest tourist attraction and a place that locals have visited hundreds of times. However, on this tour we will focus not only on the well-known sights, but the lesser-known surroundings of the Old Town as well. Take a look at this familiar place through new eyes as we explore the hidden details of Tallinn’s medieval centre: from the old city walls to evidence of original settlements and the green belt that surrounds the Old Town. Don't worry, the famous sights are on the route as well. For tours in December we also visit Tallinn's Christmas Market and admire the wondrous and festive Old Town.

Did you know that during the Soviet era, the "Athens of Emajõgi" was a town closed to foreigners? Why was that, and why is Tartu even called the "Athens of Emajõgi" in the first place? Find out on the tour! In reality we will not only delve into recent history on the Tartu tour, but also cover the story of Tartu's formation and development over 1,000 years. We'll learn why this city has been such an important and desired location for authorities and foreign conquerors. We will explore how much medieval architecture has been preserved in Tartu and imagine what the city would look like today if it hadn't been bombed or burnt down numerous times over the centuries. We'll walk along the medieval city wall and learn about the most important and magnificent objects built during the Tsarist era. To not get too academic, we'll also peek into student life over four centuries. Who knows, maybe we'll even have a laugh!

Tallinn's Old Town is undoubtedly Estonia's largest tourist attraction and a place that locals have visited hundreds of times. However, on this tour we will focus not only on the well-known sights, but the lesser-known surroundings of the Old Town as well. Take a look at this familiar place through new eyes as we explore the hidden details of Tallinn’s medieval centre: from the old city walls to evidence of original settlements and the green belt that surrounds the Old Town. Don't worry, the famous sights are on the route as well. For tours in December we also visit Tallinn's Christmas Market and admire the wondrous and festive Old Town.

The Astangu tour is one of our more special ones, taking you to underground ammunition caves that are closed to the general public. We explore a former Soviet military base, take a look at abandoned structures and talk about Peter the Great's Naval Fortress. Tour stops include the ruins of Mäepealse village, crossing Tallinn's only rapids and enjoying the untouched wilderness. We share incredible stories of criminal activity in the Astangu forest you won't hear anywhere else. If you think you know everything about Astangu based on ChatGPT, military history pages and urban legends - think again, because you haven't been to Matkafy's Astangu tour yet!

Perhaps there is no place with more stories circulating about it than a psychiatric hospital. On the Seewald tour we'll go and find out how a beautiful former summer manor became a medical facility. We'll take a look at the historical buildings of Seewald and talk about what happens in these dignified houses now and what happened in the past. Since it's no secret that the hospital has been considering moving for a long time, we'll also discuss the future prospects of this breathtakingly exciting place. In the last part of the tour you'll get a popular science overview of psychiatry and treatment methods and find out what Seewald actually deals with, both in the present and in the past.

It's no secret that Kopli in the 90s was a crime-ridden place. On this tour, we will leave the history of Põhja-Tallinn for another time and dive straight into true crime stories instead. We'll wander around the crime scenes, tell stories of the incidents that took place and explore the general conditions of the times that caused this criminal atmosphere. Obviously, none of us would want to be in the midst of these terrifying events, but from a modern perspective these stories are fascinating, strange and frightening. Some can even be somewhat humorous when viewed from a distance. The stories of our crime tour are based on the memories of a former patrol police officer, who was often the first to arrive at the scene and record the incident.

To quote a piece of classic Estonian literature, "Sometimes Vestmann is on the bottom and Piibeleht on top, and sometimes it's the other way around." The same could be said for Viimsi and Merivälja. In pre-war Estonia, Viimsi was a poorer area that people moved away from, while Merivälja was a budding garden suburb. Viimsi's triumph began during the Soviet era. This is when the former poor fishing village became a model collective farm, where everyone dreamed of working but only the best were accepted. One could even argue that while the rest of the Soviet Union was dreaming of communism, it was already achieved in Viimsi. On this tour we'll explore what was behind this rare Soviet miracle. We will also look at Viimsi's military history, visit Viimsi Manor, and talk about the mysterious system of tunnels that the Soviet army, with the help of St. Petersburg subway builders, built under Viimsi. And, of course, we cannot avoid talking about the famous Merivälja UFO!