Kuusalu Walks on Bog, Boulder and Bay Trails
Walkers in Kuusalu parish can choose from a short seaside stroll to a seven-kilometre forest and coast trail. Everything here is self-guided, apart from bog-shoe hikes, and the routes are spread along the Harju County coast, 40 to 55 km east of Tallinn. This page lists the walks from shortest to longest.
0.5 km: Tsitre tree trail
On Kolga Bay, the park of a former seaside summer estate holds a tree trail of just 0.5 km. A beach and an observation tower over the bay are close by. RMK’s westernmost campsite on the bay is also here. See the Baltic Trails entry .
A short pier walk: Hara
The Hara submarine base is a derelict Soviet-era site with a pier and ruins. Entry costs EUR 10 for adults, EUR 7 for students and seniors, and EUR 22 for a family, and preschool children are free. Hazards are real: falling rocks, and a ban on climbing the pier rocks or abandoned buildings. Swimming and jumping into the water are not allowed, and bikes and vehicles stay off the pier. Dogs go on a leash. Off-season visits are by reservation through info@harasadam.ee . The operator’s site has the details.
About 2.6 km: Viru bog to the tower and back
The tower stands about 1.3 km from the Viru bog car park, so the round trip is about 2.6 km. The boardwalk is free. Use the Loksa tee road off the E20, roughly 52 km from Tallinn. The car park holds 91 cars and 5 buses. Only portable toilets were on site during renovation.
About 5.5 km: the full Viru loop
The marked trail, with white and green tree marks, is 3.5 km one way and about 5.5 km as a loop. Other sources give the loop as 5.7 or 6 km. Of the whole route, 3 km is boardwalk. Wear boots, stay on the boardwalk, leave bikes at home and keep fire away, as the bog is highly flammable. The tower is closed to climbing in thunderstorms, and its top floor holds 25 people. For questions, contact RMK at info.oandu@rmk.ee or +372 676 7010. The RMK trail page is the official source.
About 7 km: Majakivi-Pikanõmme
RMK’s Majakivi-Pikanõmme trail covers about 7 km and is open all year. It passes the Majakivi boulder near Hara village on the Juminda peninsula. The boulder is the third-largest erratic in Estonia, stands about 7 m high, and can be climbed by ladder. The Visit Estonia listing describes the route.
Off the boardwalk with a guide
The bog away from the boardwalk is for guided groups on bog shoes. Hikes depart from the northern Viru car park. Listings show trips from about EUR 47 per person, and some operators sell a group rate. Search GetYourGuide for current options.
Easy extras
At Pärispea, the Mähu boulders can be climbed with a rope. Viinistu has a harbour to stroll beside the art museum. Pähknemännik, the northern tip of mainland Estonia, is about 4 km from Viinistu and has a sandy beach.
Reaching the trails
Buses on the E20 stop at Loksa tee, 1.3 km from the Viru trailhead. Look up times on peatus.ee . The other trails are easier by car.
Read more: Sightseeing in Kuusalu covers the museums, manor and tower.