Things to do & places to visit in Ida-Viru County, Estonia

Ida-Viru County #4 destination in Estonia 2023. The average rating score is 4.33 based on 2.332 traveler reviews, of 91 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Tallinn, current date and time: Friday, May 10, 2024, 7:35.

Top things to do (27)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Oru Park (108 reviews)
- Beautiful views and great history
Parks

The Oru Park and grand palace in the beautiful valley of the Puhajogi River was built by Grigori Jelissejev – one of the wealthiest men in 19th century Russia. In 1935, three industrialists bought the palace and park and presented it to President Pats for his summer residence. The palace was totally destroyed during the Second World War. Today you can walk in the well-marked and well-maintained park, look at various species of trees and shrubs, explore the Silver Spring Cave, as well as enoy the sea view and the sunset from the petrel nest. Interesting fact: the Oru Park Promenade organized annually in August has become a tradition. See more..
5.0 Crucifixion of Our Lord Church (14 reviews)
- Nice place
Churches & Cathedrals

The Crucifixion of Our Lord church in Johvi was completed in 1895 as part of the plan of Estonian governor Shakhovskoy to make Johvi the centre of the Russian Orthodox faith in the north-east of the country. The nearby Puhtitsa convent of the Dormition of the Mother of God, known to locals as the Kuremae convent, was also founded by nuns who came to Johvi. Built in Historicist style from natural stone and red brick, the church is open to visitors every day in summer.Did you know…?*The Crucifixion of Our Lord church in Johvi was the first place of work of the young Aleksei Mihhailovitš Ridiger – who would go on to become Aleksius II, patriarch of all Russia. See more..
5.0 Avinurme Woodworking Centre (9 reviews)
- Wonderful place in Ida Virumaa!
Friday: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM Speciality & Gift Shops • Lessons & Workshops

Avinurme Woodworking Centre is a tourism centre which is home to local craftsmen. It offers the widest selection of woodwork products in Estonia, including dozens of sauna and household items. You can even put your own skills to the test! The centre organises a variety of workshops, from basket-weaving and felting to bread-making, candle-making, painting and more. The cosy coffee shop offers home-made cakes and pastries, fresh bread and other treats. Arranged in advance, it can provide catering for groups of up to 80 people. See more..
5.0 Toila Martsa Hiking Trail (9 reviews)
- Прогулка
Hiking Trails
This hiking trail, which starts in the village of Toila, winds its way not only along high clifftops but also down onto the seashore below. Hiking along it you will enjoy the scenery of the Baltic Glint, its forests and famous blue clay sediments and granite, and find out more about local cultural history. You can cover the hiking trail as two different distances: the shorter, at 3.2 km, takes in the harbour and beach, the old fishing port and the German soldiers’ cemetery; the longer also takes in the geological features of the area, its ancient forests and a mill tower before returning to Toila along the old trade road. See more..
5.0 Church of the Narva Icon of the Mother of God (8 reviews)
- Посетили православный храм.
Spent 1-2 hours Churches & Cathedrals

Посетили с сестрой православный храм Нарвской иконы Божией Матери (Московская патриархия). Были удивлены, что храм расположен в месте плотной частной застройки. Есть иконы царской семьи, Иоанна Кронштадского. Лавочка со всем необходимым. Есть возможность оставить пожертвование. Светлая, добрая атмосфера. Я даже смогла посидеть на скамеечке, насладиться. Рядом с храмом дом для пожилых людей. На улице тоже есть скамеечки, в хорошую погоду можно отдохнуть. See more..
4.5 Narva Castle (347 reviews)
- #1 place in Narva
Friday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Castles • Observation Decks & Towers • History Museums

The Narva Castle is one of the main attractions of the city. In the seventh decade of the 13th century, the Danes established a castle as a residence for the Danish King’s vice-Regent. The Narva Castle is one of the most diverse and best preserved defense structure in Estonia. The area of the castle is 3.2 hectares, and the highest point is the Tall Hermann Tower (51 meters), which offers views over Narva, the Kreenholm factory and Ivangorod Fortress across the river in Russia. Today you can visit the museum in the castle, were the displays explain the history of Narva and the castle. See more..
4.5 Restaurant Rondeel (147 reviews)
- Really interesting Castle food at the restaurant was so great
Historic Sites • Blues Bars

During more than its 700 years existence Narva Hermann Castle belonged to Danes, Germans, Swedes, Russians and finally Estonians. The castle’s appearance as we know it today originates from the 14th-16th c. from the period of domination by Livonian Order.Today Narva castle hosts a museum where one can see both permanent exhibition on Narva city history as well as about a dozen of temporary expositions.A beautiful view of Narva city and Ivangorod fortress on the Russian side can be admired from 51 metre high Tall Hermann tower.Each summer the artisan history centre Northern Yard comes to life in the castle’s northern yard. See more..
4.5 Narva River Promenade (124 reviews)
- For a walk with a view
Spent < 1 hour Biking Trails

Narva will not win a price for its town beauty, but the promenade gives the city a new vibe. It is a very pretty area with views of the castles on both sides of the river and the bridge that connects Russia with Estonia. There are benches, fountains, statues and flowerbeds. At the end is a beach with a very modern beach house that has won an award for new architecture integrated in the landscape. See more..
4.5 Narva Joesuu (97 reviews)
- Beautiful sea shore and the beach
Beaches • Beach & Pool Clubs

Northern suburb of Narva, located on the coast of Finnish Gulf with a pleasant sandy beach. See more..
4.5 Pühtitsa Stavropegial Holy Dormition Monastery (90 reviews)
- Light your candle
Points of Interest & Landmarks

This was part of our trip to Estonia and a stop we had in mind, I have been in many monasteries and this was one of the best. Only being here on Sunday morning you come closer to God. See more..
4.5 Meresuu Spa Centre (65 reviews)
- Awesome spa
Spas

The Meresuu Spa & Hotel’s water and sauna complex provides you with a healthy and relaxing way to pass the time. With seven different pools, five saunas, baths, water and air massage baths and showers, it is easy to while away the hours in the centre.True romantics are invited to spend a delightful evening at the water and sauna centre against a backdrop of candlelight and fine music every Friday and Saturday between 10:00 pm and midnight. See more..
4.5 Narva-Joesuu Beach (63 reviews)
- ideal beach
Spent More than 3 hours Beaches

One of the best beaches I've experienced. Full disclosure: I spent all summers of my childhood and youth on this beach and it is my idea of what a model beach should be. Whether or not you like it as much as I do depends on what you expect in a beach. It made me very picky about the quality and softness of sand on the beach and the firmness and smoothness of the sand to walk on in water. This beach scores 10/10 on this scale. I like pine trees and dunes with grasses that frame the beach and I love its endless expanse -- you can walk and walk and walk and walk... The sand close to the water edge is so firm that you can even have a decent bike ride. Sunsets are gorgeous! See more..
4.5 Narva University College (52 reviews)
- A Tale of Two Cities
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Narva College, a part of Tartu University is a jewel of modern architecture. Based on an original building that was destroyed during WWII, it has brought beauty and controversy in equal measure due to it's striking facade, dominating the old town square. Narva is very much an old soviet city, with the buildings to match, and the college is designed to inject a piece of the modern, optimistic Estonia into this relic of the soviet era. The college is open to the public, has free wifi and a well stocked cafe, and its design opens the mind, giving 'headspace' for the students and residents alike. We visited the college as part of a family holiday and it really is an impressive building. It would be a pleasure to study or spend any time here. See more..
4.5 The Lords Resurrection Cathedral (47 reviews)
- Orthodox church
Spent < 1 hour Churches & Cathedrals

It was built in 1890-1896 for the orthodox workers of Kreenholm Manufactory. The architect was Pavel Alis. Architectural solution comes from Byzantine tradition. Belltower is 28,8 m high. Church's walls and dome are made of local bricks. Rides, stairways and ornaments are made of Finnish granite. There is room for 2000 people. You can see three part iconostasis and 17th century’s Christ’s crucifix. Good to know: on year 1944 during the second world war, the bombing of the city left only the church untouched. See more..
4.5 Estonian Mining Museum (43 reviews)
- Unique place with real soul
Speciality Museums

An underground museum has been opened in the former Kohtla mines. Join an excursion with a guide to see how oil shale is mined and the machinery and technology that is used to do so. Take a ride on an underground train and try your hand at drilling, using a real drill! The above-ground exhibits and underground visit take around one hour and a half to see and complete. The museum provides every visitor with a special jacket, helmet and miner’s lamp.Starting from 20 October 2011 until spring 2012 the underground exhibition at the mine is being completely redesigned. The other parts of the museum remain open for visits, and we still offer miners' lunches when booked in advance. See more..
4.5 Museum of the Blue Mountains and Narva-Jõesuu (33 reviews)
- some history
Friday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Speciality Museums

This museum in Narva-Joesuu has picture archives illustrating the history and culture of the resort town. You will find out about the famous people who have lived there, and those who have spent their summers on the ‘Estonian riviera’.Did you know…?*The museum is located in a building which was once home to one of Estonia’s most famous authors, A. H. Tammsaare. See more..
4.5 Monument to Paul Keres (33 reviews)
- Time to play Chess
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

I nice monument (even on a rainy day) that made me look up who Paul Keres was - very interesting reading. See more..
4.5 Ontika Limestone Cliff (28 reviews)
- Beautiful place
Hiking Trails

Estonia’s highest limestone cliff, the Ontika cliff that is up to 55 metres high, is like a stone nature book, revealing the layers of various eras to the viewer. The best place to see the cliff is from the observation platform built near the Valaste cascade. Or take a hike along the coastal hiking trail to discover the unique forest on the limestone cliff. Interesting facts: - The Ontika Limestone cliff is the highest part of the over 1,100-km-long Baltic limestone bank that starts in Sweden on the Island of Oland and ends in Russia near Lake Ladoga. – The limestone cliff runs 23 kilometres from the Village of Saka to the vicinity of Toila, thus being the longest uninterrupted part of the cliff. See more..
4.5 Narva Cascades (24 reviews)
- Difficult to find
Waterfalls

Narva's cascades are situated on the premises of the former Kreenholm factory. They have been flowing through the area for thousands of years, but in the early '50s a reservoir was constructed on Narva River and a new river bed was dug out for a hydroelectric power station in Ivangorod to supply Leningrad (now St Petersburg). The station allows water from the reservoir through its turbines out via the cascades during the high water season in spring, which is when you can admire their beauty from the Estonian side of the border. They can be admired two times per year in total in the Narva Canyon nature reserve.Did you know...?*Trips to view the cascades are organised by Narva Museum See more..
4.5 Narva Visitor Centre (23 reviews)
- Warm and informative service!!
Spent 1-2 hours Visitor Centers

It was a grey cold day in November, but the staff from the tourism office gave us a very warm welcome and nice friendly smile. They spoke very good English and took the time to explain to us all about Narva city and the places to visit and restaurants where we should eat. I advise going to the visitor centre as first thing before start discovering the city. They will give you maps and information leaflets for free with a smile as an extra:) See more..
4.5 Thermae & Wellness Centre (21 reviews)
- Retuning again
Friday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Spas

Toila baths have a variety of saunas for you to enjoy: steam, infrared, aroma, wood-fired and salt saunas. There are also heated relaxation benches, Jacuzzis, sunbathing spots and a log sauna cabin on the roof. The interior design of the baths brings to mind ancient Rome, with tiled floors and walls and reed mats on the ceilings – you will feel as though you have been transported back in time! Toila Spa was the first in Estonia to offer the unique Sauna World treatment. See more..
4.5 Sillamae Kultuurikeskus (15 reviews)
- Authentic (Soviet era) history
Friday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Spent < 1 hour History Museums

The building of Sillamäe Cultural Center, built in 1949, has been declared an architectural monument, which has preserved both the inside and outside of the 40s and 50s of the last century. years of Stalinist-style architecture. In the basement of the building, in a former bomb shelter, there is a permanent exhibition dedicated to the Soviet-era period of the city. The Cultural Center has a total of 8 amateur activities, many of which have become famous both in Estonia and abroad. Today, more than 200 people participate in our teams. In addition to the beautiful architecture, the cultural center is a venue for various concerts and events, and individual rooms as well as the entire building are offered for rent. See more..
4.5 Pimeaed (14 reviews)
- Здесь приятно посидеть в жару
Monuments & Statues

This is Narva’s oldest part, an example of park architecture from the end of the 19th century. Located on the Victoria Bastion. There are two memorials in the park and its environs. The first is the iron cross erected on the Victoria Basion in 1853 in memory of the Russian soldiers that died during the Siege of Narva in the Great Northern War. The second memorial marks the graves of soldiers that died in the War of Independence in November 1918. See more..
4.5 Pushkin Statue (8 reviews)
- Очень трогательный и душевный памятник!
Spent < 1 hour Monuments & Statues

Когда в первый раз подходишь, не ожидая, сразу хочется сфотографировать и задержаться ненадолго: очень удачное и место расположения, и сам памятник. See more..
4.5 Maetaguse Manor (7 reviews)
- Very nice manor
Historic Sites

The Maetaguse Manor was established in 1796, during the rule of Eugenius Octave von Rosen. The Classicist mansion is impressive and is distinguished by its richly decorated interior. Worth noting are the two-hundred-year old oak doors, wooden staircase and ceiling paintings in the secco technique. Fourteen buildings from the manor complex have survived. The stable and carriage shed has been converted into a hotel, pool house and restaurant. A Hunter Museum has been installed in the distillery, with an exhibition about the life of bears. Today you can visit the renovated manor and pre-book a tour. See more..
4.5 Alutaguse Adventure Park (6 reviews)
- challenge in the pine forest
Friday: 12:00 PM - 8:00 PM Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks

Sheer fun! A proper challenge with terrifying jumps between pine trees and from a tree to a giant vertical fishnet. Yet manageable for teen+grown-up people of all ages. Beautiful death slide runs over lake starting from a treetop of the height of 4th floor. Nice café and several swimming lakes nearby. Few kilometers to south, in Kuremäe, near orthodox nunnery is an ice cold holy spring, where you can drink very tasty clean water and jump in naked (in a little bathing hut, for privacy) - especially refreshing after sweat and dust of the adventure trail, and may even cure you from all ailments - or so they say. See more..
4.5 Kukruse Polar Manor (6 reviews)
- Good place for family and kids.
Friday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

Interesting exposition, cool activities, playroom. Children loved the playroom and others liked the activitis: writening with pen, trying out clothes. See more..
4.0 Fama Centre (125 reviews)
- very compact centre
Friday: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Spent 1-2 hours Historic Sites

Fama is the name of one of Narva’s bastions.Built in 1690, it comprised a yard and surrounding rooms in which there were workshops, smiths’ stores, stables, barns and prison facilities. It was demolished to make way for the trade route to Europe. It is the only bastion in the city that no longer exists. However, in its place has sprung up a brand new shopping complex. ‘The rebirth of history on the trade route’ was the idea behind the project. See more..
4.0 Valaste Waterfall (78 reviews)
- Worth of visit, especially winter time
Waterfalls

Valaste Waterfall situated on the Ontika Limestone Cliff is the highest in Estonia with its fall of 30 metres. The waterfall shows its more rebellious side of nature in springs and during the high water season. In summer and during the dry period you can only see the groundwater oozing out from between different layers. The waterfall is particularly picturesque in winter, when the combination of northerly winds blowing from the sea and the sprinkles of water create a real ice castle on the trees on the precipice. The Ontika Limestone Cliff is the highest spot on the famous 1100-kilometre-long Baltic Klint that runs from the island of Oland in Sweden to the vicinity of Lake Ladoga in Russia. See more..
4.0 Narva Town Hall (75 reviews)
- Interesting Northern-Baroque Architecture
Historic Sites • Government Buildings

Although the city of Narva is somewhat short on historic sites and long on bleak Soviet-style architecture, it does have a few remnants of its glorious past. One of these is the Old Town Hall, built between 1668-1671. This beautiful structure was the center peice of a town that was once know as the "Little Vienna of the East" due to it's quaint charm and old-world beauty. Though the Old Town Hall is open during only special events and concerts, it is still imposing and impressive even if only from the outside. This irreplacable example of what has been termed Norther-Baroque architecture is a living tribute to Narva's impressive past when it was once destined to be the "second capital" of the Swedish Kindom due to the city's important geographic location. Combined with a visit to Narva Castle (the city's famous and premier tourist haunt) as well as the City Art Museum, Narva's Old Town Hall can truly add to one's appreciation for beauty and history. See more..