The former nuclear site in Paldiski, once a Soviet submarine training centre with working nuclear reactors, has now been made safe and offers the opportunity to explore the special site through guided tours.
The story of the former Paldiski nuclear site
At the beginning of the 1960s A nuclear site on the Pakri Peninsula in Paldiski For onshore training of the crews of nuclear submarines of the Soviet fleet. The main building housed two classrooms with working nuclear reactors and simulations of submarine control.
In addition to the main building, the Paldiski nuclear site included storage facilities for liquid and solid radioactive waste, a liquid waste treatment complex, a ventilation centre, a special laundry for radioactively contaminated work clothes, a boiler house and other auxiliary buildings. The site was handed over to Estonia in 1995, after Estonia regained its independence. Only three of the 39 buildings and facilities that once stood there are still standing:
- a renovated main building containing reactor components, a modern interim storage facility for radioactive waste and office and storage facilities and workshops for the operation of ALARA;
- gateway building;
- garage.
Following the take-over of the nuclear site, most of the buildings were cleaned up and dismantled, and the waste collected was handled and stored in accordance with modern safety standards. Although the main clean-up work was completed in 2012, the final dismantling and safety work on the reactor sections will continue between 2040 and 2050, by which time final disposal facilities for existing and dismantled radioactive waste will be established on the site.
Is it safe to visit the former Paldiski nuclear site?
It is safe to visit the former Paldiski nuclear site. Visitors may only stay on the site with an escort from AS ALARA and must comply with the escort's instructions.
There is no age restriction for visitors, but as there is the possibility to climb up the reactor section and the 11 m high barrier wall during the visit, it is recommended that visitors are at least of school age, as younger visitors cannot go everywhere for safety reasons (high steps, physical exertion, etc.).
What can you see on the tour?
The tour will start with a presentation in the hall, where we will introduce the history of the site, its current activities and its future. We will then visit the site, including a tour of the older reactor building, which houses the submarine's energy section and an opportunity to climb on it. We will also visit the hall of the main building, where the intermediate storage of radioactive waste is located. You will have the opportunity to climb a staircase to a height of 11 m and get a view of the entire interior of the building.
The visit is accompanied by a guide who will tell you about the history and answer questions. See also the former Paldiski nuclear site. virtual tour (introductory video).
What is needed to visit the former nuclear site in Paldiski?
To visit a nuclear site, you must do the following:
- arrange a time to visit in advance;
- bring a photo ID;
- good mood 🙂
When getting dressed, remember that it's usually windy here and the temperature inside the concrete building is moderate all year round.