Lahemaa National Park is a large parkland in the northern part of Estonia, east of Tallinn. One of the largest national parklands in Europe, it encompasses natural landscapes and other attractions that could be of interest on a tour of Estonia.

Lahemaa is made up of forestland and coastline—within its borders are four peninsulas, their bays give Lahemaa its name. The area was the first national parkland belonging to former Soviet territories and draws visitors to Estonia who are interested in its flora and fauna, bogs, geological phenomena, and architectural monuments.


Sights in Lahemaa National Park

Palmse Manor: Of all of Estonia’s manor houses, Palmse may be one of the most lovely. The small yellow manor house itself is sweetly symmetrical, and the interior is a homey museum showing how the inhabitants lived. If the interiors don’t make you feel like moving in right away, the grounds will do it: from every angle, the Palmse Manor grounds are like a step into a painting. A lily-filled pond, landscaped gardens, and the coolness of shade trees will make you want to stroll or sit for hours. Have a coffee or lunch on the restaurant terrace that overlooks the pond. If you visit any manor house in Laheemaa National Park, this should be it. Note that the visitors’ center for the park is also located at Palmse.

Sagadi Manor: Sagadi Manor perhaps looks more impressive at first introduction than Palmse with its sprawling red-and-white Rococo facade, but its grounds are less beautiful and its interior museum not as cozy and lovingly furnished. However, it’s still a worthwhile stop, and a ticket to the manor will buy you entry into the museum about the natural environment of Laheema National Park, which is located on the grounds.

Vihula Manor: Vihula Manor is one of many Estonian manor houses hotels, converted former noble residences. However, this originally 16^th-century estate is wealthy in its considerable parklands and renovated historical buildings.

Viinistu: Located on Parispea Peninsula, Viinistu is a tidy little village of colorful cottages and well-kept gardens. Viinistu’s past is connected with alcohol smuggling. Though it may be unexpected, Viinistu also has an art museum—the collection of a wealthy Estonian that has made its home in a modern building by the sea.

Fishing Villages: The coastline of Lahemaa is closely connected with the fishing industry. Fishermen from coastal villages made their livelihood from the sea, catching fish and other animals for food and skins, and through trade. Kasmu, the so-called Captain’s Village—named for its high number of ship captains—and Vosu both have attractive beaches. Altja enjoys the presence of well-preserved and renovated historic wooden houses, and its Swing Hill maintains the Estonian swing tradition with a hand-built wooden swing.

Juminda Peninsula: Though you’ll find points of interest on all four peninsulas, Juminda boasts an early 20^th-century lighthouse, and a Soviet-era submarine base and 19^th-century sprat processing facility are located on an island that can be gotten to on foot during low tide, but be sure to check the tide schedule.

Hiking Trails: The park has a developed network of hiking trails. The nature trails take hikers through geologically or biologically interesting areas of the park and are of varying lengths. Estonia’s pine forests are particularly pleasant, with their springy undergrowth of moss and fresh scent of pine needles; bogs and the cliff of the northern coast are also comely aspects of the natural landscape. Be sure to bring bug repellent.