Valaste: Ontika Cliff, Waterfall and Coastal Forest

Valaste draws attention to a striking cliff and water landscape. At Ontika Cliff, the Valaste juga waterfall plunges down as a wall of water more than 30 metres high. It is Estonia’s highest waterfall. Those looking for accommodation in Valaste for their trip will find it primarily a starting point for nature experiences between the cliff, forest, waterfall and seashore.

Ontika Cliff and Primeval Coastal Forest

The Ontika Landscape Protection Area protects the Baltic Klint and characteristic natural forests. The cliff forest between the terrace and the sea is one of Estonia’s most primeval forest types. This creates a landscape in which the open cliff edge and the forest are directly interconnected. To view the cliff coast of Ontika, visitors can use the staircase platform at the Valaste Waterfall or the “Valaste õppe- ja matkarada” nature trail.

Hiking Trails with Different Focal Points

The “Valaste hiking and study trail” runs along the Ontika Landscape Protection Area. Its route includes the descent at the Valaste Waterfall via stairs, followed by boardwalks below the cliff to the seashore. By contrast, the “Ontika–Valaste nature trail” runs along the seashore for approximately 700 metres. This makes it possible to experience both the cliff edge and the shore area as distinct trail sections within the same landscape.

There is a clear distinction when choosing a trail section: those who want to see the waterfall and cliff coast along one route should follow the route of the hiking and study trail. Those who choose the shore area as a separate section will find it on the nature trail, which is approximately 700 metres long. However, because of the current closure, the cliff route cannot be walked in its entirety.

Take Current Restrictions into Account

The current trail status is crucial when planning a specific visit: the Ontika end of the “Valaste hiking and study trail”, the stairs and the boardwalks below the cliff are currently impassable and closed because of landslides. The hiking and study trail is currently accessible only as an out-and-back route. The documented route via stairs and boardwalks therefore does not automatically describe a route that can currently be walked continuously.

Information Along the Study Trail

The “Valaste hiking and study trail” features 22 information boards about the Ontika limestone cliff and the surrounding landscape. The boards therefore focus on the natural history of the limestone cliff and the landscape along the trail. Users of public transport can also start and finish the “Ontika–Valaste nature trail” at the Valaste Waterfall. Thus, the waterfall is not only a notable viewpoint but also a documented starting and finishing point of this nature trail.

For a broader destination search, you can also visit Aseri, Narva, Jõhvi, Kohtla-Järve, Narva-Jõesuu, Mäetaguse, Toila and Kiviõli.

For the higher-level travel overview: Ida-Viru.