Vääna-Jõesuu: Beach, Dunes and Coastal Trails

Vääna-Jõesuu combines two kilometres of coastline with white sand dunes, pine forest and coastal trails. Vääna-Jõesuu Beach stretches along this coastline and is characterised by the dunes and pine forest. The Vääna-Jõesuu forest is also part of the local landscape.

Beach and swimming area

Vääna-Jõesuu Beach has a swimming area marked by buoys. The maximum water depth there is 1.8 metres; the water gradually gets deeper in this section. The depth information therefore refers to the designated swimming area and not to the entire coastline. The rest of the beach is not designated as a swimming area by this marking.

During the summer season, the beach is maintained daily. There are also changing rooms. Those who want to combine time by the water with a walk will find access to the dunes, pine forest and further trails along the same stretch of coastline. This allows the beach and landscape to be experienced as distinct elements of the same local setting.

Hiking trails along the coast

The Vääna-Jõesuu rannametsa matkarada trail is 4 km long. It therefore provides a clearly specified route within the local forest and coastal landscape. The long-distance European hiking route E9 runs along the coast near Vääna-Jõesuu. Near Vääna-Jõesuu, the Ranniku matkarada coastal hiking trail forms part of this European long-distance hiking route E9.

Another route is the Laulasmaa–Vääna-Jõesuu section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route. This section is suitable for hikers in good physical condition.

Forest and landscape protection area

The local landscape protection area includes the “Vääna-Jõesuu metsa maastikukaitseala”. It covers 366.9 hectares. One of its objectives is to protect valuable habitats. In addition, the Vääna-Jõesuu forest is considered an area of relatively high natural value.

The protected area and the forest represent a different aspect of the landscape from the designated swimming area. Together with the white sand dunes, pine forest and two-kilometre coastline, they create a local setting in which natural areas and beach areas follow directly one after another. The E9 and the Ranniku matkarada are also relevant for hikes along the coast, while the 4 km-long Vääna-Jõesuu rannametsa matkarada provides a separate local trail connection.

Getting there and access to the beach

Vääna-Jõesuu can be reached from Tallinn via Tabasalu using shared walking and cycling paths. Within the settlement, an approximately 1 km-long shared walking and cycling path connects the Vääna-Jõesuu bus stop with the beach.

The local trails connect to different parts of the landscape: the beach, pine forest, dunes and coastal routes. Those considering the E9 or the Ranniku matkarada will find a coastal connection; those choosing the Laulasmaa–Vääna-Jõesuu section will encounter a route expressly suited to hikers in good physical condition. The designated swimming area, by contrast, remains limited to the marked section of beach.

More destinations for reference

For comparison with other destinations, you can visit the pages for Vääna and Türisalu.

For the higher-level travel overview: Harku Parish.