By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Reading: Tartu and its Secret Airfield
Share
Sign In
Notification Show More
Font ResizerAa
Font ResizerAa
Travel Radar - Aviation NewsTravel Radar - Aviation News
  • Breaking News
  • Aviation
    • Aircraft
    • Airlines
    • Airshow & Events
    • Careers
    • Manufacturing
  • Travel
    • Airports
    • Points & Loyalty
    • Technology
    • Trip Reviews
  • Newsletters
Signin Sign In
Follow US
Copyright © Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2025 | All Rights Reserved
Travel Radar - Aviation News > News > Tartu and its Secret Airfield

Tartu and its Secret Airfield

Travel Radar
Last updated: 5 May 2020 14:23
By Travel Radar Staff
4 Min Read
Share
The old University Observatory in Tartu, Estonia
SHARE

 Tartu in Estonia is to be applauded for its innovative reclamation of a secret Soviet air base.  This once barren wasteland is now occupied by a state of the art building that houses the Estonian National Museum.

Summary
 Raadi Airfield in Tartu, EstoniaThe Estonian National MuseumEuropean Capital of Culture 2024

 Raadi Airfield in Tartu, Estonia

Airfield Raadi, also known as Tartu Air Base, began operations in 1912 when Estonia was under Russian occupation.  Since it opened the airfield has changed hands three times.  The first when Estonia became independent in 1920.  The second, during the Second World War when the Russians regained control.  Aft the war it became a secret Soviet air base.  The Russians constructed large mounds around the perimeter to hide the aircraft using the base.  The town of Tartu was isolated from the rest of the world.  The third, when Estonia regained its independence in 1991 and used it as an airport.

Air Field Raadi in Tartu in Estonia
Air Field Raadi in Tartu in Estonia Credit: Valery Collins

 

The Estonian National Museum

The airfield closed down in 1999.  A large area of polluted ground.  Pilots had been in the habit of dumping fuel as they can in to land.  It was not suitable for housing.  However, it was ideal as the site for the new Estonian National Museum – a project that took one hundred years to complete.  A competition to decide the best design for the new building was won by the Paris-based architects DGT.  This ultra-modern single storey building features a huge canopy over the main entrance.

Estonia National Museum in Tartu in Estonia
Estonia National Museum in Tartu in Estonia Credit Valery Collins

The huge interior of this museum has two permanent exhibitions, space for temporary exhibitions, a conference hall, a cinema, a restaurant and a café.  Many interesting exhibits trace the history and traditions of Estonia.   I amused myself by trying to outwit the spotlight that the Russians used to watch people – interaction at its best.  But pride of place for Estonians is the original Estonian flag.  This tricolour flag is the symbol of Estonia’s struggle for freedom.  The colours reflect the importance of nature to the Estonian culture.  Blue for the sky and Baltic Sea, black for the fertile soil and dark forests and white for snow and bright summer nights.

European Capital of Culture 2024

Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia, has emerged triumphant from Russian and Soviet domination.  A delightful mix of Bohemian café culture and scientific success it has been designate the European Capital of Culture 2024.  Visitors will be able to enjoy a wide range of attractions from the grandeur of its old university buildings and museums to the nostalgia of a teddy bears’ picnic in the Toy Museum

University Buildings in Tartu in Estonia
University Buildings in Tartu in Estonia Credit: Valery Collins

Article by Valery Collins the Experienced Traveller

You Might Also Like

ICAS Honours Embraer for Innovation and Cooperation in Italy
United Airlines switches from bottled to canned wines
Why Long-Haul Flights Cause Jet Lag and How to Minimise It
First-Ever Airbus Beluga Retired
Alaska Air Group introduces new nonstop flights to Japan and Seoul via Hawaiian Airlines in 2025
Share This Article
Facebook Twitter Email Copy Link
What’s your thoughts?
Love0
Sad0
Happy0
Angry0
Travel Radar
ByTravel Radar Staff
Follow:
Articles from guest contributors wishing to remain anonymous are credited to this account. Want to contribute to Travel Radar either in-name, or anonymously? Get in touch: [email protected]
Previous Article Millions of Jobs at Risk as European Airline Losses Increase
Next Article Covid 19 and the Zero Hour Contract Aircrew
Subscribe
Login
Notify of
guest

guest

2 Comments
Oldest
Newest Upvoted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments

Stay Connected

FacebookLike
TwitterFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe

Trending News

Emrecan Ergin, Vice President, Middle East and Africa at PPG Group
Plaza Premium Group Appoints the New Vice President, Emrecan Ergin
Airports Aviation Careers
EasyJet aircraft
easyJet Launch Five-Star Luxury Holiday Package Collection
Airlines Aviation Route Development Travel
BA CityFlyer Embraer
British Airways Announces Transatlantic Expansion With New Direct U.S Flight
Aircraft Aviation Travel
A LEGO figure next to a Billund Airport and Norwegian signboard.
Norwegian Announces New Billund – Edinburgh Route
Airlines Aviation Route Development
An IndiGo Airbus A320-232 in air.
China and India Resuming Direct Flights after 5 Years
Airlines Aviation Route Development
//

Travel Radar is the leading digital hub for all things aviation and air-travel. Discover our latest aviation news, aviation data, insight and analysis.

Discover

  • Latest News
  • Subscribe
  • Weekly Digest
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • About Us
  • Advertising
  • Media Coverage
  • Press & Events
  • Join Our Team
  • Our Brands

Signup to our Newsletter!

And get the latest aviation news via our weekly news digest!

© Travel Radar Media Ltd. 2015-2025 | ISSN #2635-0696 | Trademark #UK00003579704
wpDiscuz
adbanner
Welcome to the TR Community!

Sign in to your account

Not a member? Sign Up