6.6.2026 | Estonia

Hidden Treasures of Northern Estonia: Three Day Trips to Gems Tucked Away on Back Roads

Text Jaakko Ahti 
Photos Toolbox Estonia / Peeter Sirge, Andrei Chertkov, 
Jaakko Ahti, Toolbox Estonia / Ken Mürk

Parts of the Northern Estonian coastline are low, rocky and rugged, providing a contrast to the high cliffs and magnificent sandy beaches.

If you have already seen Tallinn and have a car at your disposal, it is worth heading away from the bustle of the city and exploring the back roads of Northern Estonia. Here are three day trips that can easily be made from Tallinn and showcase some of Estonia’s lesser-known attractions, all within just over an hour’s drive of the capital. The best thing about these routes is not any single attraction, but the overall experience. Small villages, side roads, unexpected summer cafés and the tranquillity of nature turn the journey itself into an adventure.

Route 1: West from Tallinn along the coast

The coastal route west of Tallinn is full of contrasts. Along the way are urban history, peaceful nature, beautiful beaches, and spa experiences.

For those interested in abandoned places, the first stop can be found in Haabersti, on Tallinn’s western outskirts. Here lie the Astangu tunnels. Hidden in the forest, these former ammunition storage tunnels are both fascinating and eerie. They were built as part of the extensive coastal defence system of the Russian Empire. Their thick concrete structures were designed to protect explosives both from enemy attacks and accidents. Parts of the tunnels are accessible, but they are not an official tourist attraction, so visitors should exercise great caution. There is no lighting or signage, and some structures are in poor condition.

The journey continues towards the coast and Tabasalu, where the first magnificent views of the Gulf of Finland open up. Nearby Suurupi Beach offers a peaceful stretch of sand, and visitors can also see parts of the fortress chain commissioned by Peter the Great. One of the most spectacular coastal views can be enjoyed from the Türisalu cliff, directly beside the roadside car park. The panorama across the Gulf of Finland resembles that of a dramatic ocean coastline.

Keila-Joa Waterfall and the manor park are at their finest amid the lush greenery of early summer.

The park of Keila-Joa Manor is also worth a visit. The park and its cascading waterfall create one of Estonia’s most romantic settings. It is especially beautiful in early summer when the landscape is lush green and numerous plants bloom along the riverbanks.

Just a stone’s throw away lies one of the northern coast’s havens of relaxation, the LaSpa Spa Hotel in Laulasmaa. In addition to extensive spa facilities, it boasts a beautiful sandy beach that is particularly suitable for families with children. Laulasmaa is also home to the internationally acclaimed Arvo Pärt Centre. The building itself is an attraction. Constructed from wood and glass, it blends beautifully into the surrounding landscape. Alongside events, the centre features an exhibition on the composer’s life and work, listening rooms, a library and an archive.

Nearby is also the Klooga Holocaust and Concentration Camp Memorial and outdoor exhibition.

Padise Monastery was active from the 14th century until the 16th century.

Towards the western end of the route, the contrasts continue. The former Rummu prison area, now a very popular destination, and particularly the lagoon-like turquoise waters of the Rummu quarry, appear almost tropical. The area is especially popular in summer, so it is advisable to arrive early on hot days to secure a parking space. Nearby are also Padise Manor and the ruins of the medieval Padise Monastery.

During the day, it is also worth visiting the port town of Paldiski. Its lighthouse, open during summer, stands on a high coastal cliff. From the top there are magnificent views across the Gulf of Finland, stretching for dozens of kilometres on a clear day. Paldiski also offers affordable dining options, including Tavern Peetri Toll in a former 18th-century inn, the Asian restaurant Vaga Mama, Café Anne KoogiKodu, and Peetri Pizza.

Laitse Rally Park is located about 45 minutes from Tallinn and is suitable for both groups of friends and corporate teams.

Route 2: Through the countryside towards Haapsalu

Although the main road from Tallinn to Haapsalu is busy, the surrounding back roads offer many interesting sights and the chance to spend a day feeling like a rally driver.

For motoring enthusiasts, Laitse Rally Park is a must-see stop. Visitors can test their driving skills and race friends in rally-prepared BMWs or modified Ladas. There is also a museum collection of rally cars, event facilities and restaurant services. It is an excellent destination, for example, for stag and hen parties.

A more historical atmosphere can be found in nearby Riisipere, whose manor is one of the most impressive in Estonia.

The journey continues to Turba, where industrial history comes alive. The magnificent old stone building of the former Ellamaa Power Station stands here, accompanied in summer by impressive flower displays.

In Risti lies one of the region’s finest natural attractions, the Marimetsa Bog and its observation tower. Boardwalks lead visitors into the heart of a quiet bog landscape, making it a perfect place to pause and unwind. On hot and dry summer days, however, horseflies can be a nuisance.

On the return journey to Tallinn, it is worth stopping in Keila, a pleasant small town southwest of the capital. Keila is home to the Harju County Museum as well as an architecturally unusual song festival stage. The town also has several appealing restaurants, including Gnome Bistro and Legends Classic Diner.

Palmse Manor is a magnificent complex where historic buildings, a beautiful park, and an exotic palm house offer memorable experiences.

Route 3: Manor houses and the peace of Lahemaa National Park

The route east of Tallinn begins surprisingly in the middle of the city itself. The unusual motorway carved through a “limestone canyon” is Laagna Road: a massive thoroughfare cutting through the Lasnamäe district in an almost futuristic manner. This four-lane road begins unexpectedly from an ordinary traffic-light junction in the city centre and ends just as abruptly in the east, seemingly in the middle of nowhere. Scenes from Christopher Nolan’s film “Tenet” were filmed here in 2020.

The first natural attraction is Jägala Waterfall, which is impressive in every season. In winter visitors can admire spectacular ice formations, in spring the rushing floodwaters, and during summer heatwaves it is sometimes possible, at one’s own risk and when water levels are low, to walk beneath the waterfall.

On the way towards Lahemaa, it is worth stopping at Kiiu Tower, an old defensive tower. Nearby stands Kolga Manor. Even in its somewhat dilapidated state while awaiting renovation, the main building remains one of Estonia’s most impressive manor houses. Its history can be explored in the museum located in one of the outbuildings. During summer, Kolga has also hosted small-scale art exhibitions.

The main attraction, however, is Lahemaa National Park itself, offering a combination of nature and cultural history. Established in 1971, it is considered the first national park in the former Soviet Union. It is also Estonia’s largest national park, featuring dramatic coastlines, rocky shores, vast forests, excellent berry and mushroom picking areas, and charming traditional villages such as Altja, Käsmu and Viinistu. The area is also home to several historic manor houses.

In addition to the fishing villages, three manor houses in particular deserve a visit. Palmse Manor is furnished in the style of the 18th and 19th centuries and presents Baltic German manor life. The estate also includes a beautiful park, an impressive palm house and greenhouse, a wine cellar and several historic outbuildings.

Sagadi Manor, in addition to accommodation, houses an interesting forestry museum that explores Estonia’s forests and natural environment.

Vihula Manor is perhaps the most experiential of the three, functioning as a spa resort. It is ideal for relaxation, tranquillity and quality time together.

Nature reclaims its territory: the remains of an old power station at Nõmmeveski in Lahemaa.

A little further off the beaten track lies the lesser-known Nõmmeveski waterfall and the ruins of an old hydroelectric power station, creating an almost mystical atmosphere. It is a fine example of nature reclaiming places once shaped by humans.

On the coast north of Loksa, at Pärispea, visitors can sense traces of military history while admiring the ruggedly beautiful rocky seascape around the ruins of a former radar station.

Travelling south towards Loksa, an eerie “ghost castle” can also be glimpsed on the right-hand side of the road. It is believed to have once served as a research centre connected to the former Soviet submarine base at Hara.

On the southern edge of Lahemaa lies Kõnnu Viinaköögi Kunstikoda, a former distillery that now houses an artist’s studio and gallery. It offers a distinctive cultural experience, although advance booking is recommended.

During summer, Lahemaa is also home to numerous small seasonal cafés and restaurants that are well worth visiting for coffee or lunch. Prices are generally modest and the food excellent. During the quieter seasons, the restaurants of Lahemaa’s manor hotels are generally open throughout the year.