Off-the-beaten path in Tallinn: Tommy Cash's Kopli

Did you know that one of Estonia's most eccentric artists was born and raised in Kopli? Read on to learn more about this fascinating neighborhood.

Tommy Cash defies definition, and so does his hometown neighborhood of Kopli.

Some say it's giving life; others don't understand the hype. Visit and decide for yourself!

Kopli's industrial past

At the end of the 19th and the beginning of the 20th century, Kopli was home to shipyards and factories. The area had everything residents could want: a school, church, community center, hospital, canteen, shop, post office, fire station, and more.

After the area's heyday in the 1930s, Kopli gradually began to decline, with many buildings falling into disrepair. From these industrial ashes, the neighborhood has begun to rise, with new housing replacing derelict homes and local artists and community groups reclaiming and repurposing some of the old factory buildings.

Põhjala Factory development in Kopli, Tallinn

Source: Põhjala Tehas Facebook

Childhood tales

Tommy Cash, whose real name is Tomas Tammemets, lived on Sepa Street in a house near the soup kitchen, with a view of the railway from the window. In a 2015 interview with EestiPäevaleht, Cash said he remembered seeing long lines at the soup kitchen, though he also recalled the bakery behind his house, which made some of the best pastries in Tallinn.

Despite the neighborhood's reputation, Cash went on to say how much he appreciated growing up in Kopli. "This place actually brings peace to my heart. There's a really good homely feeling and very beautiful nature there.... I had everything there: friends, the beach, lots of activities. I had a very beautiful childhood, and I don't regret it or wish anything had been different," Cash said.

View of new Kopli Lines housing development during winter

Source: Kopli liinid, Fund Ehitus OÜ, Raigo Tõnisalu

Source: Georg Svidlov

Kopli, a former working-class neighborhood, is on its way to becoming a vibrant residential area.

Up-and-coming Kopli

In 2022, Tallinn opened a public workshop called Kopli 93 Makerspace, one of the first in the city. It's dedicated to providing locals with the tools and skills to repair and reuse things rather than throwing them away. There is also an active community garden that is especially beautiful in the second half of summer.

This community spirit is on full display during many of the events held at Põhjala Factory throughout the year. For decades, Põhjala Factory made rubber products. Now, it's home to a coworking space, and a number of creative companies have their offices there.

Source: Sander Olo

What to do in Kopli

Start with a stroll around the neighborhood.

Visit Tallinn has a great guide to Kopli's most prominent buildings, making getting your 10,000 steps in for the day easy.

Don't miss:

Admiring the sea from the Kopli Promenade
Coffee and pastries at Karjase Sai
Browsing used books at REaD
A tasty dinner at Barbarea
Enjoying the shade under the trees in Kase Park or Kopli Cemetery Park
A creative cocktail at Botik in the summer

Night out in the garden at Botik in Kopli, Tallinn

Source: BOTIK Facebook

Life by the seaside

The sea defines Kopli — literally, as it's located on a peninsula.

To the west, Stroomi Beach is a popular place for swimming and walking. Stroomi has everything you need for an enjoyable afternoon, including exciting playgrounds for the kids and public grills in the forested area behind the beach. If you've brought your bike or enjoy a long walk, the path goes all the way to the Rocca Al Mare area, where you can find Tallinn Zoo and the Open Air Museum.

If you're looking for something even wilder, you don't have to look far. The Paljasaare Peninsula to the east of Kopli used to be off-limits due to the many military installations in the area. Now, it's a protected area frequented by migrating seabirds. Climb one of the birdwatching towers for a better view or take a dip in the sea at Pikakari Beach.