Sillamäe is one of the most enigmatic, captivating, and fast-developing towns in Ida-Viru county. The town was long time closed to visitors and kept secret because of its military industrial function. After closing down the highly secret industry, the town, which was built at the seaside based on a compactplan and filled with well-styled architecture, is finally open, for both visitors and new ideas. Sillamäe, is a “bridge” between the European Union and the Russian Federation, where a free trade zone, a harbour, and working industrial enterprises have been established, along with other developments. And this is why its slogan is: Sillamäe – the town of fresh sea winds.

 

The town´s outstanding location, the advantages of the free trade zone, the avalilability of necessary land and infrastructure, and a highly qualified workforce are the factors that have been important to investors.

 

As Sillamäe was not marked on maps for half century, not many people know it inexisted. Visitors can now enjoy this industrial town erected on the Baltic coastal limestone cliffs. It impresses with beatiful nature, including the picturesque Sõtke river which overflows at different levels. A brich grove, town parks, the sea, and seaside pine forests. In the 18th century the town was a summer residence for many Estonian and Russian intellectuals.