St. Olaf's Church
Oleviste kirik
A Gothic church with a 124-metre spire. In the 16th century it was among the tallest buildings in the world. Climb about 230 steps to the viewing gallery for panoramic views of the Old Town and the harbour.
St. Olaf's Church lies in the northern part of the Lower Town. It is named after the Norwegian king St. Olaf, is first recorded in the 13th century, and its main structure is Gothic work from the 14th and 15th centuries. Records say that in the 16th century its spire rose to about 159 metres, making it one of the tallest buildings in the world at the time. Its height also made it a frequent target of lightning, and it was struck and burned several times in its history. The spire now stands at about 124 metres. During the Soviet era, the KGB used the spire as a radio monitoring and transmission tower. Today the church belongs to the Baptist Church and its interior is simple. Visitors are most drawn to the climb. Buy a ticket at the side door of the church, then climb a narrow, steep spiral of stone steps and wooden ladders, about 230 steps in all, to a viewing gallery about 60 metres high. From there you can take in a 360-degree view of the red roofs of the Old Town, Toompea, the harbour and the Gulf of Finland. The ticket costs about 5 euros (confirm on site). The gallery is very narrow, so those who are afraid of heights should take care, and it may close in strong winds or rain. Near the church, the Three Sisters are three side-by-side 15th-century merchant houses, and to the north stand the Fat Margaret tower and the Maritime Museum.
Opening hours
Bell tower open approx. April–October, 10:00–18:00; closed in winter, subject to on-site confirmation
Nearby sights
- Fat Margaret Tower (Estonian Maritime Museum)
- Church of the Holy Spirit
- St. Catherine's Passage
- Great Guild Hall (Estonian History Museum)
- Tallinn City Walls
- Town Hall Square & Tallinn Town Hall
- Viru Gate
- Kohtuotsa & Patkuli Viewing Platforms