Activities in Kuusalu Parish, Harju County
Choose what to do in Kuusalu parish by the time you have, because the stops are far apart and each one needs a little planning. The parish covers a long piece of the Harju County shore on the Gulf of Finland, in the stretch of land 40 to 55 km east of Tallinn. The inland village of Kuusalu has little for visitors. The draw is out on the coast and in the forest.
If you have one hour
Walk the 0.5 km tree trail at Tsitre, once a seaside summer estate park on Kolga Bay. It brings you to a beach and an observation tower looking over the bay. You can add a look at Kolga manor from the road.
If you have half a day
Go to the Viru bog nature trail, which RMK runs as a free walk. White and green tree marks guide you along 3.5 km one way, and about 3 km of the route is boardwalk. The tower is about 1.3 km from the car park, so a short out-and-back already rewards you with the view. The loop is about 5.5 km. For safety, walkers keep to the boardwalk, bicycles stay off it, and the dry bog must be kept clear of any flame. Boots help. RMK posts the current rules on its Viru bog trail page .
Another option is a guided bog-shoe hike. These begin at the northern car park, and bog shoes are what allow a group to leave the boardwalk with a guide. Operators price per person or per group, and one listing starts near EUR 47 each.
If you have a full day
Combine the Juminda peninsula with Viinistu. At Hara, the old Soviet submarine base opens its pier and ruins to ticket holders: EUR 10 for adults, EUR 7 for students and seniors, EUR 22 for a family. Off-season entry needs a reservation, and the pier exhibition is only partly open now. Write to info@harasadam.ee before driving out. On the pier, no climbing and no entering the water are allowed.
Near Hara village, Majakivi rises about 7 m and has a ladder for climbers. The RMK Majakivi-Pikanõmme route (about 7 km, open year-round) starts from this area. Finish in Viinistu at the art museum, where adults pay EUR 6 and concession holders EUR 3.
If you are camping
RMK’s official Lahemaa campsites are normally free. The westernmost on Kolga Bay is next to Tsitre. Hara also lists a glamping and campsite offer, and campsite guests enter the base area free.
Getting there
A car cuts the trip to about 45 to 60 minutes from Tallinn. A bus on the E20 can drop you at the Loksa tee exit, then it is a 1.3 km forest walk to the bog trailhead. Look up current times on peatus.ee . For help from a local operator, try searching Viator .
Read more: Sightseeing in Kuusalu and the Tallinn plan in 2 days in Tallinn .