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A.Savin CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Russalka Memorial

Monument

On Tallinn's waterfront, the Russalka Memorial commemorates sailors lost aboard the Russian warship Russalka; visitors pause for photographs and views across Tallinn Bay.

Russalka Memorial TallinnTartuPärnuRussalka Memorial
In this guide

Russalka Memorial essentials

Address: Russalka Memorial, Pirita tee, Kadriorg, Tallinn, Estonia
Hours: Open year-round
Admission: Free

About Russalka Memorial

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.
Things to Do
When to Go

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.

Summer (June-August)
Jun-Aug · 15-22°C
Longest daylight and the most comfortable weather for walking the seafront.
Late spring (May)
May · 5-15°C
Fewer tourists, blossoming lawns in Kadriorg and crisp mornings.
Autumn (September)
Sep · 5-12°C
Cooler light and calmer crowds - the bronze patina reads well in overcast weather.

Weather & Climate near Russalka Memorial

Climate

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).

Air Quality: AQI 31 Good
Best Time to Visit
JuneJulyMay
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
29°
Warmest Month
-27°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -6° - -1° -10° 49 mm overcast 94% 5.0 m/s 0.0 low 6.7h
February Poor -7° - -2° -10° 34 mm overcast 94% 4.5 m/s 0.1 low 9.0h
March Poor -4° - 2° -6° 36 mm overcast 90% 4.2 m/s 0.2 low 11.6h
April Acceptable 0° - 8° 1° 38 mm partly cloudy 84% 4.1 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.3h
May Good 5° - 15° 8° 34 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.0 m/s 1.0 high 16.8h
June Very Good 10° - 20° 15° 52 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.7 m/s 1.2 high 18.2h
July Very Good 13° - 22° 17° 74 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.5 m/s 1.2 high 17.5h
August Good 12° - 20° 16° 78 mm partly cloudy 77% 3.5 m/s 0.9 moderate 15.3h
September Good 8° - 15° 11° 72 mm partly cloudy 82% 4.1 m/s 0.4 low 12.6h
October Acceptable 4° - 9° 3° 74 mm overcast 87% 4.6 m/s 0.1 low 10.0h
November Poor -1° - 4° -3° 69 mm overcast 91% 5.0 m/s 0.0 low 7.4h
December Poor -4° - 1° -7° 59 mm overcast 93% 5.0 m/s 0.0 low 5.9h
Getting There & Around

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.