New staircase opened in Muraste after legal battle with residents

The new staircase in Muraste, Harku parish, has been completed, providing safe access to the seaside. Elder of Harku parish Erik Sandla said that in 2020 the old metal staircase was deemed dangerous by the Technical Surveillance Authority and closed. The parish urgently sought a replacement, inspired by the Põhjakonna staircase in Viimsi. Architect Oliver Alver designed the project, but public opinion was divided. After several years of discussions and adjustments, a construction tender was announced in 2025. The initial winner withdrew after discovering that building only the staircase without an elevator would be more expensive due to additional materials. A new tender was won by Rand ja Tuulberg, and construction was completed within a year. An elevator will soon be operational, connecting the upper and lower parts of the limestone escarpment with a height difference of about 30 meters. No additional paths through the protected area are allowed; only a few natural routes and the Tilgu road exist. Sandla believes the new infrastructure will improve beach access for people with disabilities, families with children, and cyclists. Initially, the elevator will run from 7 AM to 9 PM. It will be free for Harku parish residents, while visitors will have to pay. The staircase is free for everyone. In 2022, the Supreme Court rejected a complaint from Muraste residents, allowing construction of the nearly 35-meter-high staircase. Residents had feared it would become a major tourist attraction.