Walked On The Edge Of The Tallinn TV Tower
6th August 2023 - New Experience Number 25.
During our 2023 campervan road trip, we spent two nights in Tallinn. The beautiful Estonian capital.
This was our third visit to what I would argue is the prettiest capital city in Europe. On both previous occasions we had seen the Tallinn TV Tower dominating the skyline in the distance, but we’d never been up close.
That was about to change. Not only were we going to visit the structure, we were also going to walk on the edge of the Tallinn TV Tower!
Tallinn TV Tower
Seen from many areas of the capital, the Tallinn TV Tower is slightly out of the city centre.
Thanks to some help from the Vilnius TV Tower, the Tallinn tower opened in July 1980 just in time for the Moscow summer Olympics.
Standing at 314 metres high, the TV Tower is the tallest non-building structure in Tallinn. It houses an informative visitor attraction a cafe, restaurant, and an opportunity to embark on some high rise adventure.
Taking Us To The Edge
Our guide, Aire, met us on the 21st floor. We weren’t at the very top of the tower, but there wasn’t really a lot of room at the highest point. Instead, we were at the top of the visitor area. At 175 metres tall, it was certainly high enough for most people!
The tour has a maximum of 4 participants, and we were joined by a couple. One of them was a little less enthusiastic about heights, but still completed the walk. They did keep a little further back from the edge than the rest of us though!
We weren’t allowed to take anything onto the ledge with us. Dropping anything from that height could cause some serious damage. Our belongings were locked safely away for the duration of our walk..
Securely strapping us into our harnesses, Aire gave us an overview of what the next half an hour entailed. Then we were off. Walking through the restaurant, and out onto the viewing platform.
Any regular visitor to the tower can go out onto the viewing platform. We, however, were going beyond the safety barrier.
On The Edge Of The Ledge
Opening up the door, Aire followed a very strict process of clipping and unclipping us individually as we stepped onto the ledge. There were no barriers, no fences, no walls. We were out on the open.
We were always clipped on to the tower, albeit to a small railing. Our first task was to lean back on the harness to feel just how securely we were attached. I felt the reassuring pull of the straps. We definitely weren’t going anywhere.
Sights From The Heights - Walked On The Edge Of The Tallinn TV Tower
Looking after us brilliantly, Aire pointed out the landmarks and views across the capital city and beyond. She shared lots of local anecdotes, history and insight too.
Although it was a cloudy day, the views across Estonia were amazing. From the rising roofs of the old town, to the modern tower blocks and the lush green parks, it was a fabulous vantage point. On a good day, apparently you can see Finland over the sea!
I’m not too bad with heights, but looking over the edge at the tiny dots of people milling around on the ground was a good reminder of just how high up we were.
Picture Perfect
Stopping at points around the tower, Aire encouraged us to make different poses as she took out the camera. Capturing some brilliant shots of the experience which she emailed to afterwards. Infact, most of the pictures in this post are the ones she took for us. Thank you Aire! She was clearly used to doing it!
One pose included sitting with our feet over the edge. It must have been an unusual sight for anyone in the cafe to look through the window and see our legs dangling over!
Back In The Building
The half hour went by far too quickly, but it had been an amazing experience. Although I think the nervous person in our group was grateful to be safely back indoors! Thanking Aire for being such a brilliant guide, we stepped out of our harnesses and took in the sights from inside the tower.
Signs pointed out the direction of cities all around the world, and glass tubes gave us views back down to the car park.
Not Got A Head For Heights?
If you’re nervous about heights but are considering giving this a go, hopefully these facts might help to put your mind slightly at rest.
- Only four people walk on the edge at a time, so you’re well looked after and in good hands.
- The guide does all of the karabiner clipping so you don’t have to worry about fumbling with the kit.
- There is never a moment when you are not attached to the tower when you are on the ledge.
- You don’t have to go right to the edge if you really don’t want to. You can stay close to the tower.
- There is no expectation for you to get into any positions for pictures that make you feel uncomfortable.
- There are tours in English, so you don’t need to be able to speak Estonian to take part.
- Do take the opportunity to pull on the harness, feeling how strong and secure it is can be really reassuring.
I'd Highly Recommend A Visit
I’d ‘highly’ recommended a trip to the tower if you visit Tallinn. Walking the edge is optional! You can get some amazing views from the top, and the history and facts of the building are fascinating and well displayed.
Want To Try It Yourself?
To walk the edge of the Tallinn TV Tower, you’ll need to visit Tallinn, however there are similar activities elsewhere.
If you’re visiting a city with a TV Tower, why not have a look to see if they offer similar experiences?
Climbing the O2 in London is a similar experience in that the harness and clips are very much like the ones used at the Tallinn TV Tower.
Cost Of Experience
I have to say thanks to my step son and his girlfriend who bought this as a birthday gift for the other half and very kindly got me a ticket too! So generous!
Tickets for a Walk The Edge experience in Summer 2023 cost 39 Euros per person (roughly £34 each) Take a look at the TV Tower website for more details.
Recommendations
You might want to take a layer with you, the temperature can be different on the 21st floor compared to ground level.
Follow the advice of your guide and ask them questions, they like to share their knowledge.
If you’re nervous with heights, you don’t have to go right to the edge if you don’t want to.
The ticket for Walking the Edge includes access to the tower where you can take in the views, read up on the facts and history. If you want to make more of the moment, you might even want to enjoy a meal in the sky high restaurant.
If you’ve got any questions or queries about visiting, drop them a line. We had some email exchanges and they were incredibly helpful.
Don’t forget your camera – although you won’t be allowed to take it out on the ledge with you, it’s still good to take it so you can capture the views from the viewing platform.