Lohusalu between the harbor, sandy beaches, and hiking trails

Lohusalu connects Estonia’s northern coast with a small harbor, sandy beaches, and marked hiking trails. Lohusalu Harbor is located directly next to Laulasmaa. This brings together maritime orientation and various options for active days: You can choose a coastal trail, explore the landscape of the peninsula, or experience the harbor as a venue for summer cultural events.

Coast, dune forests, and distinctive landscapes

Lohusalu includes sandy beaches and the Lohusalu maastikukaitseala. This landscape protection area was established on December 20, 2022, through the local protection of the Lohusalu dune forests. Alongside the open beach, the dune forests give the coastal landscape a second, distinctly different character. The protected area specifically concerns the dune forests, while the sandy beaches form a different type of landscape as open coastal space. Thus, the landscape comprises both the open beach and the forested dune area.

Another distinctive landscape feature is the escarpment known as Tornimäe pank. There, the rock face reaches a height of 20 m. The escarpment creates a clear contrast with the other coastal sections. In addition, the Laulasmaa kahe ranna matkarada hiking trail leads to the northern shore of Lohusalu Bay. Those who would like to view coastal formations from more than just the beach can therefore also follow a specific section of trail along the peninsula.

Hiking trails for different day plans

For a longer tour, the 18 km Laulasmaa–Keila-Joa–Lohusalu hiking trail is available. Another route is offered by the Laulasmaa kahe ranna matkarada loop trail. It runs along the southern and northern coasts of the Lohusalu Peninsula as well as along forest paths. The options therefore differ in structure: an 18 km route between Laulasmaa, Keila-Joa, and Lohusalu is set against a loop trail with coastal and forest sections. The trail is marked with blue-and-yellow stripes on trees and stones.

The loop trail begins in the parking lot of Laulasmaa Spa. There, an information board displays a route map, providing specific guidance right from the starting point. A longer hike on this trail is possible if you make a detour into the village of Lohusalu. This allows you to combine the coastal loop with the village itself without limiting the hike to the immediate shoreline.

Harbor and culture in Lohusalu

The harbor is not only a geographic reference point on the northern coast but also an event venue. In summer, dance evenings, concerts, theater performances, and other cultural events take place at Lohusalu Harbor. The entertainment there is aimed at people of all ages and complements the nature and hiking experiences with a cultural program.

Lohusalu is mentioned as a fishing village as early as the 15th century. The communal cultural life also included Fishermen’s Day, which was held at Lohusalu Harbor as an eagerly anticipated annual community event. Fishermen’s Day connects the harbor as a place of community life with the maritime history of the fishing village. Those who would like to consider not only the beach and landscape but also a place’s maritime history will therefore find several different points of connection in Lohusalu.

For further orientation, you can also visit Kersalu.

For the overview of the wider destination: Keila Vald.