Guided Hike in Laagri – Explore Underground Tunnels and a Former Prison Camp!
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"There is nothing more fascinating than underground bunkers and tunnels. Matkafy offers several hikes where we explore such places, but Laagri is truly the crown jewel of them all. Did you know that beneath the hills of Tänassilma lies a network of passages stretching nearly 5 km, resembling old mining tunnels, many of which can still be explored today? Even more remarkably, in the 1970s a multi-storey underground air-defense command center was built here—a facility that was considered a target for American nuclear strikes.
But that's not all. We will also stroll along a village street with medieval roots, discuss local gossip from the 1930s, and search for the site of the prison camp that gave the area its name. The highlight, however, is hearing about life inside this secret Soviet military installation through the memories of the men who served in the command center.
Thankfully, the Cold War never escalated into a full-scale nuclear conflict. Had it done so, Laagri would likely have been among the primary targets of a nuclear strike aimed at Tallinn.
Today, however, Laagri is a wonderful place to explore. We will walk along a historic village road, venture through underground passages reminiscent of mining tunnels, and learn about the famous Tänassilma air-defense and missile command center.
In reality, these attractions are only the tip of the iceberg. We will also locate the former prison camp that gave the area its name and discover many other fascinating traces of the region’s past. Alongside historical research, our stories draw heavily on original sources, including the recollections of men who worked in the command center and memories shared by local residents. Of the more than one-kilometre route, a significant portion will be walked underground."*
The hike takes place entirely in daylight. Flashlights will be provided when entering the underground sections. Rubber boots are not required, but participants who have them are welcome to wear them. Shoes are likely to get dirty, as the underground passages are clayey and muddy.
🎟️ Advance ticket purchase is required: https://laternamatkad.ee/en/piletimatkad
✴️ WHAT ARE MATKAFY TOURS?
Matkafy tours are exciting, educational, and healthy! We love being active and exploring the world around us. We take visitors to places and hidden corners that most people never get to see and share fascinating stories through live guided narration. During the tour, we make a short break and offer a refreshing drink.
🥾 TOUR INFORMATION
Meeting and finishing point: Seljaku 4b, Riketsi Garden Centre parking area
Duration and distance: Approximately 2.5 hours / 6 km
Ticket price: €26 per person
Tour language: English
We look forward to seeing you on a Matkafy tour! 🧡
But that's not all. We will also stroll along a village street with medieval roots, discuss local gossip from the 1930s, and search for the site of the prison camp that gave the area its name. The highlight, however, is hearing about life inside this secret Soviet military installation through the memories of the men who served in the command center.
Thankfully, the Cold War never escalated into a full-scale nuclear conflict. Had it done so, Laagri would likely have been among the primary targets of a nuclear strike aimed at Tallinn.
Today, however, Laagri is a wonderful place to explore. We will walk along a historic village road, venture through underground passages reminiscent of mining tunnels, and learn about the famous Tänassilma air-defense and missile command center.
In reality, these attractions are only the tip of the iceberg. We will also locate the former prison camp that gave the area its name and discover many other fascinating traces of the region’s past. Alongside historical research, our stories draw heavily on original sources, including the recollections of men who worked in the command center and memories shared by local residents. Of the more than one-kilometre route, a significant portion will be walked underground."*
The hike takes place entirely in daylight. Flashlights will be provided when entering the underground sections. Rubber boots are not required, but participants who have them are welcome to wear them. Shoes are likely to get dirty, as the underground passages are clayey and muddy.
🎟️ Advance ticket purchase is required: https://laternamatkad.ee/en/piletimatkad
✴️ WHAT ARE MATKAFY TOURS?
Matkafy tours are exciting, educational, and healthy! We love being active and exploring the world around us. We take visitors to places and hidden corners that most people never get to see and share fascinating stories through live guided narration. During the tour, we make a short break and offer a refreshing drink.
🥾 TOUR INFORMATION
Meeting and finishing point: Seljaku 4b, Riketsi Garden Centre parking area
Duration and distance: Approximately 2.5 hours / 6 km
Ticket price: €26 per person
Tour language: English
We look forward to seeing you on a Matkafy tour! 🧡
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Where is it happening?
Hortes (Laagri), Seljaku 4b, Laagri, Saue, 76401 Harju Maakond, Eesti, Estonia
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
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Host or PublisherMatkafy Laternamatkad
