In co-operation with the Estonian Tourist Board
Rummu quarry in Estonia is a very different kind of sun and bathing paradise, where you can swim or dive around a sunken prison. The crystal clear and shimmering green water has transformed the site into an underwater museum and holiday paradise.
Table of contents
Towards rummu and a different experience
After the visit to the charming little town Haapsalu On the west coast of Estonia, we rolled north towards a very different attraction and swimming spot we had read about: Rummu Quarry. The former quarry is located southwest of Tallinn, and from Haapsalu it was a drive of about 50 minutes.
Rummu quarry in Estonia
Between the 1930s and 1990s, the Rummu quarry in Estonia mined the so-called Vasalemma marble, a type of limestone. Prisoners from both Rummu and Murru prisons were used as labourers. The prisoners in these Soviet prisons had to work hard and every year some died or 'disappeared'.
When Estonia gained independence in 1991, many of the Soviet institutions closed and the quarry was abandoned. While the quarry was operating, pumps kept the groundwater away, and when the pumps were switched off, the water rose from the ground.
The water level rose so quickly that several buildings, a large excavator and a lot of other equipment remained underwater. A large lake has now formed, with some of the buildings protruding above and others below the surface.
The prison that became a tourist paradise
When the Soviet prisoners toiled at the quarry, they could hardly imagine the future that was to come. The water at Rummu Quarry is crystal clear, which has turned the area into a kind of underwater museum and diver's paradise. The shimmering green water, the beaches (sand and gravel) and the sunken buildings, which can be climbed on and jumped from, also attract children, young people and adults who want to sunbathe and swim.
When we were here, someone had even rolled down a small sauna, and the water was full of inflatable mattresses and water toys.
Climbing the quarry
Next to the lake is the high slag heap, which over time has acquired a very special and pointed appearance. We saw that many people climbed to the top of the slag heap to get a view of the whole area. We decided to do the same.
Most of the hike up was fairly easy, but there was one section that was quite steep. In Rummu there are no safety devices and no railings, so you just have to take it easy and be careful.
View of the Rummu quarry
At the top, of course, you had a magnificent view of the quarry, the prison and the whole area. I (Helena) am afraid of heights and liked the not that edge before the cliff, but from a safe distance I have to admit that the view was awesome.
It is both difficult and easy to imagine that this was once a dreaded prison. The transformation is complete.
If you think my smile in the selfie is a bit stiff, then can you are right. But still, the view is fascinating, isn't it?
Snorkelling at the Adventure Centre
We then moved on to the Rummu Adventure Centre, which is a few minutes away around the first corner. Here they rent canoes, Stand Up Paddle Board (SUP) and diving equipment, and also have instructors on hand to help.
Peter brought a snorkel and flippers, and borrowed the Adventure Centre's dock to get into the water. He snorkelled for a while, but didn't get as close to the areas of interest as he thought he would, as it was difficult to know how far various metal objects were sticking out of the water. Peering into the water from a SUP board might have been a better option ...
Stand Up Paddle Board
We stood for a while and watched a group paddling around on SUP boards. One couple had found a clever method. He paddled while she went "free riding" and looked down into the water with a cyclops ...!
Beach life
We chose to lie down on the beach for a while and just relax. It was really nice in the warm summer weather and I think we fell asleep for a while. When we woke up, we were entertained by watching all the young people clambering onto the sunken house (from window to window by grabbing onto uneven walls) and then jumping off the roof.
Beer in the bar
We also managed to buy a beer in the relaxed little bar. This was a great day in Estonia, in a very different place!
Video from Rummu
10 things to do in Tartu, Estonia
What to do in Tartu, Estonia? We spent three days in this...
Things to do in Estonia - 30 sights and experiences
What to see and do in Estonia? We offer 30 tips for a country...
Exploring the port of Tallinn, Estonia
One of the best things about travelling is discovery. Going on unplanned...
Lahemaa National Park in Estonia - nature and mansions
In cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board Lahemaa National Park in Estonia is a large natural area that offers...
Proto discovery workshop - experience centre in Tallinn
The Proto Discovery Workshop is an experience centre in Tallinn where you can discover and experience early technological developments,...
Keila waterfall in Estonia - and a romantic park
In cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board Keila Waterfall in Estonia is the country's third largest waterfall and is located...
Pärnu in Estonia - beaches, spas and villas
In cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board Pärnu in Estonia is known for its beaches, spas and...
Saaremaa in Estonia - the island of windmills
Saaremaa in Estonia is an island in the Baltic Sea the size of Gotland, known to all...
The highest mountain in the Baltics - Suur Munamägi in Estonia
In cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board We have "climbed" the highest mountain in the Baltics - Suur Munamägi in Estonia....
2 good hotels in Tallinn, Estonia - luxury or colour?
We have now tried two different good hotels in Tallinn, Estonia. The first night we stayed ...
Sauna and spa in Tallinn - a weekend of spa fun and "sauna rituals"
Why not spend a weekend at a spa in Tallinn? There are many different spas, and what's more...
Tourest 2020 travel fair in Tallinn - travel destinations and delicacies
We have visited the Tourest 2020 travel fair in Tallinn, Estonia. Really fun and inspiring! The fair offers both ...
Ferry to Estonia - Tallink silja vs DFDS
Ferry to Estonia, which one to choose? On our last trip to Estonia, we tried two different ferry...
Kynö in Estonia - the island where women are in charge
In cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board Kynö in Estonia is a small and very special island. It...
Guided tour of Tallinn - the Kalamaja neighbourhood
Today you can join a guided tour in Tallinn, Estonia! We love guided tours. When...
Rally Estonia in Tartu - a great festival of people
In cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board Rally Estonia in Tartu is a great folk festival that attracts...
Cruise Stockholm - Tallinn with Victoria I
We have been on a cruise Stockholm - Tallinn with Victoria I from Tallink Silja Line. So...
Dagö in Estonia - among lighthouses and Swedish history
In cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board Dagö in Estonia is a green and scenic island, where...
Christmas market in Tallinn - a brilliant experience
Christmas market in Tallinn! We visited the beautiful capital of Estonia for a weekend, and when we arrived...
The cliffs of Ontika in Estonia - and Oru Park in Toila
In collaboration with the Estonian Tourist Board The cliffs of Ontika in Estonia are dramatically steep rock faces that plunge into the...
Lake Peipus in Estonia - village festivals, onions and old-timers
Lake Peipus in Estonia is located in the eastern part of the country and is known for its...
Travelling by motorhome in Estonia - all you need to know
What is it like travelling with a motorhome in Estonia? We have just returned home after barely...
What to do in Tallinn - 30 sights and experiences
Looking for tips on things to see and do in Tallinn? We've visited Estonia...
An excursion to Kadriorg Palace in Tallinn, Estonia
It's all over the place here! A few days ago we were in Malta and now we are in...
Haapsalu, Estonia - noise village charm on the coast
In collaboration with the Estonian Tourist Board Haapsalu in Estonia is a beautiful wooden town on the Estonian coast....
Facts about Estonia - 30 things you (might) not know
Here are the facts about Estonia - 30 things you (maybe) didn't know about the country. Estonia is...
Ferry to Tallinn - what not to miss
If you follow our blog, you know that we travelled by ferry to Tallinn during the Easter holidays. We...
Motorhome holiday in Estonia - starting in Tallinn
We're finally off on a motorhome trip in Estonia, exploring the country for three weeks! We...
Narva in Estonia - on the border with Russia
In cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board Narva in Estonia is the EU's outpost against Russia, with the border crossing...
Rakvere fortress in Estonia - history and spectacle
In cooperation with the Estonian Tourist Board Rakvere Fortress is located on a hill in the town of Rakvere in the north of...
Facts about Rummu quarry in Estonia
- Name: Rummu Quarry (in Estonian Rummu Karjäär and in English Rummu Quarry)
- Address: Haapsalu maantee 13, Rummu Alevik, Vasalemma vald, Harju maakond, Estonia
- Find here: Set your GPS to "Rummu Quarry" or to "Rummu Quarry Adventure Centre". The quarry is located southwest of Tallinn, and it takes about 50 minutes to drive from Tallinn. When you arrive, you will see a high prison wall, and there is an opening in it where you drive in.
Opening hours and prices
- Opening hours: The whole area is open every day during the summer months. At other times of the year, visits must be pre-booked.
- Prices: Adults (from 16 years old) pay €3 per person for a visit. Children under 16 enter free of charge. (2019) Please note that prices are subject to change. For prices for SUP, canoeing, diving, etc. see the Adventure Centre website.
Good to know
- Service: Bar with drinks and snacks, bajamaja and adventure centre with instructors and equipment rental for various water activities.
- Accessibility: You can drive almost all the way to the swimming area, and then it's a short walk on gravel. Getting up the quarry's "mountain" is a bit steep at times.
- Security: You enter the area at your own risk. There are sunken buildings under the water, and there are no guardrails on the "mountain".
Things to see and do at Rummu Quarry
- Activities: Sun and swimming, snorkelling, diving, SUP (Stand Up Paddle Board), canoeing and jet surfing.
- Read more: You can find more information on Rummu Adventure Centre website.
History of Rummus
- 1930s: The quarry was excavated to extract Vasalemma marble (a type of limestone similar in structure to marble).
- The Soviet era: Prisoners at Murru and Rummu prison worked hard to extract Vasalemma marble in the quarry, until the 1990s.
- Estonia's independence: Estonia gained independence in 1991 and many of the Soviet institutions fell, including the quarry and the prisoners' labour there.
- Closure of the quarry: When the quarry was closed and the pumps switched off, the quarry quickly filled with groundwater and a lake formed.
- 2000s: In 2001, Rummu prison was merged with Murru prison, and in 2004 these were merged with Harku women's prison. On 31 December 2012, all prisons were permanently closed.
- A new era: After the closure of the quarry, the site became popular for many new activities, such as photography, hiking, diving and various sports activities. The site was also used in the music video for the song 'Faded' (2015) by Norwegian DJ Alan Walker. The site was closed for a period of time for security reasons, but is now open for tourists to swim and dive.
Programme "Promoting Estonia as a Tourism Destination" is supported by European Union Regional Development Fund.
Lisa / Let's go explore says:
What an incredibly cool place! So different!
24 July 2019 - 7:56
Maria's Memoirs says:
But what an exciting place! Must memorise for the future ?
24 July 2019 - 8:06
Helena says:
Isn't it? Different place! ??
24 July 2019 - 14:11
Ann says:
What a beautiful setting!
24 July 2019 - 9:00
Helena says:
Beautiful in a special way! ?
24 July 2019 - 14:11
Mr Steve says:
Oh dear, there are so many exciting things to experience in Estonia.
24 July 2019 - 9:31
Helena says:
Really! We are very positively surprised by Estonia as a travel destination!
24 July 2019 - 14:12
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
What a cool place but with a dark and cruel history!
Many nice pictures!
24 July 2019 - 9:38
Helena says:
Yes indeed! And it was gratifying to photograph here! ??
24 July 2019 - 14:12
Ama de casa says:
What a cool and different place! Fantastic view, but I would definitely choose the option to send up the drone 😀.
24 July 2019 - 10:22
Helena says:
Hehe or not!? But I am a bit proud that I came up! ??
24 July 2019 - 14:13
BP says:
Truly a very different, fascinating and beautiful place - apart from the background then;-)
The photos are magnificent:-)
24 July 2019 - 20:56
Helena says:
It's certainly special! The history is awesome, but at the same time it's fascinating that the place has now been transformed into something else!
25 July 2019 - 7:33
Travelsis.se says:
What a place! Both beautiful and horrible!
24 July 2019 - 21:30
Helena says:
Right? Very special place!
25 July 2019 - 7:33
Helena from Finland says:
Wow, cool place! We have to add it to our "to do list".
24 July 2019 - 22:52
Helena says:
Wasn't it different and special? 🙂
25 July 2019 - 7:34
Petra says:
Cool place has never heard of this. Will keep it in mind for an upcoming trip:)
25 July 2019 - 7:15
Helena says:
We found it when we started researching for the trip, interesting and different place!
25 July 2019 - 7:34
4000mil says:
What an exciting place. It really feels like you have found lots of beautiful, quirky and worthwhile (and completely unknown!) places in Estonia on this trip.
26 July 2019 - 8:49
Lena - good for the soul says:
What an incredibly lovely place. It always gets a little extra special with those old abandoned places. How clear the water was!
Hug Lena
27 July 2019 - 8:42