When most people visit Estonia, they stay in the capital, Tallinn. Very rarely do they venture beyond the city walls.
Yet just a short drive north, east, and west of Tallinn, you’ll find waterfalls, wild coastline, national parks, abandoned prisons, and charming seaside villages — all perfect for a road trip.
This guide covers everything you need to know about road tripping the north of Estonia, including where to go, how to get around, and the best time to visit — all easily done from Tallinn.
How to Explore the North of Estonia
The best way to explore northern Estonia is by car.
You can:
- Pick up a hire car directly from Tallinn Airport
- Or take the local tram to the airport car hire offices if you didn’t arrive by plane
I highly recommend booking in advance, especially in summer, so you can reserve the vehicle size you want and avoid last-minute stress.
Top tip: If you book flights and car hire together on platforms like Expedia, you can often get great package discounts.
Best Time for This Road Trip
Honestly? This road trip works year-round — it just depends on what kind of experience you’re after.
- Winter: Snowy forests, frozen waterfalls, fairytale vibes. Days are shorter and driving requires more care.
- Summer: Longer days, warmer weather, and more cafés, trails, and facilities open — especially in Lahemaa National Park.
We visited in December, and even without snow it was beautiful. Autumn colours still lingered, frost clung to the landscape, and it felt like a gentle merge of seasons — calm, cold, and magical.
How Long Do You Need?
This is completely flexible, but I’d recommend at least one week.
That gives you time to enjoy each place properly without rushing between locations.
Where to Stay
Your accommodation choice depends on how much driving you want to do.
You can either:
- Base yourself in Tallinn and take day trips
- Or split your stay between Tallinn and Lahemaa National Park
Below, I’ve noted which places work best from each base.
Must-Visit Places North of Estonia
Here are the places I recommend for a northern Estonia road trip:
- Old Town Tallinn
- Keila-Joa Waterfall & Manor
- Rummu Quarry & Prison
- Jägala Waterfall
- Lahemaa National Park
- Käsmu & Võsu beaches
- Ontika Cliffs & Valaste Waterfall
Old Town Tallinn
Why it’s a must:
One of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Think cobbled streets, pastel buildings, city walls, and fairy-tale viewpoints.
If you visit in December, Tallinn hosts a small but beautiful Christmas Market in the main square.
Don’t miss:
- Kohtuotsa Viewing Platform – classic skyline view
- Patkuli Viewing Platform – quieter, moodier angle
- Toompea streets – best explored early morning
- Raeapteek – the oldest continuously operating pharmacy in Europe
- Telliskivi Creative City – cafés, street art, and creative energy just outside the old town
Keila-Joa Waterfall & Manor
Why it’s a must:
Often described as one of Estonia’s prettiest waterfalls, Keila-Joa is especially beautiful after rainfall or in winter when it partially freezes.
Where to stay:
- Tallinn (around 50 minutes west)
- Or visit en route to Rummu Quarry & Prison
Rummu Quarry & Prison
Why it’s a must:
This place is a true gem and one of the most visually unique locations in Estonia.
Turquoise water surrounds the submerged remains of a former prison and quarry — haunting, surreal, and unforgettable.
Where to stay:
- Tallinn (around 1 hour west)
Jägala Waterfall
Why it’s a must:
Estonia’s widest natural waterfall — and one that delivers a real wow moment, especially after heavy rain or during icy winter months.
Where to stay:
- Tallinn (around 30 minutes east)
- Or visit on your way to Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa National Park
Why it’s a must:
A national park that truly has it all — forests, bog boardwalks, waterfalls, wild coastline, and historic manor houses.
Don’t miss:
- Viru Bog Boardwalk – sunrise here is pure magic
- Käsmu Captain’s Village – peaceful coastal charm
- Altja Fisherman’s Village – traditional wooden houses by the Baltic Sea
Where to stay:
- Anywhere within Lahemaa National Park
- Or Tallinn (around 1 hour east)
Käsmu & Võsu (North Coast Beach Villages)
Why it’s a must:
Perfect if you want a slower day by the sea. These coastal villages are calm, scenic, and ideal for beach walks, sea air, and switching off.
Where to stay:
- Lahemaa National Park
- Or Tallinn (just over 1 hour east)
Ontika Cliffs & Valaste Waterfall
Why it’s a must:
A longer drive — but absolutely worth it. Dramatic limestone cliffs overlook the Baltic Sea, and Valaste Waterfall is Estonia’s highest waterfall, especially impressive after rain or when frozen.
7-Day North Estonia Road Trip Itinerary
Starts and finishes in Tallinn.
Day 1 – Arrive in Tallinn & Explore Old Town
Drive time: None
Stay: Tallinn
Spend your first day soaking up the magic of Old Town Tallinn.
Things to do:
- Wander Toompea streets early morning or late evening
- Visit Kohtuotsa & Patkuli Viewing Platforms
- Pop into Raeapteek
- Explore Telliskivi Creative City for cafés and street art
✨ If visiting in December: allow time for the Christmas Market.
Day 2 – Keila-Joa Waterfall & Rummu Quarry
Drive time: ~1.5–2 hours total
Stay: Tallinn or near Rummu
Route:
Tallinn → Keila-Joa → Rummu Quarry → Tallinn / Rummu
Stops:
- Keila-Joa Waterfall
Walk behind the falls if conditions allow - Rummu Quarry
Turquoise water, submerged ruins, eerie beauty
📸 Best light: late morning to early afternoon
Day 3 – Jägala Waterfall → Drive to Lahemaa National Park
Drive time: ~1.5 hours
Stay: Lahemaa National Park
Route:
Tallinn → Jägala Waterfall → Lahemaa
Stop:
- Jägala Waterfall
Especially impressive after rain or in winter ice
Continue east and check into your Lahemaa accommodation — cabins, guesthouses, or forest stays all work beautifully here.
Day 4 – Lahemaa National Park (Bogs & Forests)
Drive time: Minimal
Stay: Lahemaa National Park
A slow, nature-focused day 🌲
Don’t miss:
- Viru Bog Boardwalk
Sunrise is magical if you can manage it - Forest walks & quiet trails
- Manor houses (if open seasonally)
🧣 Winter tip: boardwalks can be icy — proper footwear is essential.
Day 5 – Coastal Villages: Käsmu & Altja
Drive time: ~1 hour total
Stay: Lahemaa National Park
Stops:
- Käsmu
Peaceful, maritime history, lovely coastal walks - Altja
Traditional wooden houses by the sea
This is a slower, reflective day — perfect for photography and fresh sea air.
Day 6 – Ontika Cliffs & Valaste Waterfall (East Estonia)
Drive time: ~2–2.5 hours each way
Stay: Lahemaa or eastern Estonia (optional)
Why it’s worth it:
- Ontika Cliffs overlooking the Baltic Sea
- Valaste Waterfall, Estonia’s highest waterfall
❄️ In winter, Valaste often freezes into dramatic ice formations.
Day 7 – Return to Tallinn & Slow Finish
Drive time: ~1 hour
Stay: Tallinn or depart
Use your final day to:
- Revisit favourite Tallinn spots
- Enjoy a long café breakfast
- Pick up souvenirs or local design items
- Have one last Old Town wander before heading home
Heading at Christmas?
Why not check out my Tallinn Christmas Market Guide:
Tallinn Christmas Markets Guide
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