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

Birmingham Airport Launches New Gibraltar Route
COVID-19 Rules and Regulations Relating to International Air Travel
Foot And Mouth Disease Enters Australia: Airlines On Alert
Airbus To Reduce Size of Its North American Operation
Malindo Air is Flying to “The Green City” Nanning, China
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

Cathay congratulates the Belt and Road Summit on its 10th anniversary
10th Belt and Road Summit, Cathay Congratulates the Hong Kong Government
Airshow & Events Aviation Travel
IndiGo cargo
IndiGo expands its network to Purnea, its 94th domestic destination
Aviation Route Development
Lufthansa Technik's 100th LEAP engine Induction
Lufthansa Technik celebrates its 100th CFM LEAP engine induction
Aviation Manufacturing
Aerial View of Coastal Town with Lush Greenery in Dominica
Soaring Above the Rest: Why Aviation-Minded Investors Choose Dominica’s Citizenship by Investment Program
Aviation Travel
Work is already underway at Doncaster Sheffield Airport
Doncaster Sheffield Airport set to reopen following £160m funding grant
Airports
//

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