Tallinn: Raeapteek Tour with Workshop and Tastings

Discover the fascinating story of Raeapteek, one of Tallinn’s oldest pharmacies, during a 1-hour guided tour led by knowledgeable local guides speaking English and Estonian. For just 24 euros, you’ll visit the pharmacy’s historic setting, learn about its centuries-old legend, and get hands-on experience crafting herbal teas, salts, or spiced sugar. The tour also includes tastings of the famous Claret wine, a spiced pharmacy wine, and handmade marzipan—once sold as a remedy for heartache. This experience is suited for those interested in history, local traditions, and sweet treats. The small group size, limited to 10 participants, makes for an intimate and engaging session, but it’s important to note that some tastings and workshops are optional extras at additional costs.

Key Points

• Duration: 1 hour, perfect for a quick yet meaningful visit
• Location: Harju, Tallinn’s Old Town, Estonia
• Activities: Guided history tour, herbal tea and salt making workshops, marzipan molding, and tastings
• Pricing: Tour costs 24 euros, marzipan 6 euros per person, Claret wine 24 or 40 euros depending on quantity
• Language options: Tour led in English and Estonian
• Provider: MyEventRiga, rated 4.5 out of 5

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Historic Raeapteek and Its Storied Past

The tour kicks off inside Raeapteek, one of Europe’s oldest pharmacies, with a focus on its centuries-long history. Visitors explore the pharmacy’s historic premises, where they learn about its origins and the legends associated with its unique products. The guides share stories that make the old pharmacy come alive, captivating both adults and children alike.

This part of the tour offers a glimpse into medieval pharmacy practices and how Raeapteek became a symbol of Tallinn’s rich heritage. It’s a chance to view original fixtures and understand why the pharmacy remains a popular cultural site today. The historical overview sets a perfect context for the upcoming hands-on activities.

Making Herbal Teas, Salts, and Spiced Sugar in the Cellar

Following the historical introduction, the tour continues with an interactive workshop in the cellar room. Here, participants craft herbal teas, salts, or spiced sugar, gaining practical experience in traditional medicine and culinary practices. The workshop emphasizes natural ingredients and the pharmacy’s long-standing ties to herbal remedies.

This session allows hands-on involvement, enabling participants to mold or mix their own creations, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. The workshop is suitable for all ages, with children able to mold marzipan during this segment, and adults able to try their hand at making herbal products. The workshop cost is included in the tour price, but additional items such as marzipan are available for 6 euros per person.

Tasting Claret: The Pharmacy’s Spiced Wine

One of the tour’s highlights is the tasting of Claret, the pharmacy’s famous spiced wine. Visitors can sample 200 ml for 24 euros or 500 ml for 40 euros, allowing them to savor the traditional pharmacy wine that has been enjoyed for generations. The Claret is seasoned with spices, giving it a warm, aromatic flavor that perfectly complements the historical setting.

The guide explains the significance of Claret in pharmacy culture and how it was historically used as a medicinal remedy. This tasting offers a delightful insight into Tallinn’s medicinal drink tradition, perfect for those curious about local culinary customs.

The Legend and Molded Marzipan

A charming part of the tour is hearing the legend of marzipan, once believed to be a remedy for heartache and memory enhancement. Participants can mold their own marzipan creations, a hands-on activity that brings the legend to life. The historical significance and the crafting process make this a memorable experience for visitors.

Handmade marzipan is available for purchase at 6 euros per person. It’s a sweet souvenir that links the confectionery art to local lore. The activity offers a fun break from the historical narration, especially appealing for families or anyone with a sweet tooth.

More Great Tours Nearby

Practical Details: Group Size, Pricing, and Booking

This tour is designed for small groups, with a maximum of 10 participants, ensuring plenty of personal interaction and attention from guides. It is operated by MyEventRiga, which maintains a 4.5-star rating, reflecting consistent quality.

Booking is flexible, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance, and the option to reserve now and pay later. The tour lasts approximately 1 hour, making it an easy addition to any Tallinn itinerary. The experience is available in English and Estonian, accommodating international visitors comfortably.

Accessibility, Cost, and Additional Offerings

The tour’s main activities are suitable for most visitors, with the main costs being 24 euros for the tour, 6 euros for marzipan, and additional charges for the Claret wine. The cellar workshop and molded marzipan are included or optional, providing flexibility for different interests.

The Claret wine options allow visitors to enjoy the drink at their preferred volume, with 200 ml or 500 ml bottles. The experience emphasizes authenticity and hands-on participation, making it a memorable way to connect with Tallinn’s medicinal and culinary history.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This tour appeals to history enthusiasts, culinary curious, and families looking for an interactive cultural activity. It’s particularly suitable for those interested in medieval medicine, local legends, or handcrafting sweets. The small group setting enhances the experience for travelers seeking a more personal and engaging visit.

Since the tour features light physical activity—mainly molding marzipan and making herbal salts—it’s accessible to most participants. However, it’s best for visitors comfortable with a short, active workshop and tasting session.

The Unique Charm of Raeapteek’s Confectionery and Remedies

Amid Tallinn’s busy Old Town, Raeapteek offers a blend of history, tradition, and craftsmanship. The tour’s focus on marzipan lore, spiced pharmacy wine, and herbal products creates a distinctive experience that combines learning with tasting. The opportunity to purchase handmade marzipan adds a tangible keepsake to remember this journey.

While the 1-hour duration is concise, it covers a lot of ground—from historical insights to interactive activities—making it an efficient yet enriching addition to your Tallinn visit. The small group size and flexible booking options provide a comfortable environment to enjoy this cultural experience.

Tallinn’s Raeapteek Tour: A Brief Recap

This tour offers a unique peek into Tallinn’s medicinal past combined with fun, hands-on crafting. The guided history talk, workshop, and tastings are well-balanced, providing both education and enjoyment in a compact 1-hour session. For those interested in local traditions, herbal remedies, and sweets, this experience delivers authenticity and charm.

The costs are reasonable, especially considering the inclusion of workshops and tastings, and the limited group size ensures a cozy atmosphere. While it’s not a long tour, it offers a rich, memorable snapshot of Raeapteek’s legacy, perfect for curious travelers wanting a taste of Tallinn’s history and culture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the Raeapteek tour?
The tour lasts 1 hour, making it a quick yet informative activity suitable for most schedules.

What is included in the tour price?
The guided tour, workshop, and marzipan molding are included in the 24 euro fee. Additional items like marzipan (6 euros) and Claret wine (starting at 24 euros) are available for purchase.

Are there options for different languages?
Yes, the tour is led by guides speaking English and Estonian.

Can children participate in the activities?
Yes, children can mold marzipan, and the activities are designed to be engaging for all ages.

What should I know before booking?
Booking is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later to keep your plans adaptable.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
While the information does not specify accessibility details, the activities mainly take place within the historic pharmacy building and cellar room, which may have limited access for those with mobility challenges.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby