Lahemaa, the first national park in the former Soviet Union and the oldest and largest national park in Estonia, captivates visitors with its diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Approximately half of the national park is located in Lääne-Viru County, where you can enjoy the tranquility of nature along sandy beaches, ancient bogs, juniper-covered heathlands, or lush riverbanks. Lahemaa is one of Europe’s most important forest protection areas and is part of the Natura 2000 network. The coastline here is famous for its abundance of erratic boulders and stone villages.
A Paradise for Nature Lovers
Lahemaa offers well-maintained hiking trails, comfortable camping spots, and lovely picnic areas, making the national park an ideal destination for hiking enthusiasts. Both long and short trails, including the international Forest Trail and the Oandu-Ikla hiking route, take you through beautiful natural landscapes. Start your adventure at Oandu, where seven educational or hiking trails begin, and visit the visitor center featuring exciting exhibits and several campgrounds.”
Lahemaa has well-maintained hiking trails, comfortable camping sites, and lovely picnic spots that make the national park perfect for hiking lovers.
Welcoming Service Providers
There are plenty of accommodation options in Lahemaa—along with hotels, you can find many charming holiday homes. Discover businesses bearing the Northern Estonia local food label and taste the unique flavors of Lahemaa. Enjoy Michelin-star-worthy cuisine, keep an eye out for the harbor restaurants on the horizon, and explore the various eras of tavern culture and cuisine. To experience Lahemaa to the fullest, consider taking a local guide. Lahemaa service providers are dedicated to a sustainable lifestyle, recognized by both the European Protected Areas Association (Europarc) and the global Platinum Level Certification for Green Destinations.
Active Community and Vibrant Cultural Life
The Lahemaa community has historically been divided into coastal and inland residents. Because the land in the coastal villages is rocky and less fertile, the main occupation has been fishing. Livelihoods were also supported by timber transport, shipbuilding, and trade. Visit Altja fishing village, Käsmu Maritime Museum, and the Võsu resort to immerse yourself in coastal life and culture. Military enthusiasts can find intriguing Soviet-era border guard installations along the coast. The development of land settlement in Lahemaa has been influenced by the Baltic Klint. Along the cliff’s edge, juniper-covered heathlands stretch with ancient settlement sites and older villages, along with four magnificent manors—Palmse, Sagadi, Vihula, and Kolga.
A large collection of Estonia’s old folk songs and dances has been gathered from Lahemaa. Community centers keep folk culture alive by hosting community events as well as private celebrations, seminars, and various public events. In summer, Lahemaa’s cultural life is particularly vibrant, with numerous traditional outdoor events like Viru Folk and the Night of Ancient Fires.
Come and discover the charm of Lahemaa National Park and experience the natural and cultural heritage of Northern Estonia!
