Things to Do in Lahemaa National Park

Jagala is Estonia's largest natural waterfall—and it freezes into a spectacular ice wall each winter. Lahemaa National Park stretches across 725 square kilometers of Estonia's northern coast, where ancient forests meet rocky shores and traditional manor houses dot the countryside. Total fairytale material. Established in 1971 as the Soviet Union's first national park, this preserve doesn't feel like your typical protected area when you're wandering through pristine bogs, stumbling across 500-year-old pine trees, and discovering well preserved medieval villages. The park's name translates to "Land of Bays." You might find yourself hiking through Viru Bog on wooden boardwalks one hour, then exploring grand Palmse Manor the next, before ending up at a lighthouse perched on limestone cliffs. Nature and history intertwine so easily here that you'll forget you're just an hour's drive from Tallinn.

The dining scene tends toward traditional Estonian fare served in cozy, family-run establishments. This suits the park's rural character well—you'll find hearty meals featuring local fish, game, and foraged ingredients at guesthouses and small restaurants scattered throughout the villages. Palmse Manor has a decent restaurant. Palmse Manor serves both traditional dishes and lighter cafe fare, while many coastal villages offer simple but satisfying seafood. Restaurant hours can be quite limited, especially during off-season, so check ahead or ask your accommodation for recommendations.

Late spring through early autumn offers the most reliable weather and longest daylight hours. Summer is particularly lovely for hiking and coastal activities, though you'll encounter the most crowds and higher accommodation prices. Many locals prefer late autumn and winter visits. The forests take on a completely different character when dusted with snow, the frozen Jagala Waterfall becomes spectacular, and you'll have most trails to yourself. Spring can be muddy and unpredictable, but if you time it right, you might catch the brief period when wildflowers carpet the forest floor and migrating birds fill the wetlands.