Attractions Nearby Narva, Day Trips and Excursions

(Narva, Ida-Virumaa, Estonia)

There is much to explore outside of the city's boundaries and Narva is extremely close to many impressive attractions, which are located within nearby Estonian towns and villages. The Endla Nature Reserve is close to Narva and around 10 km / 6 miles to the north of Joreva and filled with local wildlife and similar attractions.

Some of the very best beaches lie on the northern shoreline of Lake Peipsi, where the sandy coast stretches for more than 40 km / 25 miles. A little further from Narva are the attractions within two of Estonia's leading cities of Tartu and Tallinn, although for most, these are a little too far for a day trip and really more suitable for a longer excursion or extended holiday.

Endla Nature Reserve (Endla Looduskaitseala)

Tel: +372 774 5339
Founded in 1981, this reserve is just minutes from Narva and comprises a vast wetland area, with natural woodlands. Many of the reserves famous beavers live around Lake Endla and the western freshwater springs. The Sopa Spring is an especially important attraction, since it is 4.8 metres / 16 feet deep, making it the deepest of its kind in the whole of Estonia. Other important springs include those of Oostriku and Volingi. The Endla Nature Reserve features a nature trail, which stretches for around 1.5 km / 1 mile across boggy areas on raised boards, and even features a couple of tall watchtowers, where you can enjoy views of the rich Estonian fauna.

Lake Peipsi

With so much space, the main beaches are never overcrowded and the views are always impressive. In Soviet times, Lake Peipsi featured many resort-style attractions and although in the past these have become rather run down, new developments are gradually beginning to transform a number of the main beachfronts. Lake Peipsi is known for its trout and salmon, which are regularly smoked by the locals and often sold on stands known as 'suitsukala'. Visitors from Narva will find a number of further attractions around Lake Peipsi, such as the tiny fishing village of Vasknarva, where you will find the remains of a 14th-century castle and an Orthodox church, reputedly once used by the KGB.

Kuremäe

Kuremäe is situated approximately 64 km / 40 miles to the south-west of central Narva and can be reached in just over one hour. Once an important site of pagan worship, the small and charming village of Kuremäe contains a number of interesting attractions for visiting tourists to enjoy and these include the rather splendid Russian Orthodox Pühtitsa Convent, which dates back to the latter part of the 19th century and boasts no less than five towers, with each one being topped with eye-catching green onion-shaped domes. The attractions of Kuremäe are linked to Narva by daily buses, which run via Johvi. Kuremäe is also a good place to visit for those heading to Tallinn, where buses also head, departing twice weekly.

Narva Joesuu

Standing around 12 km / 7 miles to the north of Narva and often considered to be a suburb due to its proximity, the holiday resort that is Narva Joesuu is one attraction not to miss. This pretty town has drawn large crowds since the 19th century and is famous in this part of Estonia for its long sandy beach, which lies directly in front of a series of pine forests. Apart from the beachfront attractions around Narva Joesuu, tourists will also find many pretty wooden houses and buildings from the early part of the 20th century, and a surprisingly good selection of hotels and spas, all of which enjoy excellent views across the beachfront.