St Nicholas' Church and Museum Niguliste Museum
A 13th-century church turned museum, housing medieval art like the 'Dance of Death' and offering panoramic Tallinn views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
St Nicholas' Church and Museum Niguliste Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 13th-century church turned museum, housing medieval art like the 'Dance of Death' and offering panoramic Tallinn views.
"The view from the rooftop is amazing and the Death Dance painting should be seen."
🎟️ Buy your ticket
Entrance requires a fee, but the Tallinn Card is accepted.
⬆️ Lift or stairs to tower
Choose the lift or 233 steps for tower views. Lift can have queues.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The 'Dance of Death'
Main exhibition hall
A haunting 15th-century masterpiece by Bernt Notke, this fragment is a rare and powerful depiction of mortality.
Tower Viewing Platform
Church tower
Panoramic views of Tallinn's Old Town from the top. Accessible by lift or stairs.
Christmas Tree Display
Main hall
During the holiday season, the church hosts a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, often a local favorite.
Ecclesiastical Art Collection
Various exhibition spaces
Discover a rich collection of sacral art, including silverware, coats of arms, and the high altar by Hermen Rode.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Don't Miss the 'Dance of Death'
Rooftop Views & Accessibility
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy your ticket
Entrance requires a fee, but the Tallinn Card is accepted. +1
⬆️ Lift or stairs to tower
Choose the lift or 233 steps for tower views. Lift can have queues.
15th century 'Danse Macabre' ("Dance of Death") by Bernt Notke, a piece still surviving in Tallinn St Nicholas' Church-Museum
💧 No water bottles inside
Be aware that water bottles are not permitted inside the museum.
🎒 Bag storage available
Free lockers are available for storing bags.
Detail of “The Dance of Death” by Bernt Notke in Niguliste church, Tallinn
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy your ticket
Entrance requires a fee, but the Tallinn Card is accepted. +1
⬆️ Lift or stairs to tower
Choose the lift or 233 steps for tower views. Lift can have queues.
💧 No water bottles inside
Be aware that water bottles are not permitted inside the museum.
🎒 Bag storage available
Free lockers are available for storing bags.
♿ Wheelchair accessible
The museum is wheelchair accessible with disability toilets.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the stunning views from the tower and the significant 'Dance of Death' artwork. While some find the religious art exhibits a bit dry, the overall experience is considered worthwhile, especially for the historical and visual elements. The accessibility features and free bag storage are also appreciated.
"Beautiful church. Entrance requires a fee but definitely worth it. Important to note that you cannot enter the church with a water bottle. The view from the rooftop is amazing and the Death Dance painting should be seen. You can use the lift to reach the rooftop."
ece hüner
"The highlight of the visit was the view of the Old Town from the viewing platform which can be reached by a lift within the church ( or take the steps). Some of the exhibits were interesting but you probably won’t spend too long here. There’s part of a canvas-painted work depicting the Dance of Death, some homeless bells and a fabulous modern stained glass window."
Carole (Caz)
"The church and museum contain religious artifacts, including a stunning macabre painting. Apart from the macabre, I found it all a bit boring. It was also crowded with a tour, which made it hard to appreciate the building as a whole.
You are able to visit the different floors in the tower by lift or stairs, of which there are 233 steps. The lift took a long time due to the number of people using it. I gave up and used the stairs.
The top floor has stunning views over Tallinn and is definitely worth a visit.
The outside of the building is beautiful. As a note, there is a small children's playground behind the building.
You need to buy a ticket to enter. The Tallinn Card is accepted here.
There are toilets, these were clean. There was, also, a souvenir shop.
Bags need to be left in lockers. These were free to use.
The building is wheelchair accessible. There are disability toilets.
They have put guideways in for sight impaired people at the ticket desk, cloakroom, and disabled toilets."
Shelley C
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is centrally located in Tallinn's Old Town, easily accessible on foot from most accommodations. Public transport options are also available, with bus stops nearby.
Parking in Tallinn's Old Town can be challenging and expensive. It's recommended to use public transport or walk if staying nearby.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is an entrance fee to visit the museum. The Tallinn Card is accepted, which can be a cost-effective option if you plan to visit multiple attractions. +1
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Typically, access to the tower viewing platform is included with your museum ticket.
Yes, water bottles are not allowed inside the museum. Bags must be stored in the provided free lockers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the exhibits and enjoying the tower views. Some find it a bit boring if they are not interested in religious art. +1
You can choose between taking 233 steps or using the lift. The lift can get busy, so be prepared for a potential wait.
The 'Dance of Death' painting, the high altar by Hermen Rode, and the panoramic views from the tower are the main highlights. +2
While there are some interesting exhibits, the focus on religious art might not captivate all children. There is a small playground behind the building.
Information on guided tours can be found on the museum's official website or by inquiring at the ticket desk.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There are no dining facilities within the museum itself. However, numerous cafes and restaurants are available in the surrounding Old Town.
No, food and drinks, including water bottles, are not permitted inside the museum.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography policies can vary. It's advisable to check for signage or ask museum staff regarding restrictions on photography, especially for flash use.
The panoramic views from the tower are excellent for capturing photos of Tallinn's Old Town. The 'Dance of Death' painting is also a striking subject.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that water bottles are not allowed inside, so plan accordingly. The museum's accessibility features, like the lift, can also make navigating with strollers easier.
🏛️ History Buffs & Art Enthusiasts
Exploring the restored church building itself is also a historical experience, especially considering its survival after WWII bombing. The tower offers not just views but also a sense of the building's scale and historical significance.
📸 Photographers
Inside, the 'Dance of Death' painting, despite its somber theme, is a visually striking subject for artistic photography, provided it's permitted. The modern stained glass window also presents opportunities for unique shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Mortality: Bernt Notke's 'Dance of Death'
Visitors often describe the painting as haunting and unforgettable. It’s a testament to the artistic and cultural context of the era, offering a profound reflection on life and death. The detail and emotional impact of the work continue to resonate with viewers centuries later.
While the fragment is a highlight, the museum also showcases other significant religious artifacts, including the high altar by Hermen Rode, which is another exceptional piece of art. These works collectively provide a deep dive into the ecclesiastical art history of the region.
Ascending to the Skies: Tower Views and Accessibility
Accessibility to the tower is a key consideration for many visitors. The museum provides both a lift and a staircase (approximately 233 steps) to reach the top. While the stairs offer a more traditional experience, the lift is a convenient option, though it can sometimes experience queues due to its popularity. The museum is also generally wheelchair accessible, with disability toilets available, ensuring a more inclusive experience for all.
Beyond the view, the journey up the tower itself can be part of the experience. Whether you choose the physical challenge of the stairs or the ease of the lift, reaching the top offers a rewarding conclusion to your exploration of the church and its museum.
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