Estonians at Stalin Line

Visitors from Estonia are the most frequent visitors to the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex among the Baltic states.

Moreover, our visitors include not only Russian-speaking Estonians and Belarusians living in Estonia, but ethnic Estonians as well. One of them, Kalvin Eisenschmidt, is a specialist in German Maibah engines. He once helped our restorers rebuild the engine of a German Panzer III tank. After visiting the Stalin Line Historical and Cultural Complex, Kalvin decided to bring his fellow Estonians here too! He founded the Venderloo travel company, which has been bringing visitors to us for several years.

During the celebrations marking the centenary of Estonian independence, our complex was also visited by an accordion ensemble from Pärnu County, led by Mati Vürst, which performed a programme of music and dance.

Estonians enjoy tank rides more often than any other visitors. They also visit the operational military vehicle display and the Armoured Train, while their children eagerly tackle the obstacles on the ‘Scout Trail’ and delight in having their photographs taken holding weapons.

Estonians are also very fond of their flag. On one occasion, a coach carrying Estonian tourists was on its way home. As it passed Stalin Line, they saw the Estonian flag flying among the others at the complex. When they learnt that these flags were displayed in honour of our visitors, the Estonians felt it was their duty to visit our museum too!