The sea and beaches make up one-third of the total area of Lahemaa National Park and have a significant role in shaping the local villages and their inhabitants. Local heritage is intertwined with chapters of fishing, smuggling of spirits, captain schools, and shipbuilding.
Small harbors can be found both in Lahemaa (Hara, Viinistu, Vergi, and Võsu) and in the immediate vicinity of Lahemaa (Salmistu). Shallow-draft vessels can also tie up to the dock in Käsmu. Each harbor welcomes its guests with a unique atmosphere, food, and, if desired, accommodation.
The majority of the coastline in Lahemaa is rocky, but there are several beautiful beaches for swimming enthusiasts to enjoy the sun and sea. The best-equipped and well-maintained sandy beach resort is certainly Võsu, and basic facilities can also be found at Suureliiva beach in Vainupea. The beaches on the Juminda Peninsula (Kolga-Aabla) and the Pärispea Peninsula (Loksa, Loksa “Raketa”, Odakivi, Pähknemänniku, Joosti) are definitely worth exploring. For a truly unique beach vacation, you can plan a trip to the sandy beach on either the east or west coast of Mohni Island.
Those who prefer swimming in freshwater can find warm swimming water in Kahala, Lohja, Käsmu, or Viitna lakes. And for an exciting swimming experience, the bog pools in Viru Bog and Kõnnu Big Bog are worth a visit.
Harbours in Lahemaa National Park:
Plan a view of the sea, a swim, or a visit to a harbor restaurant on the Lahemaa Ring here.
The sea is waiting for you to come and experience it – there are various activities and events that you should definitely take part in during the summer season:
WÜRTH Open Water Estonia – Käsmu 2023
The peaceful and lovely Karepa beach is located on the shore of the Gulf of Finland. The sea is relatively shallow and the beach is sandy, but there are also small boulders. The coastline is, for the most part, straight, but there are also three small capes.
Karepa became a popular summer destination as early as the late 19th century, when several noblemen built their summer cottages there. The holiday destination is still popular among locals and tourists.
Karepa is home to the house museum of the artist Richard Sagrits, a herbal garden, and Kullo Youth Camp. The nearest town is Kunda.
Karepa küla, Haljala vald, 45401
Võsu Port is a small port on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, located in Lahemaa National Park. The port has electricity, drinking water, and guests can also use other port services. We also have a container gas station with a payment terminal, 24-hour security, and a restaurant.
Võsu Port is not a new port but a historical port that has been given a new life. The pier was used as a boat harbour as early as in the 1980s when a brick factory and a sawmill operated on a site near the estuary of River Võsu.
You can reach the centre of Võsu (approx. 1 km) along a cycle and pedestrian track that runs along the beach.
It is also worth checking out the port registry.
Piiri tänav 6, Võsu alevik, Haljala vald, 45501
At Valkla beach you can rent up to 5 SUP boards at a time. Instructions on how to use the board will be given by the instructor on land before you go on the water.
Aztron Eclipse 10.6 SUP board has a soft upper part and fill board, which makes it bulky, stable and extremely lightweight. The rounded edge ensures excellent manageability while the soft landing platform makes rowing very forgiving and convenient.
Children can use the board only under the supervision of their parents or together with them. The board takes on up to 110 kg. There are two life vests for children and 4 life vests for adults available for safe SUP boarding.
Valkla küla, Kuusalu vald, 74630
If you enjoy a healthy lifestyle, beautiful nature, and refreshing water, you will surely find that we have the best recreation options for you.
We offer 1- and 2-day canoe hikes on River Valgejõgi.
After spending the day in the wild, you can enjoy a relaxing sauna. In the summer, you can spend the night in a tent or a barn and sleep on hay. Our Õnnela Guest House, however, is open all year round.
Good to know: Linnumäe Nature Farm is a cotter's hut located on the edge of the Ohepalu bog. Eight generations have lived there and there is still no electricity. The hut is the starting point of the hikes and a perfect location for a sauna.
Ohepalu küla, Kadrina vald, 45225
An evening kayak ride from Valkla beach to Pedassaari is a nice way to end the day. Pedassaar is the highest island in the Gulf of Kolga with beautiful sandy beaches and pine forests.
On the island, we will examine the traces of the sea that is forcing its way there, admire the forest, take a look on the other islands and boulders in the sea, and watch the sunset. Whether the sunset is visible or not depends on the weather, but the playful colours of the sunset can be seen in the western sky with cloudy weather as well.
Valkla küla, Kuusalu vald, 74630
The Tamsalu sports complex offers a diverse range of sports options. Swimmers will enjoy the 4-lane pool, which is 25 metres long.
There are also full-size basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, plus a shooting range and a health room. In winter you can make use of the ski tracks at the complex, too.
Tehnika tänav 2a, Tamsalu linn, Tapa vald, 46107
Võsu, in Lahemaa National Park, is home to one of the most popular sandy beaches among holidaymakers in the region. The beach has its own lifeguards, changing cabins, a toilet, and a shower. Energetic sun-lovers can play various ball games or work out in the outdoor gym. Children can swing and play at the nearby playground.
For older children, there is a pump track for roller skates and BMX lovers.
During the summer season, you can also buy soft drinks and snacks on the beach. The nearest restaurants and shops are located in the small town of Võsu, a few hundred metres from the beach.
Wireless internet is also available on the beach.
Sadama tänav 2, Võsu alevik, Haljala vald, 45501
The Tamsalu sports complex offers a diverse range of sports options. Swimmers will enjoy the 4-lane pool, which is 25 metres long.
There are also full-size basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, plus a shooting range and a health room. In winter you can make use of the ski tracks at the complex, too.
Tehnika tänav 2a, Tamsalu linn, Tapa vald, 46107
Modern facilities necessary for a harbor have been built in the Hara Harbor, the former submarine base. The entryway has a depth of 2.5 m and is marked with navigation signs. The harbor has a marked guest jetty with space for 18 vessels.The harbor offers services that support tourism and extended stays. The harbor area and the jetty are lighted, offering a safe environment. The guests can enjoy 24h electricity and water as well as WC and washing facilities with a sauna, all accessible for guests with special needs. The entire area features free WiFi service.
Hara küla, Kuusalu vald, 74810
Do you enjoy new experiences and do you wish to experience them safely together with a supportive team? If yes, this trip is for you!
You are welcomed by trained guides who love their job who instruct you to ride the kayak correctly and accompany you during the entire trip. Additionally, you will get a nice company of like-minded people.
The sun reflects back from the curvy river surface. Singing birds as the background, we will be travelling 10 kilometres along the wild River Valgejõgi and forget the rest of the world for these hours.
Kayak trips are suitable for children from the age of 16.
Suru küla, Kuusalu vald, 74615
At Valkla beach you can rent up to 5 SUP boards at a time. Instructions on how to use the board will be given by the instructor on land before you go on the water.
Aztron Eclipse 10.6 SUP board has a soft upper part and fill board, which makes it bulky, stable and extremely lightweight. The rounded edge ensures excellent manageability while the soft landing platform makes rowing very forgiving and convenient.
Children can use the board only under the supervision of their parents or together with them. The board takes on up to 110 kg. There are two life vests for children and 4 life vests for adults available for safe SUP boarding.
Valkla küla, Kuusalu vald, 74630
Let's go paddleboarding!
What is it? SUP (Stand Up Paddle in English) or paddle surfing in Estonian is a nice way to discover different bodies of water. A paddle board is one big board, which is about 3 meters long, 80 cm wide, and has a fin under it. We move forward by rowing.Paddleboarding is suitable for anyone who enjoys water and paddling. It is a great opportunity to discover beautiful nature, enjoy company, and take time off.
With us, you can have an adventure in Tapa on Valgejõgi River in any weather, in any season - the river is always different! Full equipment and instructions are provided by us.
Moe küla, Tapa vald, 45005
Vainupea beach is located in Lääne-Viru County in Vihula Rural Municipality. The beach is well-maintained and has dressing booths. The beach also has benches, a boardwalk, rubbish pins and toilets.
Summering became fashionable in Estonia after the abolition of serfdom at the end of the 19th century. About a century ago, Vainupea was already a busy holiday spot.
Vainupea küla, Haljala vald, 45446
Võsu, in Lahemaa National Park, is home to one of the most popular sandy beaches among holidaymakers in the region. The beach has its own lifeguards, changing cabins, a toilet, and a shower. Energetic sun-lovers can play various ball games or work out in the outdoor gym. Children can swing and play at the nearby playground.
For older children, there is a pump track for roller skates and BMX lovers.
During the summer season, you can also buy soft drinks and snacks on the beach. The nearest restaurants and shops are located in the small town of Võsu, a few hundred metres from the beach.
Wireless internet is also available on the beach.
Sadama tänav 2, Võsu alevik, Haljala vald, 45501
Vergi Marina is a small harbour on the shores of the Gulf of Finland in Lahemaa National Park. We are one of the few harbours in the area where you can fit a sailboat! We have 8 berths for visitors, the daily rent is 25 € and includes the use of a toilet and a shower (for max. 4 people), electricity on the quay and water. You'll fit in our harbour if your vessel has a maximum length of 35 m and a maximum draught of 2.5 m (depending on water level).
The Vergi Harbour Restaurant Wirkes is open all year round and offers mainly dishes made from local ingredients and accommodation if you don't want to be out and about at night! Call us in advance so we know to expect you!
State Port Register
Sadama tee 51, Vergi küla, Haljala vald, 45404
Lake Porkuni covers 41.5 hectares. It is divided using barrages into four smaller lakes: Lake Suurjärv also known as the ‘upper lake’; Lake Karujärv, also known as the ‘lower lake’; Lake Aiajärv; and Lake Iiri or the ‘Irish lake’. What makes Porkuni famous is the floating islands of Lake Suurjärv,
which has a diving tower and where you can hire boats. It is also home to the Kaie spring. Folk tales talk of a slave girl named Kaie whose beauty caught the eye of the lord of the manor. But his love for the girl was not reciprocated, and it is said that one day while Kaie was gathering hay by the lake he threw her into the water. Unable to swim, she drowned, and the hay in her apron is said to have formed the lake’s floating islands.
Porkuni küla, Tapa vald, 46001
Do you enjoy new experiences and do you wish to experience them safely together with a supportive team? If yes, this trip is for you!
You are welcomed by trained guides who love their job who instruct you to ride the kayak correctly and accompany you during the entire trip. Additionally, you will get a nice company of like-minded people.
The sun reflects back from the curvy river surface. Singing birds as the background, we will be travelling 10 kilometres along the wild River Valgejõgi and forget the rest of the world for these hours.
Kayak trips are suitable for children from the age of 16.
Suru küla, Kuusalu vald, 74615
An evening kayak ride from Valkla beach to Pedassaari is a nice way to end the day. Pedassaar is the highest island in the Gulf of Kolga with beautiful sandy beaches and pine forests.
On the island, we will examine the traces of the sea that is forcing its way there, admire the forest, take a look on the other islands and boulders in the sea, and watch the sunset. Whether the sunset is visible or not depends on the weather, but the playful colours of the sunset can be seen in the western sky with cloudy weather as well.
Valkla küla, Kuusalu vald, 74630
Let's go paddleboarding!
What is it? SUP (Stand Up Paddle in English) or paddle surfing in Estonian is a nice way to discover different bodies of water. A paddle board is one big board, which is about 3 meters long, 80 cm wide, and has a fin under it. We move forward by rowing.Paddleboarding is suitable for anyone who enjoys water and paddling. It is a great opportunity to discover beautiful nature, enjoy company, and take time off.
With us, you can have an adventure in Tapa on Valgejõgi River in any weather, in any season - the river is always different! Full equipment and instructions are provided by us.
Moe küla, Tapa vald, 45005
Võsu Port is a small port on the shore of the Gulf of Finland, located in Lahemaa National Park. The port has electricity, drinking water, and guests can also use other port services. We also have a container gas station with a payment terminal, 24-hour security, and a restaurant.
Võsu Port is not a new port but a historical port that has been given a new life. The pier was used as a boat harbour as early as in the 1980s when a brick factory and a sawmill operated on a site near the estuary of River Võsu.
You can reach the centre of Võsu (approx. 1 km) along a cycle and pedestrian track that runs along the beach.
It is also worth checking out the port registry.
Piiri tänav 6, Võsu alevik, Haljala vald, 45501
Lake Porkuni covers 41.5 hectares. It is divided using barrages into four smaller lakes: Lake Suurjärv also known as the ‘upper lake’; Lake Karujärv, also known as the ‘lower lake’; Lake Aiajärv; and Lake Iiri or the ‘Irish lake’. What makes Porkuni famous is the floating islands of Lake Suurjärv,
which has a diving tower and where you can hire boats. It is also home to the Kaie spring. Folk tales talk of a slave girl named Kaie whose beauty caught the eye of the lord of the manor. But his love for the girl was not reciprocated, and it is said that one day while Kaie was gathering hay by the lake he threw her into the water. Unable to swim, she drowned, and the hay in her apron is said to have formed the lake’s floating islands.
Porkuni küla, Tapa vald, 46001
If you enjoy a healthy lifestyle, beautiful nature, and refreshing water, you will surely find that we have the best recreation options for you.
We offer 1- and 2-day canoe hikes on River Valgejõgi.
After spending the day in the wild, you can enjoy a relaxing sauna. In the summer, you can spend the night in a tent or a barn and sleep on hay. Our Õnnela Guest House, however, is open all year round.
Good to know: Linnumäe Nature Farm is a cotter's hut located on the edge of the Ohepalu bog. Eight generations have lived there and there is still no electricity. The hut is the starting point of the hikes and a perfect location for a sauna.
Ohepalu küla, Kadrina vald, 45225