Winter in Ida-Viru County invites you to explore both untouched nature and former industrial areas that clever minds have transformed into unique tourism attractions. Ida-Viru is an exciting place to experience how opposites can work together, offering fascinating contrasts.
One of the most impressive winter sights can be seen at Valaste. Estonia’s highest waterfall, Valaste Waterfall, with a drop of about 30 metres along with the limestone cliff, turns into a gigantic world of ice through the combined effect of cold air, northern wind and water. Curtains of ice, frozen columns and icy caves create a natural work of art that crowds travel from all over Estonia to admire and photograph.
A winter wonderland also forms next to Saka Manor at Kivisilla Waterfall, which cascades down the cliff and is second highest waterfall in Estonia. It is remarkable that almost all of Estonia’s higher waterfalls are located along the Ida-Viru limestone cliff coast. Estonia’s most outstanding natural monument the North Estonian Klint also reveals itself most spectacularly in Ida-Viru County.
A short drive inland provides easy access to the Aluoja waterfall area, and a visit can be combined with a walk or sledding in the nearby and wonderfully scenic Toila Oru Park.
For cross-country skiing, Alutaguse Sports and Recreation Centre in Pannjärve offers excellent conditions. It is located in Estonia’s most lake-rich region. In the Kurtna Lake District, 42 natural lakes are scattered between forested sandy hills, and exploring the area on foot offers both beautiful views and a proper workout.
While the sports centre is located within Alutaguse National Park, Ida-Viru’s other well-known winter destination, Kiviõli Adventure Centre which is situated on an industrial waste hill. Unlike the rolling hills of Southern Estonia, Ida-Viru’s “mountains” have been shaped by the oil shale industry, but they have now gained a new purpose. Kiviõli’s former semi-coke hill, once an environmental burden, has become a leisure destination full of positive energy. In winter it operates as a downhill ski centre; in summer you can race mountain carts or enjoy Estonia’s longest zipline, stretching 600 metres.
You can also climb to the top of the Püssi ash hill and Kukruse waste rock hill to take in Ida-Viru County’s distinctive industrial heritage. The Estonian flag flies on both peaks – perfect for capturing a memorable “summit photo.”
A completely different experience awaits at the Estonian Mining Museum – the deepest tourism attraction in Estonia. Kohtla-Nõmme is the only place in the country where visitors can descend 8 metres underground and move through dim, damp tunnels where busy work was still taking place just a few decades ago. The experience is made even more authentic by former miners as guides, working machinery, and a ride on an underground train.
You can explore the theme of Estonia’s “brown gold” even further at the Oil Shale Museum in Kohtla-Järve. The impact of oil shale mining is perhaps best understood in Aidu, where a former huge open-cast mine has been replaced by a landscape of water. Water-filled canals with mysteriously clear water and limestone walls resemble fjords with high rocky shores. Thanks to the re-use of the industrial landscape, Aidu Water Adventure Centre now operates here – built around Estonia’s only man-made rowing canal of Olympic dimensions.
The quarry terrain, shaped by massive excavators, is also a paradise for hikers and adventure seekers. It can be explored on foot, by mountain bike, or through an adrenaline-filled quarry safari. Adrenaator and Alutaguse Hiking Club lead visitors into the Aidu adventure landscape – also in winter.
After winter adventures, it’s wonderful to warm up in a spa. In Ida-Viru County you can choose from seven spas, offering anywhere from just a few saunas to more than a dozen. For a more private atmosphere, Saka Manor, von Rosen Spa in Mäetaguse, and Narva-Jõesuu Medical SPA are great options. Those who enjoy lively sauna rituals will love Meresuu Spa & Hotel and Toila Spa Hotel.
Follow us also on Instagram.
Written by Sirle Sommer-Kalda
