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Paldiski
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Harjumaa
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Kaupo Kallas
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6017
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4,224
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2004
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702
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59°21' N 24°03' E
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59_21_N_24_03_E_
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is a
Town and
Baltic Sea Port situated on the Pakri peninsula of north-western
Estonia . Originally a
Swedish settlement known as ''Rågervik'', it became a
Russia n naval base in the
18th Century . The Russians renamed it ''Балтийский Порт'' – Baltiyskiy Port (i.e., Baltic Port) – in
1762 , and the Estonian pronunciation, ''Paldiski'', became the official name in 1933.
In 1962, Paldiski became a
Soviet Navy Nuclear Submarine training centre. With two land-based
Nuclear Reactor s, and employing some 16,000 people, it was the largest such facility in the
Soviet Union . Because of its importance, the whole city was
Closed Off with barbed wire until the last Russian warship left in
August 1994 . Russia finally relinquished control of the nuclear reactor facilities in
September 1995 .
.]]
After Estonia restored its independence, the city had not enough Estonian citizens and Paldiski was subordinated to
Keila until
30 October 1996 . Located some 45 km west of
Tallinn , Paldiski is a
Municipality within
Harju County and has a regular
Ferry connection with
Kapellskär in
Sweden (operated by
Tallink ). Derelict Soviet-style apartment buildings make up much of the town, and the relics of military occupation are widespread. For those interested in such things, it is easily accessible from Tallinn, and provides a grim and atmospheric feel, befitting its post-Soviet status.
Today the town has only 4,000 inhabitants and amenities are limited to two supermarkets, a small modern hotel (Hotel Valge Laev, with six guest bedrooms), and a small pub. Although there are no cafes or restaurants in the town, the hotel restaurant and bar are open to non-residents
See here for details. .
A great deal of investment has been put into the port facilities with a number of new berths having been created. Transfennica run a number of ships into the port from
Hanko (Finland) and
Lübeck (Germany).
Paldiski has a terminus station on the
Elektriraudtee rail line, providing a convenient link to the capital city. As part of the town's redevelopment this once near-derelict station has been overhauled and painted in bright yellow and white colours.
There is one church, dedicated to St Nicholas, and part of the
Estonian Evangelical Lutheran Church . Although closed for some years, this church has now reopened, with services held every Sunday lunchtime.
Service and contact details from the Estonian Lutheran Church's national website.
- The 2002 film Lilya 4-ever , set in an un-named 'former republic of the Soviet Union', was filmed in Paldiski.
