North Estonia
Cities, towns and villages
- – The capital, and financial and cosmopolitan centre of Estonia, with a medieval Old Town. Beautiful and expensive.
- – Estonia's fifth largest city, east of Tallinn, famous for its Punk and Rock festivals and spirit.
- – A coastal and formerly closed military town during the Soviet era.
- – A small town with a historic cement plant and port on the shore of the Gulf of Finland.
- – A junction railway station and one of the largest ex-Soviet military towns in Estonia.
- – A coastal village inside of Lahemaa National Park.
- – The spring capital of Estonia with a range of monuments of Estonian functionalism.
- – A small coastal borough inside of Lahemaa National Park.
- – A small borough
- – A coastal village
- – A coastal village
Other destinations
- – On the coast within an hour east (50 km) of Tallinn. Given its size it is the largest park in Estonia and one of Europe's biggest national parks, with 1000 km 2 of bogs, trails, coastline, forests, and 4 manors. It allows for convenient up to medium difficulty day trips and hikes from Tallinn.
Understand
Unlike the crowded Tallinn, the rural part of Northern Estonia enjoys incomparably less popularity. However, there are impressive natural attractions: the bogs and boulders of Lahemaa Park, coastal rocks and major Estonian waterfalls. There is also a share of architectural values in the region – from medieval churches, castles, and manors to the architecture of the 20th century.
This region was dominated by Denmark in the 13th century until the "Revolt of the Night of St. George".
Get in
Get around
Bus and train schedules are easily available online – read more under Estonia#Get around.
See
Jägala FallsThis is Estonia's largest waterfall. It is better to go early in the morning to catch the soft dawn light or in the evening when the sun shines on the falls. During cold winters, Jägala Falls freezes in a spectacular fashion and is well worth seeing. It can be seen from above and below (by walking down a few sets of wooden stairs).
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phone: +372 3222170address: Kunda
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Ämari Pilots’ Cemetery
address: Ämari teeThis cemetery is the last resting place of a number of Estonia's fighter pilots who served in the airforce under Soviet rule before 1991. Pilots of which the aircraft were downed and recovered have their graves decorated with the tail fin of their aircraft instead of a generic tomb stone, making the cemetery look like a squadron of jet fighters buried in the forest.
Manors
Aaspere ManorOne of the largest estates in this part of Estonia. In addition to the majestic house in the neoclassicism style, there are numerous official buildings, a huge park and a windmill in the form of a bottle.
Arkna ManorAn interesting manor house, built in 1877-79 in the style of eclecticism. The porch, for example, bears a clear shade of neo-Gothic, and the building itself is closer to classicism. Nowadays, the estate is privately owned and essentially abandoned.
Veltsi ManorA manor house in the style of neoclassicism (end of the 19th century), and a very nice distillery, carelessly built of huge cobblestones. In addition, a small park completes the surroundings.
Inju ManorA remarkable manor house in the style of neo-Renaissance, built in 1894.
Mõdriku ManorA large manor house with a central building in the spirit of classicism. In addition, there is a landscape park with ponds and a war memorial of 1812.
Mädapea ManorA brick building in the style of neoclassicism, built in 1850. Inside a collection of paintings and objects of everyday life can be found. When agreed with the owner, a look inside is possible.
Neeruti ManorA monument of a bizarre composition of architectural styles and the recklessness of the architect. Likely from the 19th century, when it was more or less a typical building in the spirit of classicism. In the early 20th century it was remade for modernisation purposes. Consequently, it turned into a strange form with elements of modernity and eclecticism. According to reports, Karl Schmidt, the author of many modern buildings in Saint Petersburg and Pavlovsk, immortalized himself here.
Ulvi ManorA nice manor house in the style of eclecticism, built between 1881-82.
Uhtna ManorThis manor consists of a one-storey building, decorated with a luxurious portico in the style of classicism from 1820, including technical buildings of the same period; the barn and the stable have been preserved.
Voore ManorThe manor house slowly wilts. The interest part is a stone barn of the 18th century with five semicircular arches. The building is unexpectedly large and carefully designed from an architectural point of view.
Do
- Hiking in Lahemaa National Park
- Enjoying the beaches of the northern Estonian coast
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Fishing
phone: +372 57493178Trout farming in the northern outskirts of Halyal (10 km from Rakvere to the north). Fishing in the pond (hire fishing rods and selling food, as well as a free opportunity to dig worms for fishing). There, for a fee, the catch is smoked. Including restaurant and playground. -
address: Saula küla, HarjumaaThe "Vikings' Village" is a theme park. In a deep forest, a scenic place with a tavern, accommodation and its own small lake, from where everyone can catch their own fish and get it cooked. It is suitable for a day out with kids but too tacky for adults.
Sleep
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phone: +372 5227710address: Sõpruse 2, VinniCheap accommodation in the vicinity of the Vinni sports complex.
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phone: +372 3257164address: Sõpruse 16, VinniSlightly more expensive and convenient accommodation than the nearby hostel, inside the sports complex. The room rate includes unlimited access to the swimming pool and gym.
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phone: +372 58717665, +372 5176237address: Rakvere tee 14, Kadrina
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Sireli Homestay
address: MäoLovely garden and cosy wood stove – like staying in your own home. The owners are very hospitable. -
phone: +372 4892490, +372 4894160address: Saare 11, KehtnaFamily friendly, meals on request, sauna, café – what do you need more?
Go next
- West Estonia and Islands – Islands, Baltic Sea, spas, beaches, and wild life habitat for birds moving towards the south in fall.
- East Estonia – Beautiful north coast of Lake Peipsi, and gateway to Russia through the border city Narva. More people speak Russian than Eesti here.
- South Estonia – Famous for the intellectual hub, ancient city and university town Tartu, and many picturesque town like Viljandi.