Kadriorg Park

Overview

Kadriorg Park is Tallinn's grandest and most elegant green space, a formal Baroque garden laid out by Peter the Great in 1718. The 70-hectare park combines manicured gardens, sculpture-lined promenades, and natural forest into a peaceful retreat just 2 km east of the Old Town.

Highlights

• Swan Pond & Flower Garden: The centrepiece of the formal gardens with seasonal floral displays and resident swans.
• Japanese Garden: A tranquil, recently created garden with authentically designed stone paths and water features.
• Presidential Palace: The elegant pink building surrounded by immaculate rose gardens.

History

Designed by the Italian architect Niccolò Michetti, the park was created between 1718 and 1725 as the grounds for Kadriorg Palace. 'Kadriorg' is the Estonian adaptation of 'Catherinethal' — Catherine's Valley — named in honour of Catherine I. The park was expanded and naturalised throughout the 19th and 20th centuries.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: 1–2 hours for a leisurely stroll.
• Museums: The park contains three museums — Kumu, Kadriorg Art Museum, and the Mikkel Museum.
• Best time: Spring tulip season and autumn foliage are particularly stunning.