4.7.2025 | Estonia

At the Gates of East and West

Narva's fascinating history and modernity

Text Susanna Poikela 
Photos Visit Estonia / Marvin Kuhr
Susanna Poikela, Andrei Chertkov

Narva once served as a major trading city through which goods flowed from Tallinn to Novgorod, and there was also a connection to Pskov along the waterways.

High up on the riverbanks, the city of Narva is guarded by the magnificent Hermann Castle, and on the other side Ivangorod Castle boasts its thick walls. Only the narrow Narva River flows between the two. Will a battle start, or will we have peace?

400 years later, and I’m standing at the five-kroon viewpoint and looking down on the river. It’s still flowing, and two great castles have become silent. Now there is a museum in Hermann Castle, and the only knights and the horses I see are waxy dolls.

Narva’s unique atmosphere has a touch of the lost splendour of the past, the rude urban romance and samovar’s Slavic heat. This year, Narva will also celebrate the Finno-Ugric Capital of Culture in the form of a variety of events.

Beach promenade and five-kroon viewpoint

Narva’s beach promenade is a charming walking route, about a kilometer long, that runs from the Narva River from the city port to Joaorg Beach. The city’s historic defence fortresses are also left along the trip. On both beaches of the river, you can see fishermen throwing a lure in the water, deep in their own thoughts.

In the vicinity of the beach, you can continue your journey up the wide metal stairs to the five-kroon viewpoint. The viewing platform is also accessible from the city side. The plateau offers an impressive view to the east and west. The neighbour is suddenly almost palpable.

In its heyday, 10,000 Narvans worked at the Krenholm Textile Factory.

A peek at the imperial textile factory

For those interested in history, the huge Kreenholm plant and its environs offer a lot to see. The factory, which served the textile industry, was once the largest factory in the Russian Empire. At the beginning of the last century, more than ten thousand people worked there. Nowadays, the factory buildings shaped by the grapple and the Krenholm district can be admired on their own. The factory area can be reached for a tour with the guide. Current information can be found on Visit Narva’s website.

The stunning Town Hall and next to it at the University of Tartu’s Narva School.

Baroque city walking tour and Town Hall

The Old Narva walking tour across the historic centre presents ten major destinations, including the Narva Town Hall, the Dark Garden, the beach promenade, and the Swedish Lion statue. The QR code found at the destination allows you to read about places.

The recently renovated Town Hall and the Modern University of Tartu’s Narva educational institution are worth a visit. The Town Hall offers a virtual tour of old Narva. In the VR glasses, you can see a glorious and rich baroque town as it was before World War II and the massive bombing of Narva. The Town Hall also has a Narva Tourist Information point, which provides maps and brochures.

Next to the Town Hall, the Narva educational institution of the University of Tartu blends new and old. You will see it with your own eyes as you stand in front of the building. Inside the building you will find a university and a café where you can visit before the next destination.

Narva opens to the one who returns to it

If a day trip is not enough, stay in Narva for the night. The newly renovated rooms at the Narva Hotel offer a nice restful atmosphere. In a high-quality restaurant called M. Chagall, you can enjoy dinner in a beautiful and peaceful setting. Downstairs from the hotel is a new spa centre with three hot tubs, four saunas, a relaxation area, and a bar.

You can easily reach Narva from Tallinn by train, bus, or car. The fastest train connection takes you to Narva in less than two and a half hours.