A boardwalk trail through raised bog landscape with bog pools and dwarf pines in Lahemaa National Park; the first 1,400 m of boardwalk to the observation tower is accessible to wheelchair users with assistance.
A boardwalk trail through raised bog landscape with bog pools and dwarf pines in Lahemaa National Park; the first 1,400 m of boardwalk to the observation tower is accessible to wheelchair users with assistance.
| Distance | 3.5 km one way (about 5.7 km as a circuit) |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Bus 155 towards Loksa from Tallinn Balti jaam (about 1 h 20 min), alight at Loksa tee, then walk under 1 km to the trailhead; by car about 45 minutes via the E20 turn-off near km 52 |
| Best season | May-September; frozen-bog snowshoeing in winter |
| Address | Viru raba trailhead, off the Tallinn-Narva highway (E20) near km 52, Kuusalu Parish, Estonia |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Lahemaa National Park, Harju County
What to bring
- Waterproof walking shoes or boots
- Long trousers and tick repellent
- Insect repellent (mosquitoes in summer)
- Water and a snack
- Offline map or downloaded GPX (limited mobile signal on bog sections)
- Binoculars for the observation tower
Location
Viru raba trailhead, off the Tallinn-Narva highway (E20) near km 52, Kuusalu Parish, Estonia
59.5045, 25.8025 View on map
Highlights
- Observation tower over the bog
- Bog pools and dwarf pines
- Accessible first section of 1,400 m
- Käsmu fishing village trail nearby
Tips for visiting
- Ticks are active from April to October across all forest and bog trails near Tallinn; tick-borne encephalitis and Lyme disease occur in Estonia, so wear long trousers, check skin afterwards and consider TBE vaccination well before travel.
When to visit
May to September for dry boardwalks and open bog views; winter offers frozen-bog snowshoeing. Mosquitoes are strongest in midsummer.
Accessibility
The first 1,400 m of boardwalk to the observation tower is accessible to wheelchair users with assistance. The remainder of the trail and the tower itself are not confirmed as step-free.
Visit, book or contact
Frequently asked questions
How long is the Viru Bog trail?
The trail is 3.5 km one way, or about 5.7 km as a circuit, and takes 2 to 3 hours. About 3 km of it is boardwalk.
Is the Viru Bog trail wheelchair accessible?
The first 1,400 m of boardwalk to the observation tower is accessible to wheelchair users with assistance.
How can visitors reach the trailhead without a car?
Bus 155 towards Loksa leaves Tallinn Balti jaam and takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Alight at Loksa tee and walk under 1 km to the trailhead.
What will visitors see on the trail?
The boardwalk crosses raised bog with bog pools and dwarf pines and leads to an observation tower over the bog.