Russalka Memorial
Monument Monument in Tallinn commemorating the sunken ship Russalka
On Tallinn’s waterfront, the Russalka Memorial commemorates sailors lost aboard the Russian warship Russalka; visitors pause for photographs and views across Tallinn Bay.
The Russalka Memorial is a seaside monument in Tallinn that commemorates the sinking of the Russian warship Rusalka. The bronze statue depicts an angel pointing out to sea and stands on a granite pedestal by the waterfront.
The memorial was created by Estonian sculptor Amandus Adamson and was unveiled in 1902 as a memorial to the sailors who perished when the Rusalka sank in 1893. It is a prominent landmark on Tallinn’s seafront and a commonly photographed civic monument.
The monument sits on the shores of the Gulf of Finland near the Kadriorg and Pirita areas, positioned to face the sea. It is publicly accessible from the coastal promenade and is close to other seaside viewpoints and parks.
- Date and sculptor: Sculpted by Amandus Adamson and unveiled in 1902, it commemorates the loss of the Russian warship Rusalka which sank in 1893.
How to Get to Russalka Memorial #
The Russalka Memorial is in the Kadriorg/Pirita seafront area, about 2-3 km east of Tallinn’s Old Town. Tram lines 1 and 3 run from the city centre toward Kadriorg; alight at the Kadriorg stop and walk east along Pirita tee for roughly 20-30 minutes, or take a short taxi ride.
Tips for Visiting Russalka Memorial #
- Arrive at sunrise or sunset - the monument catches low light beautifully and the harbour water reflects the bronze.
- Walk a short way east along the seawall to see the weathering on the bronze; look for the small plaque in Russian commemorating the lost crew.
- Combine the visit with Kadriorg Park and the Kumu Art Museum, about a 20-30 minute walk away.
Best Time to Visit Russalka Memorial #
Late spring through early autumn provides the most pleasant walking weather; the memorial is accessible any time of year.
Weather & Climate near Russalka Memorial #
Russalka Memorial's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -7°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (669 mm/year).
January
January is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -6°C. Moderate rainfall (49 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coldest month with highs of -2°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is freezing with highs of 2°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (36 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (38 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (34 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 78 mm of rain and partly cloudy skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
