The quiet former fishermen’s district of Kalamaja is today one of Tallinn’s last remaining areas with a hodgepodge of old wooden houses and old-fashioned industrial complexes. The neighbourhood has recently seen a trendy revival, similar to what happened in the Soho districts of New York and London, even though on a smaller scale. Kalamaja has developed a bohemian atmosphere and become a popular residential area and meeting place for hipsters, trendsetters, artists and young creative people of Tallinn, the capital of Estonia.
Today Kalamaja houses trendy boutiques, flea markets, plenty of excellent restaurants, eateries, pubs and the newest coffee shops of Tallinn, mostly frequented by locals. The surroundings in Kalamaja are still a bit rundown with plenty of abandoned houses and factories, however, the district is on the rise more than ever and as a consequence real estate prices have gone tremendously high over the last few years.
Kalamaja – literally meaning “Fish House” in Estonian – served throughout most of Tallinn’s history as the town’s main fishing harbour, and was home to fishermen, sailors, dock workers and shipbuilders. Everything changed in 1870 when Tallinn was connected to St. Petersburg by railroad. Suddenly enormous factories started to grow in this part of town, bringing with them an influx of thousands of new workers. There are, in fact, still quite a few industrial complexes and sea-oriented businesses operating in Kalamaja area due to the proximity of the harbours and rail-lines that border the district.
Located northeast between the scenic coast and Tallinn Old Town, the fairly tourist-free area of Kalamaja is just a 30 minute walk away from the city centre. If you do not feel like walking you can also take trams number 1 and 2 heading towards Kopli and get off at Balti Jaam or Telliskivi.
The old and simple wooden houses originally built to accommodate working class have now become Kalamaja’s architectural legacy and give the neighbourhood its unforgettable charm. The most architecturally unique of these houses are called ‘Tallinn Houses’. Built in the 1920s and 1930s, these two to three-storey residential houses are made of two symmetrical wooden wings separated by a central stone staircase. Today there are about 500 of these houses in the city. The most beautiful and colourful houses can be found along the street of Salme.
Just walking around in Kalamaja soaking up the history and charm is an experience itself. Besides being home to some architectural and often neglected delights, Kalamaja accommodates some very interesting sights such as the fascinating Patarei Prison and Sea Fortress, Kalamaja Cemetery Park and the Estonian Maritime Museum of Sea Plane Harbour, just to name a few. Many of these places of interest are found along the Culture Kilometre that runs along the coast between Kalamaja and the passenger harbour. You can even try to shop like a Soviet in the old times at Balti Jaam Market, where you can find anything and everything you can possibly imagine.
Another good way to experience the bohemian phenomenon of Kalamaja is to visit Telliskivi Creative City (Telliskivi Loomelinnak), just around the corner from Balti Jaam Market. It is the heart and soul of Kalamaja, a revamped complex of 11 old industrial buildings, that has become a magnet for all kinds of creative initiatives and activities. Telliskivi Creative City is a popular hangout with off-beat restaurants, pubs, art expos, trendy boutiques, antique shops, alternative theatre, clubs and so much more. This is a must-visit place in Kalamaja!
Did you like this blog post? Read more about Tallinn:
Medieval Tallinn Old Town in Winter
10 Things to See and Do in Tallinn’s Hipster District of Kalamaja
Tallinn Culture Kilometer – A Fascinating Walk Trough Rough Times
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22/11/2015 at 23:13
I loved that little neighborhood – great post!
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22/11/2015 at 23:28
Thank you! Kalamaja is a very charming little neighbourhod indeed. If you ever go to Tallinn, this the district to visit!
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24/11/2015 at 02:52
I was there last January and loved it! 🙂
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15/11/2015 at 00:50
Thanks for introducing me to the ‘Soho’ of Tallinn, I had never heard about this area of Tallinn before.
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15/11/2015 at 11:35
You are welcome. I am happy to hear that I was able to bring up new things! This area of Tallinn is a great place to explore the past, present and future as it is a fascinating combination old and new.
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14/11/2015 at 19:15
Nice tour. Thank you.
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13/11/2015 at 23:16
Thanks for taking me along! Just my cup of tea..
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14/11/2015 at 10:59
You are welcome! If you ever have the chance to visit Tallinn, this district is a must-visit.
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