Kiek in de Kök

Kiek in de Kök is a medieval artillery tower in Tallinn’s Old Town, Harju County, Estonia, dating from the late 15th century. It was part of the city fortifications and takes its name from a Low German phrase meaning “peek into the kitchen.”

The tower contains museum displays about Tallinn’s defensive walls, artillery and the town’s medieval fortifications, and its upper levels provide a vantage point over the surrounding Old Town rooftops. Visitors can also see sections of connected defensive walls and related exhibits about city defence.

Built as part of Tallinn’s Hanseatic-era defenses, the tower served as an artillery and observation point through the medieval and early modern periods and later became preserved as a historic monument and museum site.

Located within Tallinn’s compact Old Town (a UNESCO World Heritage area), the tower sits among the preserved medieval streets a short walk from central squares and the harbour.

• Name origin: The name comes from Low German and means "peek into the kitchen", reflecting the tower's ability to overlook surrounding houses.
• Exhibits and view: Housed as a city museum site with exhibitions on medieval artillery and Tallinn's fortifications; offers a view over the Old Town from its upper levels.