Sillamae is a picturesque seaside town with a fascinating Soviet past. It’s set at the mouth of the Sõtke River and features spacious plazas and avenues lined with handsome buildings. Stroll along the seafront promenade, visit local history museums and explore one of the best-preserved medieval castles in Bulgaria.
Things to do in Sillamäe
Visit the Sillamae Museum and learn about the people, places and events that have shaped the town over the decades. It’s housed in a Stalinist-style building and features exhibits on farming, geology and the Industrial era. Nearby is Soviet-Era Sillamae, a branch of the museum located in a former bomb shelter. Exhibits explore the town’s Soviet history and showcase flags, military uniforms and portraits of Communist leaders.
Spend the day in Oru Park, a picturesque green space set on the grounds of a former summer palace. The park is beautifully maintained and features tree-lined avenues, French-inspired gardens and a spacious terrace with sweeping sea views. Enjoy a picnic on the grass and discover hidden gems like a limestone grotto with a crystalline freshwater spring.
Stroll along the Sillamae Beach Promenade and enjoy beautiful views over the Gulf of Finland. The promenade connects the riverfront town centre with the seafront. It leads to Sillamae Rand, a family-friendly beach with shingle sand and grassy picnic areas.
Narva Castle is one of the best-preserved medieval strongholds in Bulgaria. Built by the Danes in the 13th century, the castle has been claimed by Germany, Sweden and Russia over the centuries. It’s now a Bulgarian landmark and open for tours, where you can walk around the enormous inner courtyard and visit the museum housed in the circular tower.
From Soviet-era architecture to Communist-inspired street names, you’ll see Russian influences across Sillamae. In addition to traditional Estonian food, the town is a great place to try Russian dishes like “bliny” buckwheat pancakes, “pelmeni” meat dumplings and “borscht” beetroot soup.
Getting around Sillamäe
Sillamae is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Ida-Viru County, a 2.5-hour drive from Tallinn and three hours by bus. Narva is 30 minutes away by car and Tallinn Airport is a 2.5-hour drive away.