Leave the capital of Harju county behind and find yourself on the edge of the north coast. Here the limestone ground drops away at the massive Türisalu cliff where the sea air hits you with full force. Stop the car at Jägala waterfall to see the widest natural sheet of water in the country thundering over a rocky ledge into a deep canyon. This landmark is especially powerful during the spring thaw when the water roar echoes through the surrounding birch groves.
Explore the dense pine forests near Laulasmaa to find the modern Arvo Pärt Centre nestled among the trees. The coastal road leads to the Rummu submerged quarry where crystal clear water hides a sunken Soviet prison. It is a surreal sight with white limestone hills rising like mountains from the flat landscape. You can walk along the sandy ridges of the quarry to get a bird's eye view of the turquoise water and the ruins beneath the surface.
The Keila-Joa park offers a perfect break with its manor house and tiered cascades. You can walk the forest trails to find hidden suspension bridges over the rushing river. End the day at the Lohusalu marina to watch fishing boats return under a vast northern sky. Harju's quiet coastal roads here are lined with blueberry bushes and provide plenty of small pockets to park and watch the sunset over the Gulf of Finland.
Harju (county) highlights
- Türisalu Cliff Viewpoint Drive your car right to the edge of this thirty meter limestone wall for a panoramic view of the Baltic Sea. The parking area is a perfect spot for watching the northern sunset over the crashing waves below.
- Jägala Waterfall Stop at the widest natural waterfall in the country to see the river thunder over a massive rocky ledge. You can walk along the canyon floor to get close to the spray or see it frozen into a wall of ice in winter.
- Rummu Submerged Quarry Explore the turquoise waters of this former limestone mine where a sunken Soviet prison sits partially underwater. The white ash hills nearby provide a surreal landscape that looks more like another planet than northern Europe.
- Pakri Peninsula Lighthouse Navigate to the northwestern tip to see the red brick tower standing on a crumbling limestone cliff. The surrounding area is filled with coastal trails and rare wildflowers that thrive in the salty sea air.
- Keila Joa Manor Park Park by the historic riverside estate to walk through a lush forest filled with tiered waterfalls and suspension bridges. The park is home to a restored manor house that looks like a scene from a romantic period drama.
- Arvo Pärt Centre in Laulasmaa Take a quiet forest road to this modern architectural masterpiece tucked away among the tall pine trees. The building features an observation tower that offers a peaceful view of the sea through the forest canopy.
- Padise Monastery Ruins Discover the remains of a thirteenth century fortress monastery located in a quiet valley surrounded by ancient oaks. The stone walls and dark corridors are open for exploration and offer a glimpse into medieval monastic life.
- Vihterpalu Manor Drive deeper into the western woods to find this elegant pale green estate known for its neoclassical design. It is a secluded gem that serves as a quiet retreat far away from the main highway traffic.
- Suurupi Rear Lighthouse Visit this unique wooden tower which is the only surviving structure of its kind in the entire region. The road leading here winds through a coastal village where the old maritime traditions are still very visible.
- Paldiski Military Ruins Explore the remnants of a former closed Soviet city where abandoned bunkers and submarine docks sit on the coast. It is a hauntingly beautiful site for history buffs who enjoy exploring forgotten relics of the Cold War.
The local Four
History of Harju (county)
The bedrock of the Harju county dates back over 450 million years, creating a massive limestone plateau that defined how the area was built. In 1219, Danish invaders arrived at the coast and established a stronghold that eventually became the capital city. For centuries, the region was a playground for Danish and German knights who built heavy stone monasteries like Padise in the 1300s to protect their lands and control the profitable sea trade routes along the northern coast.
During the 1870s, a massive railway was finished that connected the local ports to the rest of the Russian Empire, turning the quiet coastal plains into an industrial powerhouse. This era saw the rise of grand manor estates where wealthy families managed vast forests and built the first modern mills powered by the region's waterfalls. The landscape shifted again after 1945 when many coastal areas became restricted military zones, leaving behind hidden bunkers and secret submarine bases that are still tucked away in the pine forests today.
The most surreal part of Harju’s history is found at the Rummu quarry, which was a busy limestone mine and prison site throughout the 20th century. When the pumps were turned off in the 1990s, the water rose so quickly that it swallowed the buildings and machinery whole. Today, this sunken world has become a famous stop for road trippers who want to see the remains of the Soviet past peeking out from a crystal clear turquoise lake