Ready to swim through Soviet history? Welcome to Estonia’s most mind-blowing destination where crystal-clear turquoise waters hide the haunting remains of a former prison complex.
What Makes Rummu Quarry So Absolutely Epic?
Picture this: you’re floating above what used to be a limestone quarry where Soviet prisoners once toiled away in brutal conditions. Today, those same grounds are completely submerged under some of the clearest, most stunning blue-green water you’ll ever see in Northern Europe. It’s like someone took a slice of the Caribbean and dropped it smack dab in the Estonian countryside, complete with underwater prison ruins that’ll give you serious chills.
The crystal clear light blue lagoon of Rummu quarry and the adjacent ash hill are a unique combination and a wonderful destination for a day trip. But calling it just a “day trip” is seriously underselling this place – it’s more like stepping into an alternate reality where nature has reclaimed industrial decay in the most spectacular way possible.
The Dark History That Created This Underwater Wonderland
Here’s where things get seriously fascinating (and a little dark). In the late 1930s, the quarry began to be excavated for open mining of limestone and Vasalemma marble. The mining of Vasalemma limestone and marble in the Rummu quarry started as early as 1938 and the prisoners of Murru Prison were used as labour.
Soviet-era political prisoners were forced to work these limestone mines under absolutely brutal conditions. Around 1930 Murru prison and quarry were established. The prisoners had to work in the quarry and the prison was notorious for it’s human rights infringements. Every year at least one person died “in an accident”.
But here’s where the story takes a wild turn: On 31 December 2012, all of these prisons closed permanently. When Estonia regained independence and the Soviet system collapsed, the whole operation was abandoned practically overnight. Without anyone to look after the natural groundwater that seeped into the former quarry, it soon filled up with water, creating a new lake with alarming speed. It filled up so fast that many of the mining machines and even some of the buildings were swallowed whole by the rising waters.
Talk about nature having the last word, right?
What You’ll Actually See (Spoiler: It’s Incredible)
When you arrive at Rummu, prepare for your jaw to hit the ground. The contrast is absolutely mind-blowing – pristine turquoise waters surrounded by massive white limestone cliffs and that iconic “ash hill” created from decades of mining waste. Today, some of the former prison can still be seen on land, as parts of the structure stick out from the crystal clear lake waters.
Above Water Adventures
The partially submerged prison buildings create these incredibly eerie yet beautiful photo opportunities. You’ll see concrete structures emerging from the water like modern art installations, with empty window frames that seem to stare back at you. The water rose just enough to leave half of some of the buildings sticking out of the water with their bare windows looking over the lake like empty eyes.
Don’t miss climbing the ash hill – it’s a short hike that rewards you with absolutely epic panoramic views of the entire quarry and lake. The contrast between the white limestone, turquoise water, and green forest is seriously Instagram-worthy.
Underwater Exploration (The Real Adventure Begins)
This is where Rummu gets absolutely wild. When Rummu prison closed in 2012, the water pumps were shut down. Luckily for scuba divers, this resulted in an incredibly well-preserved underwater museum which lies mostly undiscovered.
You have to swim amongst the trees, a stern reminder of the importance of streamlining your kit. The dive only gets more surreal from that point on – from stretches of grasslands to swimming around buildings and over brick walls, all while swapping what would be the usual aquatic life for lamps, bottles, wheelbarrows, ladders.
Seriously – where else can you swim through a submerged forest and explore prison cells underwater?
Activities That’ll Blow Your Mind
Scuba Diving (The Ultimate Experience)
Rummu Diving is located at the former quarry site, now Rummu QUARRY, right in front of the world-famous “Rummu Underwater Prison” dive site. The introductory dive program is designed for those curious about diving and wanting to try it out themselves. This experience is suitable from the age of 12 and does not require participants to be strong swimmers or to have prior diving experience.
Price: €75 per person (Theory, equipment, 1 dive, Rummu Quarry day pass)
Swimming & Cliff Jumping
Nowadays the Rummu quarry serves as a beach and the lake water is probably the clearest you can find anywhere in Northern Europe. It feels like arriving somewhere in Croatia, that’s how clear blue the water really is. But because it’s water that comes from underneath the ground it’s bloody cold!
Somebody has made makeshift ladder inside one of the buildings, so you can swim inside, climb up and dive from the windows of the upper level! There’s good spots for diving from about 6 meters to 10m in this building.
SUP & Canoeing
The SUP trip takes place in the former Rummu quarry and on Rummu Lake. During this exciting trip, the guide will share the history of the area and introduce the beautiful nature of the lake (formerly a quarry).
Price: €45 per participant
Snorkeling
Welcome to a truly unique and intriguing snorkeling experience at Rummu quarry and underwater prison! Dive into the clear waters of this former limestone quarry, now transformed into a captivating underwater world.
Price: €50 per participant
Essential Planning Info (Don’t Skip This!)
Getting There
Rummu is located about 50 km South from the capital, Tallinn on Haapsalu maantee in Harju County. The easiest, fastest and the simplest way to get to the Rummu quarry and prison is by renting a car.
By Bus: I took a bus from the Estonian capital and was dropped off just outside the site. Check transport.tallinn.ee for current schedules.
Entry Fees & Access
You must buy tickets online it costs 5€ per person. You can enter Rummu quarry at summertime or with prior booking as the area is private territory.
Best Time to Visit
In 2021 RUMMU Quarry | Prison is open every day from 10am until 9pm from 1. June until 31. August. Summer is definitely peak season when you can swim, use the café facilities, and enjoy the warmest water temperatures.
Safety First (This Is Serious)
Look, we need to talk about safety because this isn’t your typical tourist spot. Jump-diving into the lake off derelict buildings is very dangerous, and professional divers have made public recommendations against this practice, because the lake bed contains pieces of thick concrete, tree branches, rebar spikes, metal construction (including machinery), and plenty of barbed wire.
On 7 August 2014, a 17-year-old girl injured her back when jumping into the water off a derelict building. Then in July 2016, late in the day, a 35-year-old man was found drowned in the quarry.
Stay safe, follow posted warnings, and if you’re diving, go with a certified operator.
Why You Need to Visit NOW
Here’s the thing – Rummu is one of those places that you need to visit NOW before it’s too late. The leftovers of the quarry and the surrounding areas of the former Soviet prison are being transformed into a festival area. This will drown the history of this place along with the submerged quarry.
Plans are constantly changing for this area, and there’s ongoing development that could alter the site’s raw, authentic character. Right now, you can experience this incredible piece of history exactly as nature and time have shaped it.
Pop Culture Fame
Fun fact: Rummu Quarry is one of the most photographed places in Estonia. The lead singer of Rammstein, Till Lindemann, has found inspiration for two of his music videos in Rummu quarry. Several of the deserted buildings at Rummu were featured in the video for hit song “Faded” (2015) by Norwegian DJ Alan Walker.
The Bottom Line
Rummu Quarry isn’t just another pretty lake – it’s a haunting reminder of Estonia’s Soviet past wrapped up in some of the most stunning natural beauty you’ll find in the Baltics. Whether you’re here for the history, the adventure sports, the photography opportunities, or just to experience something completely unique, this place will absolutely blow your mind.
Just remember: respect the site’s dark history, follow safety guidelines, and prepare to be amazed by what happens when nature reclaims human industry. This isn’t just a destination – it’s an experience you’ll be talking about for years.
Pro tip: Bring underwater cameras, pack a picnic (facilities are limited), and plan for a full day because you won’t want to leave this absolutely incredible place.
Disclaimer
Important Safety Notice: This article is for informational purposes only. Rummu Quarry involves inherent risks including but not limited to drowning, injury from submerged debris, hypothermia, and structural collapse of ruins. Swimming, diving, and cliff jumping activities are undertaken at your own risk. Always follow posted safety warnings, use certified dive operators for underwater activities, and never dive or swim alone. Conditions at the site can change rapidly and without notice.
The information in this article was accurate at the time of writing but fees, opening hours, accessibility, and safety conditions may have changed. Always verify current information directly with official sources before visiting. We strongly recommend purchasing appropriate travel insurance and consulting with medical professionals before participating in any water sports or adventure activities.
By visiting Rummu Quarry, you acknowledge that you do so at your own risk and responsibility. The author and publisher of this article assume no liability for any accidents, injuries, or losses that may occur during your visit.
