Tallinn ↔ Rummu ↔ Padise ↔ Haapsalu Day Trip: Quarry, Abbey and Sea

West of Tallinn, along the road to Haapsalu, you find three very different places: the turquoise lake in the former Rummu limestone quarry, the medieval Padise Monastery and the seaside town of Haapsalu with its bishop's castle and promenade.

Our tour links them into one relaxed day trip with a private driver. You decide where to stay longer, and the driver waits for you at every stop.

The route at a glance

Route: Tallinn, Rummu quarry, Padise Monastery, Haapsalu, return to Tallinn.

Rummu is about 40 minutes from Tallinn, Padise Monastery is close to the quarry, and Haapsalu is about 100 km from Tallinn. The tour takes 6 to 8 hours, depending on how much time you want to spend at each place.

Rummu quarry: turquoise water and the underwater prison

Rummu quarry was formed by decades of limestone mining. When mining stopped, groundwater flooded it, leaving buildings, machinery and parts of the prison under the water. That is why Rummu is often called the underwater prison of Estonia. White hills of spoil rise next to the lake, and you can walk up them.

Next to the quarry stands the former Murru Prison, closed in 2012 and now a museum with an audio guide. In summer people swim, paddleboard and dive here, and the site is open all year round.

Padise Abbey

Padise Monastery, also known as Padise Abbey, was built by Cistercian monks. Construction began in the 14th century and lasted about two hundred years. Today it is a restored cultural monument, and its church hall, known for its acoustics, hosts concerts.

From May to September the monastery is open Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 18:00, and from October to April Friday to Sunday, 11:00 to 16:00.

Haapsalu: castle, promenade and old railway station

Haapsalu Episcopal Castle was founded in the 13th century. Its cathedral was built in 1260 and is considered the largest single nave church in the Baltic states. Legend says the White Lady appears on the chapel wall on full moon nights in August.

The Haapsalu promenade runs along the sea past the historic wooden Kuursaal, a lovely walk before lunch or after the castle.

The old wooden railway station is famous for its 216 metre covered platform, once the longest in Europe. It now houses the Railway and Communications Museum, with a historic steam locomotive and diesel train on the tracks.

Keila-Joa on request

On the way you can stop at Keila-Joa waterfall. If you want more time there, we offer a separate Keila-Joa and Laulasmaa tour.

One way to Haapsalu

If you want to stay in Haapsalu overnight or longer, book our Tallinn ↔ Haapsalu transfer. The driver takes you to your hotel, and you can travel back on any day that suits you.

Why Artsantaxi instead of a bus

A private driver picks you up from your hotel, Tallinn Airport or the port and waits at every stop.

Comfortable new sedans Mercedes-Benz E-Class, S-Class and Lexus ES for 1, 2 or 3 passengers.

Spacious minivans: Mercedes-Benz Vito for up to 8 people and V-Class for up to 7, ideal for families and groups of friends.

Air conditioning in summer, warmth in winter, drinking water and wet wipes on board, child seats on request.

Available 24/7, price agreed in advance.

Tour price

Sedan for 1, 2 or 3 passengers: 35 EUR per hour.

Minivan Mercedes-Benz Vito or V-Class for groups of 4 to 8 people: 45 EUR per hour.

Buses with 18, 24 and 55 seats for groups over 8 people: a manager will calculate the price for your route.

Guide on request: licensed guide in any language, 45 EUR per hour, paid separately.

Payment in cash, by card, via PayPal or by invoice for companies.

FAQ

How long does the tour take?

6 to 8 hours, depending on how long you stay at Rummu, Padise and Haapsalu.

How to get to Rummu quarry from Tallinn?

The easiest way is by car with a private driver, the drive takes about 40 minutes. The driver picks you up at your hotel and waits for you at the quarry.