Rummu quarry in Estonia - prison turned bathing paradise

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | Rummu quarry in Estonia is one of the country's most unusual sights. Here, turquoise water, sunken buildings and the remains of a large prison area meet. When we visited Rummu, the place was still quite raw and unregulated. Today, it is a developed tourist destination where you can swim, dive, paddle, visit the prison museum – and even spend the night in a camper van.

Rummu quarry in Estonia

Rummu Quarry is located about 45 kilometers southwest of Tallinn. Limestone and so-called Vasalemma marble have been quarried here since the late 1930s, and during the Soviet era, prisoners from nearby prisons were used as labor.

When mining ceased in the 1990s, groundwater pumping from the quarry stopped. The area was flooded and buildings, machinery and other equipment were partially or completely submerged. The result is the strange environment that has become Rummu's hallmark today: a turquoise lake with ruins visible both above and below the water surface.

From prison area to tourist destination

Rummu's history is considerably darker than today's beautiful surroundings first give the impression. Adjacent to the quarry were the prisons Rummu and Murru, and prisoners were used for the hard work in the quarry.

Murru Prison continued to be used long after the fall of the Soviet Union and was only closed in 2012. Today, parts of the former prison area are open as a museum.

When we arrived in Rummu during our RV trip in Estonia, the place looked a little different than it does today. There were activities and a small bar, but the feel was much more improvised. People were swimming among the ruins, climbing the characteristic mound, and exploring the area on their own.

Since then, Rummu has developed into an organized visitor destination with an entrance, beach, café, prison museum, water activities, accommodation and parking spaces for camper vans.

Swim in the turquoise water

It's easy to see why Rummu has become a popular excursion destination. The clear, turquoise water combined with the ruins and light limestone create an almost surreal setting.

When we were here, it was a warm summer day and the beach was full of bathers. Someone had even rolled down a small sauna and out on the water were inflatable mattresses and water toys bobbing.

Today there is an organized beach and the possibility to rent SUP boards, rowing boats and pedal boats, among other things. In the summer there is also an inflatable water park. However, swimming is at your own risk and there are no lifeguards on the beach.

Snorkeling and diving in Rummu

What makes Rummu extra special is partly below the water surface. There are sunken buildings and other remains from the quarrying era, which has made the place popular with divers.

Peter brought a snorkel and flippers with him when we visited Rummu and of course set out to explore the area. However, he stayed away from the ruins – it was difficult to determine where metal objects and other remains were beneath the water surface.

We also stood for a while watching a couple who had found a smarter solution: he paddled SUP while she lay on the board and peered into the water with a cyclops.

The characteristic mound at Rummu

Next to the water rises the bright and pointed mound that has become one of Rummu's most well-known landmarks. It consists of material from the former mining operations and from the top you get a view of the quarry and the old prison area.

When we were here we saw many people climbing to the top and decided to do the same. Most of the path was relatively easy, but in some places it was quite steep.

I (Helena) am afraid of heights and wasn't particularly fond of the edge at the top. From a slightly reassuring distance, even I had to admit that the view was fantastic.

It is still possible to hike up the mound, but the official information emphasizes that it is done at your own risk.

Murru Prison Museum

A big difference compared to when we visited Rummu is that today you can experience significantly more of the area's history.

Murru Prison Museum is located in the former prison, which was in operation from 1938 to 2012. Here, visitors can walk through cells, punishment areas, workrooms and other parts of the facility.

You can explore the area on your own or follow an audio guide through about twenty stops. It is also possible to book a guided tour, where former prison staff, among others, will tell you about life at Murru.

Activities at Rummu quarry

Today there are many more activities than when we were here. In addition to swimming, snorkeling and diving, you can paddle SUP, rent a rowboat or pedal boat and play disc golf. During the summer there is also a floating water park.

But of course you don't have to do anything at all. We spent part of our visit lying on the beach, enjoying the sun – and probably even fell asleep for a while.

Finally, we sat down at the small bar with a beer each. Rummu became one of those places during our trip to Estonia that really stuck in our memory.

By motorhome to Rummu

When we visited Rummu, we continued on with the camper after today's excursion. Today it is possible to stay overnight in the area instead.

Rummu has a special caravan park with spaces for motorhomes and caravans as well as an area for tents. This makes it possible to combine a visit to the quarry and prison museum with an overnight stay on site.

Practical information about Rummu

Rummu is located about a 40-minute drive from Tallinn. The area is private and a ticket is required to visit the quarry and prison area.

When we update this article in 2026, the entrance fee to the quarry will be 8 euros for adults and a combination ticket to the quarry and prison museum will be 10 euros. Children aged 0–6 years old will be admitted free. Prices and opening hours are of course subject to change, so always check the latest information before visiting.

Our visit to Rummu quarry

Rummu was one of the most unusual places we visited during our trip through Estonia. The combination of turquoise water, sunken ruins, and dark history makes the place both fascinating and a little hard to take in.

When we were here, Rummu was still a much more unregulated excursion destination than it is today. We climbed the mound, Peter snorkeled, we lay on the beach and watched other visitors swim and explore the ruins.

Since then, the place has changed, but perhaps in a rather good way. It is still possible to experience the peculiar environment, while today there are better opportunities to learn about the history behind it.

More to see in the neighbourhood

Want to continue your trip around Estonia? Here you will find tips and reports about more interesting places to visit:

• Haapsalu
• Saaremaa
• Dagö
• Pärnu

Programme "Promoting Estonia as a Tourism Destination" is supported by European Union Regional Development Fund.