Harku Parish: Cliff Coast, Nature Trails and Lighthouses

Harku Parish combines cliff coast, forest and nature trails with maritime and manor-house history on the Baltic Sea.

Cliff Coast and Nature Experience

The Muraste Nature Reserve, located in the villages of Meriküla and Suurupi in Harku Parish, protects the northern Estonian limestone coast and cliff forest. The area covers 141.3 hectares and, as the Muraste nature area, is part of the Natura 2000 network. The 3.5-kilometre Tabasalu Nature Trail runs through the Rannamõisa Landscape Protection Area and Tabasalu Nature Park, first along the cliff edge and then down a stone staircase to the foot of the cliff. Information boards explain local natural features as well as animal and plant species. Rest areas provide opportunities for picnicking and barbecuing with charcoal brought along by visitors. The change from the cliff edge to the lower-level trail makes the route varied; the stone staircase forms the clearly recognisable section between the two levels.

Hiking and Cycling Trails

The international coastal hiking trail runs for 22 kilometres along the coast through Harku Parish, passing through Tabasalu, Meriküla, Suurupi, Vääna-Jõesuu and Türisalu. A cycle and pedestrian path from the area around Rocca al Mare in Tallinn reaches Tabasalu after 6 kilometres and continues from there to Vääna-Jõesuu; detours to Suurupi’s lower and upper lighthouses are possible. The Harku Health Trail is 8 kilometres long, lies in Harku Forest and forms part of the 15-kilometre Nõmme-Harku loop trail. The different trail lengths help with planning your day: the nature trail remains compact, while the coastal hiking trail and Nõmme-Harku loop trail make up longer excursions. Part of the Naage Hiking Trail runs parallel to the Naage cliff; caves lie at its foot, and there is a spring nearby. In the vicinity of the Naage Hiking Trail, the Vääna River runs along Jahilossi tee; its winding course offers beautiful views and swimming opportunities in summer.

Lighthouses and Manor Houses

The Suurupi Upper Lighthouse was built in 1760; its balcony is 63 metres above sea level and offers views of Tallinn and Lohusalu Bay. The Suurupi Upper Lighthouse houses an exhibition about the technology used there, as well as the history of Estonian seafaring and the Suurupi lighthouses. Important for your planning: the Suurupi lighthouses are closed to visitors. On Sunday, 9 August, Suurupi Lighthouse Day will be held for the 16th time, bringing together community members, artisans, musicians, home cafés and visitors.

The manor-house parks also have their own distinctive features. Harku Manor Park covers 20 hectares and is home to 92 tree and shrub species. Harku Manor can only be viewed from the outside. The park of Vääna Manor contains a freely accessible outdoor low-ropes course. The parks have different strengths: Harku stands for spaciousness and biodiversity, while Vääna offers a freely accessible outdoor low-ropes course.

For the overarching travel overview: Harju.

More Destinations

More places within the same destination:

Nehatu, Rae, Pala, Viimsi, Kiili Parish.