Things to Do in Tallinn in March
March weather, activities, events & insider tips
March Weather in Tallinn
Is March Right for You?
Advantages
- Virtually no crowds at major attractions - Old Town feels authentically medieval without tourist masses
- Hotel prices drop 40-60% compared to summer peak, with luxury options under €80/night
- Snow transforms Tallinn into a fairy-tale setting, especially Toompea Hill and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
- Locals emerge from winter hibernation for late-season skiing at Nõmme and ice fishing on frozen lakes
Considerations
- Daylight lasts only 11.5 hours (sunrise 7:15am, sunset 6:45pm) limiting sightseeing time
- Frequent icy conditions make cobblestone Old Town treacherous without proper footwear
- Many outdoor attractions like Kadriorg Park gardens remain dormant and colorless until April
Best Activities in March
Medieval Old Town Winter Walking Tours
March's cold creates perfect atmosphere for exploring UNESCO-listed Old Town without summer crowds. Snow often dusts the Gothic spires and merchant houses, creating postcard scenes. Cobblestones can be icy, but crowds are minimal at Town Hall Square and Tallinn City Walls. Indoor warming stops at medieval taverns become part of the authentic experience.
Soviet History Museum Tours
March weather drives visitors indoors, making it ideal for exploring KGB Museum in Hotel Viru and Seaplane Harbour maritime museum. These heated attractions tell Estonia's complex 20th-century story without summer queues. The contrast between Soviet-era stories and March's stark landscape creates powerful historical context.
Traditional Estonian Sauna Experiences
March's bitter cold makes authentic Estonian smoke saunas essential cultural experiences. Traditional saunas in Kalamaja district and Kadriorg offer respite from Baltic winds. Locals use March as prime sauna season before spring warmth arrives. Ice swimming opportunities still available at Pirita Beach for the adventurous.
Lahemaa National Park Winter Hiking
March offers last chance for winter hiking in Estonia's largest national park, 70 km (43 miles) east of Tallinn. Snow-covered forests and frozen waterfalls create stunning landscapes. Bog walking trails remain accessible with proper gear. Wildlife tracking opportunities peak before spring thaw.
Contemporary Art Gallery Hopping
March's indoor weather perfect for exploring Tallinn's thriving contemporary art scene. Kumu Art Museum, Contemporary Art Museum of Estonia, and numerous Kalamaja district galleries showcase Estonian artists. Many galleries schedule major exhibitions for March before summer tourist season begins.
Traditional Estonian Cooking Classes
March showcases hearty Estonian winter cuisine - perfect timing for hands-on cooking experiences. Learn to prepare traditional dishes like blood sausage, sauerkraut, and rye bread in heated kitchens while snow falls outside. Local markets still feature preserved winter vegetables and smoked meats.
March Events & Festivals
Estonian Music Week
Annual showcase of Estonian contemporary music across multiple venues in Old Town and Kalamaja. Features both established and emerging artists in intimate club settings perfect for March's cold weather. Mix of folk, electronic, and indie genres represents modern Estonian cultural identity.
Black Nights Film Festival Spring Programme
Extended programming from November's main festival continues through March with art house screenings and documentary premieres. Venues include Kino Artis and Apollo Cinema. English subtitles available for most international selections.