Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park in Tallinn is a stunning and historic destination that draws locals and tourists alike. And we wanted to waddle around as well. The park’s natural beauty and historical significance make it an ideal place to explore. In this blog post, we’ll dive into the park’s history, some fun facts, and what to see during your visit. We enjoyed our waddle for sure.

Kadriorg Park is one of Tallinn’s most iconic and beloved green spaces. In case you wonder how big it is, it covers approximately 70 hectares and is named after Catherine I, the wife of Peter the Great of Russia, who commissioned the park’s construction in the early 18th century. The park’s design combines French and English styles and features winding paths, lakes, and a mix of native and exotic trees.

A little bit of history of Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Park was commissioned by Peter the Great of Russia in the early 18th century. Its name, “Kadriorg,” translates to “Catherine’s Valley” in honor of Peter’s wife, Catherine I. The park was designed by the Italian architect Niccolo Michetti, who was also responsible for designing the Kadriorg Palace, located within the park.

Read also about the abandoned Soviet Era Olympic Stadium in Tallinn

Fun Facts about Kadriorg Park

• Kadriorg Park covers an area of approximately 70 hectares, making it one of the largest parks in Tallinn.
• The park features several lakes, including Swan Lake, home to several swans that visitors can feed.
• In addition to the Estonian Art Museum, the park is also home to the Kumu Art Museum, one of Northern Europe’s largest art museums.
• The park’s rose garden features over 20,000 rose bushes, making it one of the largest rose gardens in the Baltic region.
• Kadriorg Palace has hosted several notable guests, including Empress Catherine the Great of Russia and Napoleon Bonaparte.

Check their official website here for more information and interesting facts – LINK

How to get to Kadriorg Park

We use Viru Gate as the point to start as we started there. So, from Viru Gate, there are several ways to get to Kadriorg Park:

• By Bus: Take the number 1A or 5 bus from Viru Keskus bus stop to the Kadriorg bus stop. From there, it’s just a short walk to the park.
• By Tram: Take the number 3 or 4 tram from Hobujaama tram stop to the Kadriorg tram stop. From there, it’s just a 10-minute walk to the park.
• Waddle: If you prefer waddling, it’s about a 30-minute walk from Viru Gate to Kadriorg Park. Head east along Narva Road until you reach the park’s entrance.
• By Bike: Tallinn has a bike-sharing system called “Citybike” that allows you to rent a bike and cycle to the park. There is a bike rental station located near Viru Gate.

Regardless of your transportation mode, getting to Kadriorg Park from Viru Gate is relatively straightforward. Once you arrive at the park, you can explore the beautiful gardens, visit the various museums, and take in the park’s natural beauty.

What to See at Kadriorg Park

Kadriorg Palace

Let’s start with the most beautiful thing you can see there. This beautiful palace, designed by Michetti, is a must-see during your waddle. The palace’s stunning architecture and its collection of art and artifacts make it an ideal destination for history buffs and art enthusiasts.

After the successful 1710 siege of Reval (Tallinn) during the Great Northern War, Czar Peter the Great of Russia bought a small manor house at Laksberg (Lasnamäe) for his wife, Catherine. They planned to build an even bigger property nearby, but the construction of what we know as Kadriorg started. To be more precise, it was on 25 July 1718. The construction of the main building of the palace was completed by 1725. Peter the Great and Catherine visited the unfinished residence several times, but after he died in 1725, Catherine showed no interest in the seaside property.

Kumu Art Museum

Located within the park, the Kumu Art Museum is home to a vast collection of Estonian art and works from international artists. Kumu is the main building of the Art Museum of Estonia and the largest and most representative exhibition place in Estonia. The task of the Kumu Art Museum opened in 2006, is to preserve and make sense of Estonian art from the 18th century to the present day. The permanent exhibition introduces Estonian art from the beginning of the 18^th century to 1991, and the temporary exhibitions also include international and contemporary art.

Swan Lake

This picturesque lake is home to several swans and ducks. And you can feed them or enjoy the tranquil setting.
It is one of the most popular places here. Initially, the park included a dignified formal Italian-French garden on the other side of Swan Lake from the road.

Rose Garden

The park’s rose garden is a riot of color and fragrance during summer. With over 20,000 rose bushes, it’s a must-visit for flower enthusiasts. Unfortunately, we came in spring, so no roses for us.

Japanese Garden

The park’s Japanese Garden is a serene and peaceful spot with a traditional Japanese tea house.

The Residence of the Estonian President

Waddling further up (on the way to Kumu Art Museum), you can see the residence of the Estonian President. It is guarded, and you cannot get very close, but you can take as many pictures as you like. The administrative building of the Office of the President of the Republic was designed by the architect Alar Kotli and built in the years 1937–1938.

Our waddle was very serene and peaceful. Just what we needed after visiting the hectic city of Helsinki.
In conclusion, Kadriorg Park is a beautiful, historic destination that offers something for everyone. We visited when nothing was really in bloom, but during summer, it gets even more beautiful. So, pack a picnic, put on your waddling shoes, and head to Kadriorg Park for a day of exploration and relaxation. 

Enjoy your waddle around Kadriorg Park!

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