Couples Stay at Viinistu and Kolga Bay

For two people, the best of Kuusalu parish is a handful of calm moments rather than a packed list of attractions. The parish occupies a long stretch of the Gulf of Finland coast in Harju County, 40 to 55 km east of Tallinn. Its inland namesake village is small, and the pleasant places for a couple lie on the shore and in the forest.

The harbour at Viinistu

Base yourselves at the art hotel in Viinistu, which stands on the same harbour as a restaurant and the Viinistu Art Museum. Visit Estonia lists the hotel, so contact it for rooms, menus and prices. The museum holds the private collection of Jaan Manitski and opened in 2002. Entry is EUR 6 per adult or EUR 3 with a concession, and the official page gives Wednesday to Sunday, 11:00 to 18:00, though seasons move that around. Check the museum site first. Look at other places to stay on Booking.com .

Kolga Bay at a slow pace

Tsitre, a former seaside estate park, has a 0.5 km tree trail, a beach and an observation tower. The short length leaves room for conversation. From the road you can photograph Kolga manor, which is private and partly restored. The interior opens only through an appointment, an event or a guided tour, so contact kolgamanor@gmail.com in advance if you want inside.

First or last light on the Viru boardwalk

RMK’s free Viru bog boardwalk (3 km of the 3.5 km one-way trail) catches the early and late light. Mist sometimes forms, though no one can promise it. A torch and boots are wise additions, since the tower stands 1.3 km from the car park. Because the bog is highly flammable, leave out candles and open flames. The pools are dark, cold and unguarded, with fragile moss around them, so keep your swim for another place.

Where the mainland ends

Mainland Estonia ends at Pähknemännik, its northernmost point, some 4 km from Viinistu. A sandy beach is there, and it suits a dip only in warm weather.

Travel tips

  • Go by car, since the E20 bus halts at Loksa tee, a 1.3 km forest walk from the bog trailhead. Timetables: peatus.ee .
  • Reserve the hotel and any manor visit before you set off.
  • Pack for wind and rain.
  • Plan outdoor walks for the middle of the day when daylight is short.

Read more: Sightseeing in Kuusalu and a Tallinn plan .