St. Olav's Church

Overview

St. Olav's Church is a towering Gothic landmark in the north of Tallinn's Old Town. At 123.7 metres, its steeple was once the tallest structure in the world (1549–1625), functioning as a crucial navigation point for ships entering Tallinn's harbour.

Highlights

• Tower Platform: Climb 232 steps for one of the best 360-degree panoramas of Tallinn — you can see the Old Town, Toompea, the harbour, and the sea.
• Lightning Rod of History: The tall spire was struck by lightning three times, causing devastating fires. The current spire dates from 1840.
• Soviet Antenna: During the Soviet era, the KGB used the spire as a radio surveillance antenna.

History

First mentioned in 1267 and likely named after King Olaf II of Norway, the church was rebuilt several times after fires. Its record-breaking height was a point of civic pride for the Hanseatic merchants who funded its construction, aiming to make Tallinn visible from far out at sea.

Visitor Tips

• Duration: 30–45 minutes including the climb.
• Tower season: The tower is typically open April–October.
• Fitness: The climb is steep with narrow passages — not suitable for those with limited mobility.