Tallinn: Time Travel Experience “VR Tallinn 1939/44”

Key Points

• Two historical eras: Experience Tallinn in 1939 and 1944, each offering a distinct view of the city before and during World War II.
• Immersive outdoor experience: The tour combines VR technology with outdoor walking, bringing historic streets to life in full color and 3D.
• Guided tour of Harju Street: Walk along the city’s most prominent street, seeing restored buildings, neon signs, and bustling shops from the past.
• Flexible duration: The experience lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour, with tours starting on the hour.
• Family friendly and accessible: Suitable for most visitors, including those in wheelchairs; children under 7 are not recommended.
• Multiple language options: The audio guide is available in Estonian, Russian, English, Latvian, Lithuanian, Finnish, German, Spanish, and Italian.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Unique Concept of VR Tallinn 1939/44

The VR Tallinn 1939/44 tour by VR History offers a distinct way to explore the city’s past. Instead of traditional walking tours, the journey is supported by virtual reality headsets that bring historical scenes to life. The tour lasts from 30 minutes to an hour, making it a convenient option for travelers with limited time. Starting at the underground passage of Freedom Square, the tour then guides visitors through Harju Street, the heart of Tallinn’s historical and commercial activity in 1939.

The outdoor setting for the VR experience enhances the sense of place, as visitors walk along the street, observing restored buildings, neon signs, and shops that once lined the busy thoroughfare. The visual realism of the scenes, in full color and 3D, makes the past feel surprisingly tangible. This approach has earned high praise, with reviews highlighting the interactive nature and engaging storytelling led by knowledgeable guides.

Exploring Tallinn in 1939: Harju Street Reimagined

The 1939 tour takes visitors back to Tallinn’s most prominent street, showcasing its early morning tranquility and evening glow. Every detail, from furniture and signage to famous hotels and businesses, has been meticulously restored to reflect the past accurately. Visitors get a guided walk along Harju Street, observing the bustling commercial life as it was before Estonia’s loss of independence.

As the VR scenes unfold, you see neon advertisements illuminating the street at night, creating a vivid contrast with the daytime scenes. After exploring the street, visitors can relax in the suite of Hotel Kuld Lõvi, emphasizing the sense of being part of a living city from nearly a century ago.

The 1944 Perspective: The Night of the Bombing

The 1944 experience begins on the evening of March 9, during the third year of Nazi German occupation. The flyover scenes depict Tallinn on the night of the March bombing, highlighting the extent of the destruction in full color and 3D. Standing amidst the ruins of Old Town, participants witness the devastation wrought by war, providing a stark contrast to the earlier 1939 scenes.

The VR scenes capture Tallinn’s wartime devastation, allowing visitors to visualize the damage and understand the impact of WWII on Estonia’s capital. The experience brings history to life in a way that feels tangible and immediate, offering insights into a pivotal moment during the war.

How the VR Experience Works and Practicalities

The tour begins at VR History in the underground passage of Freedom Square. Participants are given a brief safety introduction lasting about 5 minutes before starting the VR segments. The headsets provided ensure a hands-free experience, while the audio guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Estonian, Finnish, Italian, Latvian, Lithuanian, Spanish, German, and Russian.

The guided walk along Harju Street lasts around an hour, giving ample time to appreciate the restored architecture and historic ambiance. The entire activity, including safety briefings and walking, generally lasts 30 minutes to one hour. The tour is wheelchair accessible and designed to accommodate most visitors, emphasizing safety and comfort.

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Meeting Points and Location Details

The starting point for this tour is at the VR History shop situated in the underground passage of Freedom Square (Vabaduse väljak 9) in Tallinn. The tour begins on the hour, with the last session starting one hour before closing time. Upon completing the VR tour, visitors return to the original meeting point, making logistics straightforward.

In rainy weather, the VR experience can also take place indoors, ensuring that weather conditions do not interfere with the experience. Visitors are advised to bring weather-appropriate clothing and an umbrella if they plan to walk outdoors.

The Role of the Tour Guide and Personalities

The guide leading the walk is known for being friendly and helpful, adding context to the VR scenes and enhancing the storytelling aspect. While the VR scenes themselves are highly detailed and realistic, the guide’s explanations help deepen understanding of the historical significance of each scene, making the experience both educational and engaging.

Pricing, Booking, and Flexibility

This tour includes all fees and taxes, with a ticket, headset, and audio guide provided. The reservation process offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the scheduled start, ensuring flexibility. Visitors can reserve now and pay later, which is ideal for uncertain travel plans.

The activity is not suitable for children under 7 years old due to VR headset use and safety considerations. The duration and timing are flexible, with tours starting on the hour to suit different schedules.

Accessibility and Practical Tips

The tour’s accessibility makes it a good choice for most visitors, including those in wheelchairs. It’s advisable to replace varifocals with single vision glasses or contact lenses for comfort during the VR experience.

Visitors should bring an umbrella and dress appropriately for the weather, especially if walking outdoors. Since parts of the tour are outdoors, comfortable shoes are recommended to enjoy the walk along Harju Street.

Why This Tour Stands Out

What makes this tour particularly noteworthy is its combination of VR technology with outdoor walking, providing a multi-sensory way to explore Tallinn’s history. The visual realism of scenes from 1939 and 1944 offers insights that traditional tours might not deliver.

On top of that, guides are praised for their friendly demeanor and knowledge, which enriches the overall experience. The multi-language audio guides ensure that a wide range of visitors can enjoy the tour comfortably.

Final Thoughts on VR Tallinn 1939/44

The VR Tallinn 1939/44 tour offers a unique blend of technology, history, and outdoor exploration. Its short duration makes it suitable for travelers looking for a concise yet meaningful experience. The visual quality of the scenes and the guided walk together create a compelling way to understand Tallinn’s history during a turbulent period.

While not suitable for very young children or those with certain eyesight needs, the tour is accessible, informative, and engaging. Visitors interested in world war-era history or VR experiences will find this activity well worth the time.

Frequently Asked Questions

• How long does the VR Tallinn 1939/44 tour last?
  The experience lasts between 30 minutes and 1 hour, including safety briefing and walking.

• Where does the tour start?
  It begins at VR History in the underground passage of Freedom Square (Vabaduse väljak 9).

• Is the tour suitable for children?
  The activity is not recommended for children under 7 years old.

• Can the VR experience be indoors?
  Yes, in case of rain, the VR experience can take place indoors.

• Is the tour accessible for people in wheelchairs?
  Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible.

• What languages are available for the audio guide?
  The audio guide is available in Estonian, Russian, English, Latvian, Lithuanian, Finnish, German, Spanish, and Italian.

• What should I bring?
  Visitors should bring weather-appropriate clothing and an umbrella for outdoor walking segments.

• How do I cancel or reschedule?
  You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reserve now and pay later.

• What makes this tour different from traditional walking tours?
  The combination of VR technology with guided outdoor walking offers a more immersive and visual experience of Tallinn’s history.

• Is this tour suitable for those with limited mobility?
  Yes, it is designed to be accessible and suitable for most visitors, including those in wheelchairs.

  You can check availability for your dates here:
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