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About Harju County
Harju County covers the north-west of Estonia from the Pakri peninsula in the west to the Kolga bay and the Harju side of Lahemaa National Park in the east. At its centre is Tallinn, a Hanseatic trading city whose old town has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1997, surrounded by coastal suburbs such as Pirita and Viimsi, manor villages and a long Baltic coastline. West of the capital lie Keila-Joa Waterfall, Padise Abbey, the Rummu Quarry and the former Soviet naval town of Paldiski; offshore, Aegna, Naissaar and Prangli offer car-free island escapes. Harju is compact, extremely well connected by Tallinn's tram and bus network and Elron trains, and easy to combine with Helsinki, just two hours away by ferry.
- Capital
- Tallinn
- Largest city
- Tallinn
- Population
- ~650,000
- Languages
- Estonian, Russian, English (widely spoken)
- Currency
- Euro
- Time zone
- EET/EEST (UTC+2/+3)
Explore Harju County by topic
Jump straight to the experience you're planning.
Best places to visit in Harju County
The 26 destinations our editors recommend — from iconic landmarks to under-the-radar finds.
Toompea Castle and Pikk Hermann Tower
Alexander Nevsky Cathedral
St. Olaf's Church (Oleviste kirik)
Kadriorg Palace (Kadriorg Art Museum)
Kumu Art Museum
Recommended itineraries
Pick a length, follow the route. Each itinerary balances headline sights with breathing room.
5-Day Harju County Explorer
- Day 1Arrive in Harju County, explore city center
- Day 2Visit top attractions and museums
- Day 3Day trip to nearby highlights
- Day 4Local markets and hidden gems
- Day 5Final sightseeing, departure
7-Day Classic Harju County
- Days 1-2Harju County city highlights
- Days 3-4Regional exploration
- Days 5-6Cultural immersion and local experiences
- Day 7Return and departure
14-Day Ultimate Harju County
- Days 1-3Harju County comprehensive city tour
- Days 4-6Northern region exploration
- Days 7-9Eastern highlights
- Days 10-12Southern attractions
- Days 13-14Return to Harju County, departure
Where to stay in Harju County
Three tiers, every traveller covered — from cost-conscious to flagship hotels.
Budget €60
Hostels, budget hotels, and guesthouses offer affordable stays without sacrificing experience.
Mid-range €150
Boutique hotels and well-located accommodations provide comfort and convenience at reasonable prices.
Luxury €380+
World-class resorts and premium hotels deliver unforgettable experiences.
Hotel Telegraaf
Check rates on Booking.comSchlössle Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comThe Three Sisters Hotel
Check rates on Booking.comVon Stackelberg Hotel Tallinn
Check rates on Booking.comWhere to eat in Harju County
Cafés, neighbourhood gems, and tasting menus worth the table reservation.
Rataskaevu 16
Vanaema Juures
Olde Hansa
Leib Resto ja Aed
Tchaikovsky
Kompressor
Book a food tour in Harju County We may earn a commission from bookings made through this link.
Getting around Harju County
Tallinn is compact and well served by trams, trolleybuses and buses, with the airport only about 4 km from the centre. Public transport in Tallinn uses the same payment tools as Harju County bus and train lines; the national planner peatus.ee shows all options. Elron trains link Tallinn with Paldiski, Keila and Aegviidu, while regional buses and a car are needed for villages such as Keila-Joa and Padise.
Budget breakdown
Daily spend by tier in EUR, broken out by category.
| Category | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | €25 | €85 | €220 |
| Food (per day) | €18 | €35 | €90 |
| Transportation | €5 | €8 | €30 |
| Activities | €12 | €22 | €40 |
| Daily total | €60 | €150 | €380+ |
Best time to visit Harju County
Weather through the year in Harju County
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Harju County.
Essential travel tips
- Most places accept contactless payment; carry a little cash for rural sights and island kiosks
- Book Helsinki ferries online in summer and December
- Buy a Tallinn Card if visiting three or more paid sights per day
- Plan car-free for Tallinn and by car or guided tour for Rummu, Padise and Lahemaa's Harju coast
- Many restaurants close on Mondays or Tuesdays in smaller towns
Safety information
Estonia is one of Europe's safest countries; petty theft in crowded Old Town areas, Viru Street and on trams is the main risk.
Only use Bolt, Uber or marked taxis with a rate card; avoid unlicensed drivers at the port or airport.
Check menus and prices in Old Town tourist restaurants and bars before ordering, and avoid venues that approach you from the street.
Tick bites are the main health risk when hiking in forest and bog areas; use repellent and check clothing.
Wear shoes with grip on winter ice and cobbles; pavements can be very slippery.
Do not walk on thin sea ice; it can be unstable even when it looks solid.
Cross roads at marked crossings; trams have priority in Tallinn.
GPS interference near the Gulf of Finland can affect navigation apps; carry an offline map.
Call 112 for any emergency; operators speak English.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a visa to visit Harju County?
Estonia follows Schengen rules. EU citizens need only a national ID card or passport; visitors from many countries, including the US, UK, Canada and Australia, may stay up to 90 days in any 180 without a visa. Requirements can change, so check the Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (vm.ee) before traveling.
What is the best way to get around Tallinn and Harju County?
Within Tallinn, trams, buses and trolleybuses cover the city and the airport is on tram 4. Elron trains reach Keila and Paldiski, and regional buses serve most villages. A car or guided tour is easier for Rummu Quarry, Padise Abbey and the Lahemaa coast.
Is Tallinn safe for solo travelers?
Yes. Tallinn and Harju County rank among the safest destinations in Europe. Use ordinary care against pickpockets in the old town and check bar prices before ordering.
What currency is used and are cards accepted?
Estonia uses the euro (EUR). Contactless cards and phones are accepted almost everywhere, including small shops and on public transport; cash is only occasionally needed in rural areas and at small island kiosks.
How do I get from Tallinn to Helsinki?
Ferries from the Port of Tallinn (Terminals A and D) take about 2 hours with Tallink, Viking Line or Eckerö Line and cost from about EUR 25 each way. Compare prices on the operators' websites.
When is the best time to visit?
June to August has the longest days and best weather for islands and beaches, while December has the Christmas market. Spring and early autumn have fewer crowds. Winters are cold with snow, and daylight is short.
How much does a trip to Tallinn cost per day?
Budget travelers can manage on about EUR 60 (approx $65) per day using hostels, markets and public transport. Mid-range trips cost about EUR 150 (approx $162) and luxury about EUR 380+ (approx $410+).
Which places are the best day trips from Tallinn?
Rummu Quarry, Keila-Joa Waterfall, Padise Abbey, Jägala Waterfall, Paldiski, Aegna island and Prangli island are all in Harju County and reachable within about 1.5 hours of Tallinn.
Explore Harju County by city
The cities below have their own guides — hotels, attractions and where to eat, in depth.