Tallinn Old Town Roadstead
Tallinna vanalinn roadstead · Tallinn roads
59°26.6'N 24°44.9'E
Depth
6–12m
Bottom
mud
Alarm Radius
120m
Holding
Good
Recommended Anchor Alarm Radius
120m
120m for good holding on mud/clay in 6–12m. Larger radius due to depth and exposure to northerly Gulf of Finland swells. Ferry wash is frequent and significant — ensure anchor is very well set. In N winds above F5, this roadstead is untenable — proceed to Pirita marina or Aegna Island.
About This Anchorage
Anchoring in the Tallinn Old Town roadstead is one of the most dramatic experiences in Baltic sailing — the medieval city skyline, with its 15th-century towers, Gothic spires, and the distinctive silhouette of the UNESCO World Heritage Old Town, rises directly from the water. Tallinn (known as Reval under medieval German rule) was one of the most prosperous Hanseatic League cities in the 14th–15th centuries, and its remarkably preserved Old Town reflects that commercial golden age. The ferry terminal is nearby — massive Viking Line and Tallink Silja ships dominate the harbour approaches. For visiting sailors, Pirita marina (4nm east) is the recommended overnight base, with the Old Town roadstead serving as a spectacular day anchorage or brief stop.
Protected From
S · SW · SE
Exposed To
N · NW · NE
Anchoring Rules
- Anchoring fee
- Free anchoring; fees at Pirita marina or Old Harbour small craft berths
- Permit required
- No
Restrictions: CRITICAL: Stay outside ferry approach channels — 15+ large ferries daily. Maintain AIS. Very busy commercial shipping area. Do not anchor in designated shipping lanes.
Hazards
- !CRITICAL: Heavy ferry traffic — 15+ large ferries daily creating significant wash; maintain AIS and watch
- !Exposed to N, NW, NE across open Gulf of Finland — steep short seas in N winds
- !Ferry wash can drag poorly set anchors — set thoroughly and test
- !Commercial shipping lanes nearby — do not anchor in marked lanes
- !Strong currents at times — check Estonian Maritime Administration current data
Skipper's Tips
- →Pirita marina (4nm east) is the recommended overnight base — use the Old Town roadstead as a day anchorage
- →The Old Town walking tour is unmissable — UNESCO World Heritage medieval city in exceptional condition
- →Toompea Hill gives panoramic views over the bay — the view back to the anchorage is dramatic
- →Visit in late June for the Old Town Days festival — medieval music and crafts throughout the streets
- →The covered food market (Balti Jaama Turg) near the railway station has excellent Estonian products — smoked fish, cheeses, berries
Facilities
Full city facilities in Old Town, 1km by dinghy. Pirita marina (4nm) has harbour facilities. Do not leave boat unattended in roadstead — too exposed.
Nearest provisions: Tallinn Old Town (0.5nm)
Best Months & Season
Jun, Jul, Aug
June–August. Day anchorage primarily — overnight strongly recommended at Pirita marina due to ferry traffic. Winter storm surges in Gulf of Finland can be extreme.
Recommended Anchor Types
Nearby Anchorages
Set Your Anchor Alarm to 120m
In Tallinn Bay's busy waters, ferry wash and Gulf of Finland swells can drag a poorly set anchor. Safety Anchor Alarm monitors your GPS position continuously while you rest.
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