Lääne-Viru County

West-Viru County is an exceptionally diverse and perfect county for relaxing, enjoying nature, and taking part in traditional events. The local museums give a great overview of the history and people of the county. Abundant manor culture highlights some of the grand names from history. Stunning nature and a long coastline provide an opportunity for hiking, engaging in various sports, enjoying wonderful landscapes.

The coastal villages at Lahemaa are delightful. One of them, the village of Käsmu, is called the Captains’ Village for tens of sea captains to sail the vast oceans have grown up there. Today the local maritime museum, located in an old border guard station, tells the visitors the seafaring history. A series of summer concerts Kaunid Kontserdid takes place in the courtyard of the museum right on the seashore in June. In August, visitors are welcome to the festival Viru Folk.

The three pearls of Lahemaa – the manors of Sagadi, Palmse and Vihula are both sights and the places that offer many different possibilities for spending an active holiday, accommodation, and good food.

At Lahemaa National Park, there are plenty of hiking trails, and fascinating events take place at the Oandu Nature Centre of the State Forest Management Centre.

Rakvere Castle and the revived atmosphere of the daily life in the Middle Ages offer a fascinating adventure for both adults and children, together with the Water Park of the Aqva Spa, situated at the foot of the castle, the two make a perfect destination for a family holiday.

In addition to this, visitors are welcome to the traditional events of the county, like the Rakvere City Days together with the Pikk Street Fair, the theatre festival Baltoscandal, the Punk Song Festival, the Mendance Festival, the Night Run, the Wife Carrying Competition at Väike-Maarja, the Barrel Race at Porkuni, the Võsu Music Days, the Lahemaa Bagpipe Days, and the Reed Festival at Mahu.

In Kunda, the Friendship Fair is held to revive the coast dwellers’ old-time custom of oversea trading, and traditionally, every year in August at the Night of Ancient Bonfires, bonfires are lit along the coasts both in Estonia and Finland.