Tilgur

Tilgur is a small settlement located in the northern part of Estonia, within Harju County. The village lies approximately 12 kilometres north of Tallinn, the capital city, and is situated on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. Tilgur covers an area of roughly 4 square kilometres and has a population of around 200 residents, according to the most recent census data collected in 2020.

The earliest records of Tilgur date back to the 14th century, when it was mentioned in a Christian monastic charter as a modest fishing community. Over the following centuries, the village developed a reputation for its salt production, which was carried inland via a network of ditches that eventually evolved into the main road connecting Tilgur with the larger trading hub of Tallinn. By the 18th century, the local harbour had grown into a minor commercial port where both fishing and small-scale cargo shipping took place.

In the 20th century, Tilgur, like many Estonian rural communities, experienced significant demographic changes as a result of industrialisation and urban migration. The population peaked in the 1960s, after which many younger residents moved to Tallinn or other urban centres. In recent years, the village has seen a modest resurgence in tourism, attracting visitors interested in coastal walks, bird watching, and the nearby sea cliffs. Local initiatives also promote the conservation of traditional Estonian rural architecture.

The predominant language spoken in Tilgur is Estonian, with a small minority of Russian-speaking residents, reflecting the broader linguistic landscape of the region. The local economic base remains rooted in fishing and small-scale agriculture, with a growing emphasis on eco‑tourism and the preservation of cultural heritage sites. Cultural activities in Tilgur include an annual harvest festival and the maintenance of a small museum that showcases the village’s maritime history.