Lahemaa National Park Day Trip: Viru Bog, Coastline Trails & Historic Manors from Tallinn
Spend a full day exploring Lahemaa’s Viru Bog boardwalks, rocky north coast and historic manor houses. This small-group drive-and-walk tour is paced for steady short hikes, coastal views and cultural stops.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring waterproof footwear
Bog boardwalks and coastal paths can be wet and muddy—sturdy waterproof shoes reduce fatigue and keep you comfortable.
Dress in layers and windproof shell
Weather on the coast changes quickly; a windproof outer layer and midweight insulating layer are useful year-round.
Carry a small daypack
Bring water, a light snack, and a camera; the minivan makes brief stops so you’ll want essentials at hand.
Follow the boardwalks in the bog
Viru Bog’s peatland is fragile—stay on constructed paths to protect the habitat and avoid sinking ground.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Käsmu’s small museum and shoreline paths—less crowded than main villages
- •A quieter viewpoint on the Viru Bog boardwalk where sphagnum mats frame still pools
Wildlife
- •Elk (moose)
- •White-tailed eagle
Conservation Note
The bogs are sensitive peatlands—stay on boardwalks, pack out waste, and group sizes are kept small to limit impact on fragile habitats.
Lahemaa was established in 1971 to protect Estonia’s coastal forests, bogs and historical manors; many estate houses reflect Baltic-German landowning traditions from the 18th–19th centuries.
What to Bring
Waterproof hiking shoesEssential
Keeps feet dry on bog boardwalks and rocky coastal stretches.
Windproof rain jacketEssential
Protects from sudden coastal gusts and rain common year-round.
Daypack with water and snacksEssential
Useful for carrying layers, camera, water, and personal items between stops.
Binoculars or camera with zoom
Helps spot birds like white-tailed eagles and distant coastal features.
Common Questions
How long is the day trip?
The tour runs about 8 hours including transport from Tallinn and multiple short walks at each stop.
Are walks strenuous?
No; walks are short, generally flat boardwalks or coastal trails, but surfaces can be uneven and slippery when wet.
Is entrance or admission included?
Transport, bottled water and a local guide are included; specific manor house entries may require separate fees depending on the itinerary.
Can children and infants join?
Yes; infant seats are available and the pace suits families, but parents should monitor children on boardwalks and rocky shorelines.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
6–8 hours
Location
Vihula, Harju County
Difficulty
moderate
Fitness Level
Moderate fitness; able to walk 1–4 km on uneven boardwalk and coastal trails and stand during guides’ stops.
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