Exploring a spooky abandoned Soviet rocket base in Tallinn, Estonia
Tucked away in northern Tallinn near the Viimsi peninsula, the Rohuneeme rocket base, is one of Estonia’s most intriguing yet lesser-known Cold War relics.
© Images by Hiatus.Design
Our research suggests it was originally constructed in the late 1950s, the base was built on the remains of old German coastal defence batteries from World War II. Under Soviet occupation, Estonia’s strategic Baltic coastline became an important line of defence and early warning against Western air incursions, and Rohuneeme formed part of this larger defensive network.
Officially operated by the 6th Anti-Aircraft Missile Division within the 94th Brigade, the base was active from about 1959 until the early 1990s, right around the collapse of the Soviet Union.
During its operational years, Rohuneeme housed various Soviet missile systems that evolved over time, including the R‑12 Dvina ballistic missile, capable of carrying nuclear warheads with a range of over 2,000 kilometres, and later the infamous S‑75 (SA‑2) surface-to-air missile system, well-known for shooting down high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft like the American U‑2.
In addition to missiles, the site also fielded heavy anti-aircraft artillery in its earlier decades. Today, what remains is a haunting slice of abandoned military history hidden among dense forest and coastal scrubland. Explorers can find crumbling missile hangars, rusted command posts, graffiti-covered bunkers and overgrown launch pads where concrete still bears the marks of heavy machinery and launch equipment.
While some parts are partly collapsed or heavily vandalised, they retain an eerie atmosphere that transports visitors straight back to the days of Cold War tension.
Locals and curious tourists occasionally wander the site, especially on clear days when the forest trails reveal glimpses of the old perimeter fences and camouflaged structures. The sense of isolation and forgotten power makes Rohuneeme a popular spot for urban explorers, photographers and Cold War enthusiasts keen to experience a tangible piece of Soviet military history up close. Unlike many abandoned sites, Rohuneeme remains relatively accessible, with no entrance fee or restrictions other than the obvious need for care and respect for the decaying structures.
For anyone fascinated by Cold War geopolitics, hidden military architecture or just abandoned engineering, a trip to the Rohuneeme rocket base offers a raw, atmospheric journey into Estonia’s secretive past, just a short drive from the lively cafes and streets of Tallinn’s city centre.
You might also like:
