The Noblessner district, named after its founders Emanuel Nobel and Arthur Lessner, began as a submarine shipyard in 1912. Today, it has transformed into a vibrant waterfront area. It combines historic industrial architecture with modern amenities, offering a unique blend of restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and cultural venues.

History

The history of Noblessner dates back to 1912, when businessmen Emanuel Nobel (nephew of the world-renowned Alfred Nobel) and Arthur Lessner founded a submarine shipyard here—the only one ever to operate in Estonia.

The name Noblessner was created by combining the founders' surnames. Between 1913 and 1917, a total of 12 modern submarines were built at the shipyard.

Although submarine production ended when Estonia gained independence in 1918, shipbuilding and ship repairs continued here for more than a century. The final vessel built at Noblessner left the port in August 2018.

Today, Noblessner has become a stylish and welcoming seaside district, recognized as one of the best urban developments in the Baltic States. It features:

Historic industrial architecture
A modern marina
Art galleries
Some of Tallinn's best restaurants
A vibrant cultural scene
Premium residential developments

Great care has been taken to preserve the area's industrial heritage. Historic buildings have been restored as closely as possible to their original appearance, street names commemorate the area's shipbuilding history, and many protected industrial structures and technical installations have been preserved.