TOURISM
Lahemaa - Limestone & Luxury
It is rare to find somewhere one would love to get lost in. Estonia’s Lahemaa National Park is just such a place.
Only 70 km from Tallinn, this natural wonderland fuses pristine seashore with forest, wetlands, fields and fishing villages, guaranteed to leave lasting memories for all who visit. Estonia’s first, oldest and largest park, it is a place to experience, explore and relax in.
Syncopated Scenery
The most striking feature of the park is its contrasting landscapes. Most of the territory is forested, punctuated with limestone plains, rivers, waterfalls, mires and coastal wetlands. The rugged coastline harbours bays and off-shore islands.
Lying on Estonia’s northern coastal highway, the park is easy to access and easy to explore.
The 3 km Altja Culture and Nature Trail winds through coastal villages. The Viru Bog Nature Trail is a boardwalk path through Lahemaa’s wetlands, while the Oandu Trail takes visitors 5 km through an old-growth forest.
For the less ambitious, the Beaver Trail is a short 1 km circuit around beaver dams while for hard-core hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, the 14 km Kasmu Hiking and Cycling Trail or the combo 40 km Oandu-Võsu-Nõmmeveski-Liiapeksi circuit may be the ticket.
From the Rustic to the Refined
One need not compromise comfort for natural splendour when visiting Lahemaa -roughing it does not have to be part of the deal. Within the park’s boundaries are a number of well restored estates harking back to the 18th-19th centuries.
Palmse Manor House (www.palmse.ee) is an example of 18th century Baroque architecture surrounded by a park with all the amenities, including swans. It contains a museum and visitors’ centre as well as meeting and event rooms. The old steward’s house was converted into a guest house accommodating up to 44 people.
While the original Sagadi Manor (www.sagadi.ee) dates back to the 15th century, the current Rococo manor house was built in the mid-18th century. The manor houses a forestry museum and serves as a venue for conferences and events. On the premises there is a 35-bed hostel and a 28-room hotel.
Vihula Manor Country Club – Restoration, Relaxation, Recreation
The newest and perhaps grandest member of Lahemaa’s guest manors is Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa (www.vihulamanor.com).
Situated on the banks of the Mustoja River only 3 km from the coast and 1 hour from of Tallinn, Vihula Manor with its beautiful park dates back to the 16th century.
It is currently undergoing a phased restoration and offers accommodation, event services and recreational activities for individuals and groups, including themed incentive programs. Nearly 50 hotel rooms are currently available.
Facilities include a spa and Vihula has an agreement with the Estonian Golf & Country Club. Conference facilities include 7 separate, well-equipped rooms and halls, the largest of which serves up to 120 participants.
