Adult birthday events

Linnahall – a gigantic concrete colossus by the sea. But what lies beneath and behind its massive concrete shell? On the Laternamatkad tour of Linnahall, we walk across and around the building, discovering stories of its creation and fate - stories filled with intrigue… and then we do something rare: we go inside and explore the halls where crowds have gathered, important decisions have been made, and world-famous stars have performed. We visit the rooms where performers collected their thoughts before great moments, peek into backstage preparation areas, and sense the tension and anticipation preserved within Linnahall’s walls. At the end of the tour, we step onto the stage ourselves - like stars - onto the very spot where applause has thundered and history has been made.

This is a meeting with Linnahall’s hidden story - its memories and unanswered questions. Did you know that Linnahall once housed the largest wall tapestry in the world? Which stars have performed on its stage, and what curious backstage stories have taken place there? Why did world-renowned film director Christopher Nolan become fascinated with Linnahall and choose Tallinn as one of the filming locations for his blockbuster Tenet? If you want to see Linnahall as most people never have - join the guided Laternamatkad tour and bring a friend!

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!

Celebrate Women’s Day with a special Lantern Walk Dinner in the enchanting Old Town of Tallinn. We will stroll by lantern light through medieval streets, where tall stone houses and ancient walls tell stories of Hanseatic glory and everyday life. Along the way, we will explore what life was like in the Middle Ages: how trade was conducted in the market square, how guilds operated, and what role women played within these historic walls. In honor of Women’s Day, we will focus especially on the women who have shaped life in the Old Town through the centuries. How did women live in medieval times? What rights and opportunities did they have? Have you seen the oldest known depiction of a woman in Tallinn? Who are the women whose quiet yet powerful contributions have left their mark on the city’s history?

The evening culminates in a romantic three-course dinner at the legendary Peppersack, where candlelight and a historic atmosphere create the perfect festive mood.

Starter: Chicken liver pâté with onion-lingonberry jam, black bread, fresh salad, and blueberry-balsamic dressing. Main course: Smoked pork neck with pearl barley, marinated cucumber salad, and mustard cream sauce. Dessert: Panna cotta with sea buckthorn sauce and kama crumble. Also included: coffee, tea, water, a homemade bread roll with flavored butter, and one alcoholic drink of your choice (house wine, beer, or cider).

Please note that a vegan dinner option is available, and the meat can be replaced with fish upon request - kindly inform us at the time of ticket purchase. For private tours, we offer a special group package. Please note that the standard excursion price list does not apply, as catering costs are added to the total price.

Do talking parrots actually understand the words they say? Why are parrots so incredibly colorful? And can a parrot recognize its owner? We invite you to a completely different Matkafy experience – an exciting experiential journey into the world of exotic parrots together with a bird expert. The event takes place in Parrot Paradise, a contact-style bird park in Tallinn where visitors enter a room inhabited by nearly 300 colorful exotic birds. This is not just a place to take photos among birds – it is a rare opportunity to step into the fascinating world of birds. Guided by a bird enthusiast with a master’s degree, we will explore parrot behavior, their intelligence, and communication skills. We will talk about the parrots living there as well as some of the most interesting bird species found in Estonia and the unique features of the bird world in general. Did you know that birds are the closest living descendants of dinosaurs? Or that the ostrich is not actually the largest bird in history? The moa, which once lived in New Zealand and went extinct around the 1400s, could grow up to 3.5 meters tall!

This is a unique experience that combines fascinating knowledge with the chance to meet hundreds of exotic birds up close.

Please note that this is a contact zoo, and the birds may fly onto visitors’ shoulders or land on their hands. Please dress accordingly and keep in mind that parrots’ claws may catch on clothing. Protective capes are available for purchase on site for an additional fee. The excursion takes place indoors, so outdoor clothing should be left in the cloakroom. Parrots are also very curious and may try to nibble on earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and glasses. Please remove such items before the excursion and keep them safely in your pocket.

For 800 years, Toompea has been the stronghold of state power in Estonia. During this time, many decisions that have shaped the lives of Estonians have been made there, but so have some shady, mysterious, and terrible things. We will talk about different ruling powers, life in the castle courtyard, executions, escapes from the Toompea prison, and the most famous swindlers and prisoners. We will look at Toompea's buildings, which are Estonia's most expensive real estate, and discuss ghosts and legends, as well as the most important historical events. Have you heard about the great fire of 1684 or the idea of a large tunnel in Toompea? Or about the elite store where you could buy good foreign cognac and designer shoes during the Soviet era, when they weren't publicly available?

Please note that the Toompea tour route includes the Mayeri and Patkuli stairs, which do require some physical exertion to climb.

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.

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 wasn't too long ago that some parts of Kopli were a regular feature on police broadcasts. Endless fires, drug problems, prostitution and daily violence made it an area where honest people did not venture. In reality, it's no longer even close to being an area that should be avoided or feared. New developments have been completed on the infamous Kopli lines, and new, progressive people have settled in. However, alongside the new developments, there are still a few alleyways where the atmosphere harks back to previous decades and which you might not want to wander into alone in the dark. Hurry, Kopli is on the verge of big changes! It's no longer what it was five years ago, and soon it won't be what it is today. It's the last chance to explore the Kopli of yesteryear, where tsarist-era gems stand alongside sad-looking shacks of questionable appearance.

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!

Telliskivi may be the creative and party centre of modern Tallinn, but what was daily life like before the Creative City? Based on the exclusive memories of former employees, we will investigate building by building what was produced or made in the spaces of today's galleries, cafes and commercial premises, when it was still a large scientific hub. But that’s not all! We will also explore the historical coastline, visiting Kalarand, Kalamaja and Köismäe as well as the land taken from the sea. Did you know where the leadership of the defence forces would have taken refuge if Estonia had resisted the Soviet Union in World War II, or what exactly was done on the site of the extremely noble Kalaranna quarter? We will explore all this and more on the Kalamaja tour.

There’s always a reason to celebrate, doesn’t matter if it’s the Middle Ages or today! Alongside Christmas, one of the more important celebrations in medieval Tallinn was Pentecost, a summer celebration with the choosing of the May Count. We’ll be no different when we celebrate summer’s victory over the winter and head to Tallinn Old Town to choose our own May Count! On this tour we’ll take a peek into the brighter side of medieval city life, talk about holidays and how they were celebrated. And we won’t just talk, we’ll have a taste - the tour ends with a medieval style feast in Maikrahv restaurant right on the Town Hall Square. 

The excursion starts at Väike Rannavärav (Uus Street 37), where there is convenient parking available for those who need it. The hike lasts about 1.5 hours, during which we’ll cover approximately 3–4 km. At the end of the walk, we’ll enjoy a medieval-style dinner at Maikrahv!

The tour price includes a shared medieval dinner with non-alcoholic beverages. 

For appetizers, we’ll be served roast beef and mango salad, salmon rolls with herb cottage cheese filling, fresh salads, tomatoes, cucumbers, olives and pearl onions. For the main course we’ll be treated to a royal ham hock, grilled chicken in red wine sauce a la Alderman, roasted potatoes with herbs and a vegetable stew. And for dessert, a crème brûlée with berry sauce and cinnamon syrup-stewed pear.

Please note that meals are not included in the price of a private excursion. Catering must be arranged separately with the Maikrahv restaurant.

There is nothing more exciting than underground bunkers and caves. We have several tours in the Matkafy series where we explore them, but Laagri is undoubtedly the crown jewel. Did you know that there's about 5 km of tunnels in Laagri today, many of which can still be walked through? Moreover, in the 1970s, a multi-story underground air control center was built there, which was targeted by American nuclear weapons! On top of that, we will also walk along a village street with ancient roots, talk about village gossip from the 1930s and look for the prison camp that gave the settlement its name! To top it all off, during this tour we will share stories of life at a secret Soviet military facility based on the memories of the men who served in the control center.

NB! The Laagri tour route is different in summer and winter. In summer, we will walk more than a km of the route underground and we will also visit the old underground control center that still exists today. We cannot go underground from 1.09 to 30.04. Bats hibernate here and they must not be disturbed, so the tunnels are closed. Instead, we will be able to inspect the entire above-ground part of the former military base.

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!

Please note! For private tours of Murru prison, a fee of 6€+VAT is applied to the price of the private tour itself for each real visitor. This is an entrance ticket to a paid area.

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!

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!

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!

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.

When people say "Maardu", they usually mean Kallavere. Maardu is actually a large town with several districts. The best known of these is the large panel-block district of Kallavere, which is like a museum cross-section of Soviet architecture. Unfortunately, in the 90s, Kallavere also acquired a criminal reputation, which is why it has been nicknamed the murder capital of Estonia by the public. On this tour we'll talk about the area's dark past, but also its much brighter present. We'll look at Soviet architecture through the decades and visit one of Estonia's largest dacha regions. We'll also make a detour to the picturesque, heritage-rich Rootsi-Kallavere village and, of course, briefly talk about phosphorite!

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.

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.

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!

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.

Estonians haven't easily accepted minority populations in their country. The Estonian Swedes, however, are an exception. We always speak well of them and feel regret that the centuries-old population faded in the turmoil of World War II. Who knows, if we could, we would even make room for them once more. But who were the Estonian Swedes? Why do we hold them in such high regard? Where did they come from and what kind of life did they live? All of it is explored on this tour. Naturally, we’re visiting the Estonian Swedes’ native settlements - the villages of Spithami and Dirhami. The region has breathtakingly beautiful pine forests and seemingly boundless sandy beaches. This is a wonderful nature and history tour with fascinating topics.

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!

Have you ever seen massive cargo ships or tankers up close? This time, we’re offering a rare opportunity to step behind the scenes of shipbuilding together with a marine engineer! We will visit the restricted area of Paljassaare Port in Hundipea, which is normally closed to the public and where active ship repair is still taking place. You’ll have the chance to see large vessels up close - and even more exciting, hear about ships and maritime engineering from a professional who earned a degree in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering from Helsinki University of Technology and has been working in the shipbuilding industry for over 20 years. P.S. In addition to what we see on site, we will also discuss the MS Estonia from an engineer’s perspective. Of course, we won’t focus only on serious topics - you’ll also hear humorous stories and incidents that have taken place in shipyards over the years. But that’s not all. We will briefly explore the history of the Hundipea area, the former Production Association Ookean, and the future development of the region.

Please note: To participate in the excursion, you must bring a valid ID card, as we will be entering a customs-controlled zone.

It is said that in every legend there’s a grain of truth, and so is the case with stories of Kalevipoeg. The Iru hillfort also plays a role in our national epic - but what is it? Find out on the tour! Iru with its notable hillfort is really a fantastic place to talk about Viking-age Estonia. Who were our ancestors? What kind of life and beliefs did they have? Out of all Matkafy tours, this route takes you through the earliest and most thrilling historical era. Based on the latest historical research, we take an intriguing journey back in time. And that’s not all! Other interesting stops on the way include the positions of the much-discussed Peter the Great’s naval fortress, apocalyptic old gardening lands, a massive power station, notorious Tupsi farm, historical Väo manor and Konstantin Päts’ great farm.

“Sompsikad” on one side, “jürikad” on the other, and in the middle an oak stand where the youth come to quarrel! This sums up life in Soviet-era Jüri - or rather, Sommerling. In reality, modern-day Jüri is made up of the old villages of Lehmja, Karla and Vaskjala, and has been inhabited for at least 1500 years. Moreso, Vaskjala, with 27 oxgangs, was the largest village in the Danish Census Book and thus a true metropolis in the end of the ancient times. The Jüri tour is a journey through the history of Estonia. We’ll find out what made this region so special in the ancient times and how particular locations became manors, manor lands became prosperous owners’ farms, farms became a sovkhoz and the sovkhoz became a modern borough integrating with the city. We’ll discuss the life and conditions throughout different eras and, of course, tell some memorable anecdotes from the time of the sovkhoz.

It’s likely you’ve heard of the Finnish prohibition laws of the 1920s and the so-called spirit kings who appeared as a result. Resourceful men could become wealthy in a time of poverty, although, of course, through illegal and dangerous activity. There’s no better place to explore this thrilling era than Kaberneeme - the epicenter of these events! Did you know that the same seaway used to smuggle spirits would only a decade later become the lifeline of fellow countrymen fleeing from occupation? We’ll also touch on boat refugees and their fate on the other side of the bay. Additionally, the sandy Kaberneeme beach offers a beautiful view of the small islands of Kolga Bay, which seem to be so near, yet just out of reach. They were inhabited for centuries, but not anymore - why so?

Kadriorg is a gorgeous area where the rich history is accompanied by soul-soothing natural diversity. This time we’ll leave Peter the Great and Konstantin Päts to admire their work from the heavens and set our sights on the most powerful force of all - nature. We’ll find Tallinn’s thickest tree and the once-beautiful rapids of Hundikuristik, as well as observe different types of parks and the trees growing there. We’ll discuss the various birds and animals who inhabit these parks - and don’t forget that Kadriorg is the place where Tallinn Zoo was originally located.

Taking a stroll through the green, peaceful and picturesque town of Kärdla, it may be hard to believe that the idyllic settlement began as a colony for a major factory. Greedy barons expelled the Estonian Swedes and exploited their own labourers to give the factory its start. But there is another side to this story - the Kärdla Broadcloth Factory (Kalevivabrik) can be considered Estonia’s oldest major industry, signaling the beginning of the industrial revolution on our land and leading the transition from feudalism to the modern era. On this tour we’ll explore the legacy of the former great factory and the formation of the town of Kärdla. Moreso, we’ll take a journey through the history of Hiiumaa island and talk about island life with a good amount of Hiiu humor.

Becoming a captain was the dream job of the coastal crowd for generations, but there is no other place besides Käsmu that can boast a total of 64 captains! What made it possible for this small fishing village to have such success in seafaring? On this tour we won’t stick to just maritime history, but explore Käsmu’s other facets through the memories of locals. What were the relationships between locals and border guards during the Soviet era? How did a closed border zone settlement manage to become a summertime holiday destination for the Soviet elites? Every success story must have some setbacks - does Käsmu have a dark side too? See you in Käsmu - the village with breathtaking nature, diverse history and inspiring people!

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!

There aren’t exactly many Soviet-era collective farms where the land has developed into a modern and successful Estonian municipality. Kiili was historically a border region of Jüri parish with a broadly insignificant village called Veneküla. Regardless, it became the centre of such a successful collective farm that the area was dubbed the “millionaire kolkhoz”! Kiili has undergone an even more incredible development in the last 30 years, turning it into a kind of a museum of urban planning. On this tour we’ll journey through the decades and view this very new urban environment from the perspective that future generations might have. We’ll talk about the developers and the residents of these developments, and discuss which visions have changed over the years and which ones have stayed the same. We’ll analyse the pros and cons of the modern settlement, draw parallels and predict the future! And most importantly, why is Kiili a good place to live? What is the secret of Kiili’s success?

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.

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.

Listening to the stereotypical stories about Lasnamäe, you might get the impression that in one apartment there's a brothel, another one's home to drug addicts, and in another people are even being killed - how can anyone manage to live there?! The reality is something else entirely, and we're going to find out the truth about all this. During the Soviet era, 63% of Lasnamäe's planned volume was completed. We'll give an overview of Soviet city planning principles and talk about what was completed and what was left undone. But of course, we'll also take a peek into earlier times - we'll find the former buildings of Katleri manor and the Lasnamäe airfield. We'll talk about the Estonian Air Force, commercial flights, and aeronautics in Lasnamäe! But that's not all - did you know that there's a meteorite crater in Lasnamäe? Why were there no residents in the Tondiraba subdistrict in 2017, or where Rahu tee, also known as Lasnamäe's second canal, was planned?

Männiku is a place with wonderful landscapes. This is true in both good and bad ways - we can find functioning sand quarries that resemble deserts, but also old mining areas that have turned into picturesque lakes. Beautiful forests have been preserved, in contrast to entirely industrial areas. However, as we hike through these evocative landscapes, different stories also unfold before us: the Romanovs' garden suburb, heavy industry, mining, soldiers, gangsters and criminals, and, to top it all off, the story of the 1936 Männiku explosion. All this and many other topics will be covered on this tour.

Hard to believe, but true - as the famous lyrics by Voldemar Kuslap say, living in Mustamäe was extremely prestigious in the 1960s and 70s. It's also had some time in the spotlight even later. It's not a huge exaggeration to say that in the 90s, the Kadaka market was Tallinn's biggest tourist attraction, at least for Finnish tourists. On this tour, we will travel through the daily life of that era, guided by the memories of the dealers of the Kadaka market. Naturally we'll also take a look at Mustamäe's more distant past, talking about the village of Kadaka, the market gardens, and Mustamäe as a Soviet-era technology hub.

Even during the first Estonian Republic, people would visit the beautiful nature in Neeruti for holidays, and we'll do the same and invite you to see this somewhat forgotten tourist gem. This is a beautiful nature tour where we enjoy stunning views of mirror-like lakes and rolling hills. However, we will also explore the region's folklore. Where does such an odd place name come from? We'll investigate whether the eskers are of natural origin or the result of Kalevipoeg's plowing work, and find out what the oldest import from the Nordic countries was.

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!

It's hard to believe, but older Nõmme residents remember a picturesque peat bog with stunted pines on the edge of Nõmme, where even livestock was kept in some places. Although this idyllic place has been lost forever due to Soviet-era land reclamation and peat extraction, it's still a very interesting area and a prime example of what happens to a bog after human intervention. While it's no longer a bastion of pristine nature, the Pääsküla bog is still the closest and most accessible option for Tallinn residents to immerse themselves in nature. This is a nature and culture tour that provides an overview of the flora and fauna of bogs without leaving the city, as well as the history and lore associated with the Pääsküla area!

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!

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!

People often wonder how Nikolai von Glehn could have founded Nõmme in an empty spot - why aren't there men with such great visions anymore? Or maybe there are; it's almost as if we've failed to notice that in the last twenty years, a town has essentially risen from empty fields next to Tallinn: Peetri! On this tour, we'll travel through Peetri's history with help from of old maps, the memories of long-time residents and the first new settlers, and most excitingly - interviews with the developers. We'll find out where the original farms were located and what happened to them during the land reform. What were the first new developments and the visions of their leaders? By the way, do you know who could be considered the Nikolai von Glehn or the founder of Peetri? Find out on the tour! While new developments may all seem the same, Peetri actually has very different areas side-by-side, which allows us to discuss whether what they've created is the coolest new settlement in Harjumaa or a failed mess - opinions are all over the place. This is a real treat for urban planning enthusiasts as well as all current residents of Peetri and Järveküla!

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!

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.

Almost all Estonians have been to the Open Air Museum, seen the beautiful homesteads, and probably dreamed of relaxing in such an idyllic place on a nice summer day. In reality, the life of our ancestors was anything but rosy. If we're being honest, a person accustomed to today's living standards probably wouldn't last a day in those conditions. As an example, outhouses only started appearing in farmyards in the 1920s - where did people relieve themselves before that? What were the considerations for marriage, what was hygiene like, and how were children raised? These are just some of the topics covered on this tour. But not just that - we'll also venture outside the main exhibits to see what else can be found in Rocca al Mare!

Did you know that you can book tours at the Estonian Open Air Museum with various guides, but many people's favourite Matkafy guide Mihkel also has his own old farm, which makes this topic particularly close to his heart?

Please note that for private tours at the Open Air Museum, a fee of 6€ + VAT per participant is added to the price of the private tour. This is the entrance fee for the ticketed territory.

Behind every countryside shop a club of wise people is said to be gathering, sipping beer from plastic bottles and telling unfiltered stories about local life. Although Saku is no longer a rural area, this behind-the-shop life has not completely faded yet. We'll find out what these wise men say in today's Saku and more importantly, whether the professionals still prefer Saku or other brands. In reality, there is much more to see and talk about in Saku than just beer. It's a former dual settlement where the Estonian Institute of Agriculture played a role at least as important as the brewery. We will also find out what else they were doing there. The Saku tour is exciting and informative for locals, beer lovers, and history enthusiasts alike and provides a great overview of both the glorious history of the brewery and the development of Saku as a settlement.

Mushrooms are neither plants nor animals, they are a separate group of living organisms! Did you know that the above-ground part of a fungus is just like an apple on an apple tree, except the tree grows underground? This tour is a real treat - we'll go into the forest with a researcher who knows almost everything about the world of mushrooms and can tell you about other parts of nature too! It's true that autumn is the best time for mushrooming, but fascinating fungi can be found all year round. You won't find parasol mushrooms in the winter, but the forest is never empty of mushrooms, whether they are poisonous or edible! On this educational tour you'll hear incredible stories about the fungal kingdom and learn to recognize, notice, and differentiate between different mushrooms.

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!

There is no area where more money circulates and the buildings are more beautiful than in the very centre of the city. This time we'll get acquainted with these stunning buildings and money! We'll stroll past the most important landmarks and bank buildings in the city centre and discuss the scandals they've been a part of. Not only that, we'll also explore the city centre itself and the development of its neighborhoods, as well as money and the city's development in a broader sense. We'll also pop into the magnificent Eesti Pank quarter, which was the center for the declaration of statehood. We will find out why Estonia had marks and crowns, and not something more original like the Latvians' lats or the Lithuanians' litas.

Much like a large part of our coastline, Suurupi was a closed border zone during the Soviet era. Despite its many points of interest, it has received unreasonably little attention during Estonia's time as a free republic. Lighthouses, a siren station, military memorials with catacombs, a former pioneer camp, nostalgic gardening cooperatives, and magnificent modern villas - all of these could serve as keywords for Suurupi. This is a diverse tour where we'll go underground, to the seaside, into a beautiful forest, and into not-so-beautiful ruins. Suurupi is a real treat in its diversity!

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!

There aren’t many places in Estonia where an actual coup attempt has taken place - but Tondi is one of them! Tondi also boasts Estonia’s grandest Tsarist-era military complex, old summer manors, former factories, and the last hidden corners of Kristiine. Although the Tondi walk has been part of Matkafy’s guided tour series for years, starting from autumn 2025 it comes with an exclusive twist - the memoirs of the former deputy director of the Pöögelmann factory! By the way, the Pöögelmann factory was located along Pärnu Road and operated directly under Moscow’s authority - it was an electronics plant that mainly produced military technology, such as heat sensors used to guide missiles to their targets! Through the recollections of this former top executive we’ll gain a rare glimpse into life at a Soviet elite factory! Of course, we’ll also track down Kristiine’s oldest houses, talk about urbanization and city development using this district as an example - and even take a peek into the infamous former brothel on Tedre Street!

Looking at maps of Lasnamäe from the Soviet era, you might notice that the construction of Greater Lasnamäe completely skipped over the geographical center of Lasnamäe, Tondiraba. The reason isn't hard to find, as the name Tondiraba itself gives the answer: it was historically a wetland with a thick layer of peat and bog pools and wasn't suitable for construction.

On this tour we'll explore exactly where this bog was located and what happened that now there is a city in its place. We'll also look for traces of bog vegetation in today's landscape. But we'll also venture further, looking at the former area of Lasnamäe Airfield, which has its own exciting story to tell, including its role in the events of the 1924 coup attempt. What's more, did you know that the plans for Lasnamäe also included the construction of a second Lasnamäe canal, which was supposed to be named Rahu tee (Peace Road)? We'll walk along the path of Rahu tee and reflect on the principles of the Greater Lasnamäe plan. By the way, we'll also pop into the former Katleri Manor - yes, Lasnamäe had manors too!

Fortunately, planes don't crash very often. Yet, there is a small village in Estonia where it has happened three times - a true capital of aviation disasters! We'll talk about these accidents on the tour, the Soviet-era Ämari Air Base as their backdrop. However, Turba and Ellamaa also have a renowned past in other ways, as they once supplied a quarter of Estonia with electricity. A place that's been dubbed Estonia's most beautiful industrial settlement, where, in addition to the power plant and the peat industry, we can tell the story of a rural settlement from its origins to the present day - there's no doubt that every village has its own stories and its own heroes. On this tour, we'll observe the peat fields and the peat industry, talk about the curiosities of Estonia's electrification, and walk on the embankment of the former Haapsalu railway, which made all this glory possible. Also, in what way were Stalin and Hitler in a staredown in Turba, long ago in the Soviet times?

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.

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!

Bogs are ancient and mystical places that have been both feared and revered in folk culture. For centuries, people have fled to inaccessible bog islands to escape wars, diseases, and manor serfdom. In more recent times, bogs have been no strangers to the Forest Brothers, but their natural resources have also attracted the peat industry. Today, they are one of the last bastions of pristine nature, captivating and attracting vacationers with their beauty.