Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom Tours

The Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom in Tallinn traces the history of Estonia during its occupation by the Nazis and then the Soviet Union from 1940 to 1991. By charting the crimes against Estonia’s peoples and their fight for freedom during these periods, visitors can gain a poignant window into the country’s recent past.

The Basics
The cutting-edge Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom brings alive the difficult times endured by Estonia during the Nazi and Soviet occupations. Visitors can explore alone or with an e-tour app to experience different perspectives on both eras: uncovering the stories of those who lived through, resisted, and helped restore freedom after the occupations. By experiencing these human narratives, together with videos and artifacts, visitors come away with a deeper appreciation of the fragility and value of Estonia’s current freedoms.

You can choose to visit the Vabamu Museum independently or book a private tour of Tallinn and include the museum as part of a customizable itinerary. Alternatively, catch a hop-on-hop-off-bus tour and disembark at the Toompea Castle or Freedom Square stop, both a short stroll from the entrance.
 
Things to Know Before You Go

• The Vabamu Museum is an education for history enthusiasts and everyone visiting Tallinn.
• The museum is wheelchair- and stroller-friendly and offers a café, shop, free Wi-Fi, and restrooms.
• While the subject matter may not suit young children, the museum’s children’s exhibition area tells stories for younger age levels.
• Deposit boxes are provided for stowing your belongings during a visit.
• Multilingual e-tour guides are available.

 
How to Get There
The Vabamu Museum of Occupations and Freedom is on Toompea, near the junction with Kaarli Puiestee. The best way to get there is on foot, walking down Toompea from the Alexander Nevsky Cathedral. The nearest bus stops are Tõnismägi and Vabaduse väljak. Drivers should follow Route 8 to Kaarli Puiestee, and turn right into Toompea to find the museum parking lot; spaces are limited.

When to Get There
The Vabamu Museum is open daily from May to September and Tuesday to Sunday, with slightly shorter hours, from October to April. While the museum rarely gets overly busy, it’s wise to arrive close to the opening time to enjoy a quiet visit.

Must-Sees at the Vabamu Museum
As well as video and audio testimonies, the museum boasts thought-provoking exhibits spotlighting the hardship and suffering caused by both occupations. Among them are lines of concrete suitcases at the entrance that recall mass deportations in 1941 and 1949 and a fishing boat used by escaping refugees during World War II.