PALDISKI

If you’re looking for a day trip that’s… well… different, then Paldiski’s your place. Before 1994, this little port town was a busy Soviet military base, home to nuclear rockets and submarines, and at one point, 16,000 military personnel. After the military had gone, the population was drastically reduced (now hovering at about 4,200) and Paldiski descended into a nightmarish state of decay. When the Swedish creators of the dark film “Lilya 4-Ever” were looking for a generically depressing post-Soviet setting, they picked Paldiski. None of this sounds like a good reason to go, but it is. Combine the forlorn look of the emptied apartment blocks with the hulking remains of Soviet military infrastructure, and you’ve got a fascinating spectacle. Additionally, you can see how Paldiski is now finally coming around, with new investments and development, particularly in its port area. And there’s another reason to make the trip - the Pakri peninsula on which it sits is home to some beautiful natural scenery and some rare wildlife.  If it's the soviet ruins and depressing side of Paldiski you are looking for however you'd better act fast, the ruins are slowly being torn down to make way for a brighter and in our opinion more boring town.