Historic Boats

Overview

Nestled within Tallinn's vibrant Seaplane Harbour, also known as Lennusadam, lies a captivating collection of historic boats that serve as tangible links to Estonia's rich maritime past. This sub-spot of the Estonian Maritime Museum offers an unparalleled journey through naval history, inviting visitors to step aboard and explore vessels that once sailed, served, and shaped the nation's destiny. The star attractions include the formidable submarine 'Lembit', the powerful icebreaker 'Suur Tõll', and a fascinating replica of the Short 184 seaplane, alongside other intriguing outdoor exhibits.

History & Cultural Background

The history of these vessels is deeply intertwined with Estonia's turbulent 20th century. The submarine 'Lembit', built in 1936 by Vickers-Armstrongs in Britain, was delivered to the Estonian Navy in 1937, symbolizing the nation's interwar independence and naval defense capabilities. It played a role in secret cooperation pacts with Finland before being incorporated into the Soviet Baltic Fleet after the 1940 occupation, seeing action during World War II. The majestic steam icebreaker 'Suur Tõll' boasts an even longer and more complex past. Launched in 1914 for the Russian Empire, it was originally named 'Tsar Mikhail Fyodorovich'. Through wars and shifting political landscapes, it changed hands and names several times, serving under Finnish and Soviet flags before ultimately returning to Estonia and adopting its current name, derived from a giant hero of Estonian folklore. The Short 184 seaplane, a full-scale replica housed within the Seaplane Harbour, represents a pioneering era of aviation. First flown in 1915, this British biplane was notable as the first aircraft to sink a ship using a torpedo in combat, underscoring its significant impact on naval warfare.

What Makes It Special

The Historic Boats collection at Seaplane Harbour is exceptional due to the authenticity and accessibility of its main exhibits. The 'Lembit' is recognized as the only preserved pre-war military submarine in the Baltic region, offering a rare opportunity to explore its inner compartments, including the control room, torpedo station, and crew quarters. This level of preservation provides a deeply immersive experience, allowing visitors to glimpse life beneath the waves during a critical period of history. The 'Suur Tõll' stands as the world's largest surviving original steam-powered icebreaker. Its massive steam engines, wheelhouse, and crew quarters are open for exploration, showcasing early 20th-century maritime engineering and the harsh realities of icebreaking in the Baltic Sea. Beyond these titans, the outdoor area features other significant vessels like the patrol boat 'Grif', the former border guard vessel 'Torm', and the research vessel 'Mare', each contributing to the broader narrative of Estonian maritime endeavors.

Stories, Fun Facts & Local Details

The journey of 'Suur Tõll' is a compelling saga that mirrors Estonia's own tumultuous history, having sailed under the flags of four different nations and endured five name changes. Its renaming after the mythical giant from Estonian folklore imbues the vessel with a profound cultural resonance, transforming it from a mere machine into a symbol of national strength and endurance. A fascinating tale surrounds its acquisition by the Finns in 1918, where a covert operation saw them pretending to be a construction crew to take control of the ship. The 'Lembit' too carries its own unique lore; it was the oldest submarine in the world still afloat until it was brought ashore in 2011, having served for an astonishing 75 years. Stepping inside the 'Lembit' reveals incredibly narrow passageways and compact living spaces, offering a stark reminder of the challenging conditions endured by its crew. Meanwhile, the 'Short 184' seaplane, though a replica, commemorates a pivotal moment in aviation history when Flight Commander C.H.K. Edmonds achieved the first successful aerial torpedo attack in 1915 during the Dardanelles campaign.

Visitor Perspective

Visiting the Historic Boats at Seaplane Harbour is an adventure for all ages. Travelers can truly step back in time, walking through the authentic interiors of the 'Lembit' submarine and the 'Suur Tõll' icebreaker. The interactive nature of the museum, combined with the sheer scale and historical depth of these vessels, creates an engaging and educational experience. Exploring the cramped quarters of the submarine provides a palpable sense of the lives of sailors, while climbing through the vast engine rooms of the icebreaker offers insight into the immense power required for its arduous tasks. The vessels are impeccably preserved, allowing for a genuine connection with their past. Beyond the primary exhibits, the surrounding outdoor area with additional museum ships and the stunning architecture of the seaplane hangars themselves, which were the world's first reinforced concrete domes of their size without internal supports, enhance the overall visit. It's an opportunity not just to observe, but to physically engage with the stories of those who navigated the seas and skies, making it a memorable highlight of any trip to Tallinn.