What shall one see in North-West Estonia? We are going to reveal the list of major natural sites, castles and museums for your convenience and wanderlust. All these spots might take you 2-3 days to explore.
The castle was built in 1885 on the shores of Lake Alatskivi, being based on the prototype of the famous Balmoral castle, which belongs to the British royal family. It is much smaller and more humble than the original, but there are quite a few similar details. The snow-white castle has an asymmetrical construction plan and is decorated with turrets of various shapes and styles.
During the tour, you can learn various legends and the unusual histories of this stunning castle. You can also take part in craft master classes, try on medieval costumes and rent a room in one of the towers.
More details: alatskiviloss.ee
Address: Lossi 10, Alatskivi
Admission: adults – €7, children – €4
This is the longest sandstone outcrop in Estonia, stretching along the coastline of Lake Peipsi for almost 1 km and reaching a maximum height of 8 m.
Location: Kallaste Rand
Kauksi beach is one of the most beautiful ones on the enormous Lake Peipsi. During your summer vacation, you can spend time at one of the campsites, sunbathe on the sandy shore or just stroll along the trails and enjoy the silence of the woods.
Location: Kauksi rand
This azure pond with crystal clear water is not a miracle of nature, but an industrial facility of Eesti Energia. As a result of oil shale burning, electricity is produced here, leaving a lot of ash washed into the ash dump. There it hardens like cement, and the remaining water flows into the settling ponds. These ponds are even called Estonian Maldives.
The blue color is due to light reflecting particles of limestone and light deposits of carbonates located at the bottom of the reservoir.
Ash itself is not dangerous, but the water in these ponds has a high pH. Prolonged contact with it is harmful to health. If you look at the trees on the shore, you will see the outcome of its impact.
Location: 59.272896,27.937568
You can visit it free of charge at any time of the year
The Herman medieval defensive castle, founded by the Danes in the 13th century, is located on the border with Russia on the banks of the Narva River. It was seriously damaged during the Second World War, like most of Narva.
Now the castle has been partially restored and is hosting a museum with permanent and temporary exhibitions. From the castle tower, you can see Narva and the Ivangorod fortress.
We recommend not only exploring the castle itself, but taking a walk down the river along the city promenade.
Location: Narva Muuseum
More details: narvamuuseum.ee
This astonishing park is known for its fountains, streams, Silver Spring Cave, picturesque views and a rocky beach nearby.
Pain parking is provided by the beach and the park.
Parking location: 59.426262,27.530784
Address: Merepuiestee 14, Toila
The 30-meter Valaste Waterfall on the Ontika cliff is the highest one in the Baltic States. In 1996, the Commission of the Academy of Sciences declared it as a piece of natural heritage and a national symbol of Estonia.
In summer, the waterfall looks like a narrow stream, and in winter it completely freezes and turns into long icicles hanging from the edge of the cliff. Behind the waterfall, you can notice visible layers of soil dating back to 400 million years ago.
In 2018, a wooden trail to the sea and a viewing platform were established here.
You can visit it at any time of the year free of charge.
Location: Valaste juga
This curious mining museum features an underground tour at a depth of 8 m, an underground train, a limestone tower with extraordinary views and a large interactive exhibition.
We recommend booking an underground tour in advance. Keep in mind that it might not be suitable for small children. Get dressed warmly as it is rather chilli underground.
The museum is located near the Aidu quarries.
Address: Eesti Kaevandusmuuseum
More details:kaevandusmuuseum.ee
This is a former shale quarry with azure water and picturesque hills. Unlike the Narva shale settling ponds, pH level here is natural and does not pose a health hazard, making it a popular spot for summer recreation. On the rowing canal, the “Aidu” entertainment center opened, which can be admitted by appointment.
We advise you to plan more time to spend at this quarry and travel around it to explore it from different angles. The views are purely amazing!
Location: Aidu karjääri settebasseini
You can visit it free of charge at any time of the year
This medieval castle is the main tourist attraction of the city, also called the Rakvere Castle Site. Rakvere used to belong to the Danish kingdom, knight-monks of the Livonian order, the Russian Empire, Sweden and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth. Among them all, the power of the Livonian order was the longest to last here.
Now it is a theme park representing the style of the 16th century. Here you can dress like a knight, inspect the wine cellar, the torture chamber, the death hall, the medieval brothel, the barber’s workshop and the alchemist’s laboratory. In the Schenkenberg tavern you can taste dishes cooked according to medieval recipes.
Admission: 9 Euro
From November to February, the castle is available for groups by prior reservation
On March, April, September and October – from Wednesday to Sunday
From May to August – on any day
The Antu Lakes represents a group of seven basins with crystal clear greenish-blue water. Sinijarv is the most transparent of them all: you can see its bottom at a depth of 8 m. A study trail runs along the lakes.
Address: Äntu – Nõmme õpperada
This open-air spot displays cars from Soviet times, former agricultural and road construction equipment and all types of fire-fighting equipment.
It will be especially interesting for children as it is allowed to touch and even climb some of the exhibits.
Location: 59.0429795, 25.886492
Admission: 3€
More details: varjupaik.jjts.ee
Material prepared by Juliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)
