St. Olaf's Church

📍 Estonia
church

About

A medieval church that was once the tallest building in the world, with its spire reaching 159 meters today. The church offers panoramic views of Tallinn's Old Town and the Baltic Sea from its tower.

St. Olaf's Church (Oleviste kirik) stands on Lai Street in Tallinn, Estonia, in Harju County. It is a medieval church, and its spire, which reaches 159 meters, has long made it one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city.

What to expect

The church is a place to step inside and look up. Its height is the first thing many visitors notice, and the spire is visible from much of the Old Town. Because the building is a working church, it is worth keeping in mind that you are visiting a place of worship as well as a historic site.

The tower views

The main reason many people climb up is the view. From the tower you can see across Tallinn's Old Town, with its red roofs and medieval streets spread below, and out towards the Baltic Sea. The panorama gives a clear sense of how the city is laid out, from the old walled centre to the water beyond.

Planning your visit

  • Location: Lai 50, 10133 Tallinn, Estonia
  • Phone: +372 641 2241
  • Good for: a short, high-up outlook over the city, combined with a walk through the Old Town

St. Olaf's pairs well with a wander through the surrounding streets, where the medieval character of the centre is easy to explore on foot. Allow time for both the church and the walk back down, and check the contact number before you go if you have particular plans for the tower.

Your next idea