rummu

Rummu is a village in Harju County, northern Estonia. It is best known for the Rummu quarry, a former limestone mine established in the 1930s that was later flooded after mining operations ceased in the late 20th century. The resulting lake is surrounded by steep, concrete quarry walls and is a distinctive landscape feature of the area.

The quarry's adjacent facilities include the ruins of a Soviet-era prison, known as Rummu Prison, which was used to house inmates and became partially submerged as the lake filled. The combination of water-filled pits and ruined structures has given Rummu a unique post-industrial scenery.

Historically, the quarry supplied building material for constructions in the region, including materials for Tallinn and other towns. During the Soviet period, the site also included a prison and labor camp. After the mine closed and water levels rose, the area gradually opened to recreational use. Today, the Rummu quarry and its surroundings attract visitors for swimming, diving, photography, and hiking, with safety guidelines in place due to underwater hazards and unstable structures.

A number of guided tours and local initiatives provide information on the site's history and conservation. The site is part of regional cultural and natural heritage and contributes to Estonia's industrial heritage tourism.