What to do and see in Laane-Viru County, Laane-Viru County: The Best Nature & Parks

The largest Antu lakes are Valgejarv (White Lake), Roheline (Green) or Vahejarv (Middle Lake) and Sinijarv (Blue Lake). The latter two are unique due to their singular bluish-green colour and transparency. The bottom of the lakes is covered with light lake lime which together with the surrounding nature gives the water its beautiful colour. Somewhere in a distance are other Antu lakes: Linaleo, Maetaguse, Kaanjarv ja Umbjarv which are small forest lakes with unstable banks surrounded by the boggy landscape containing a number of hiking trails.

Lake Porkuni covers 41.5 hectares. It is divided using barrages into four smaller lakes: Lake Suurjarv also known as the ‘upper lake’; Lake Karujarv, also known as the ‘lower lake’; Lake Aiajarv; and Lake Iiri or the ‘Irish lake’. What makes Porkuni famous is the floating islands of Lake Suurjarv,which has a diving tower and where you can hire boats. It is also home to the Kaie spring. Folk tales talk of a slave girl named Kaie whose beauty caught the eye of the lord of the manor. But his love for the girl was not reciprocated, and it is said that one day while Kaie was gathering hay by the lake he threw her into the water. Unable to swim, she drowned, and the hay in her apron is said to have formed the lake’s floating islands.

The Viitna nature studies trail forms part of the Viitna nature reserve and is 7 km long. It begins near the Viitna holiday village, and the trees along the path are marked for navigation. Along the trail you will see a variety of landscapes and lakes formed by the movement of the continental ice sheet.

The Oandu-Vosu hiking trail is situated in Lahemaa National Park and is 9.5 km long. It begins at the Oandu camping area and continues through to the Vosu camping area. The majority of the path follows the ancient Seljaku way through the forests of the Koljaku-Oandu terraces. You will see a diverse range of landscapes and forest communities.

The 3 km long Rakvere oak grove hiking trail, outside of the city centre, is a showcase for oak trees which are between 150 and 220 years old. Along the trail you will see a wide variety of mosses, plants and trees, and hear and see many birds. The trail will also take you by the cemetery for German soldiers and the ‘Okaskroon’ memorial to those deported to Siberia.

Tammealuse grove is a sacred natural site in the village of Samma. In ancient times the locals worshipped the gods of the earth here, bringing them offerings, conducting rituals and drawing healing waters from its springs. As recently as prior to World War II crowds from all over the parish were still being drawn here. It remains a place for pagan gatherings and rituals - many come here to cleanse their souls and heal themselves in its springs.Did you know...?*Bear in mind that this is a protected site and respect the ancient traditions - keep it clean and maintain the tranquility it provides for thought and prayer

Emumagi hill is the highest point in the Pandivere uplands and indeed the highest point in northern Estonia. The top of the hill is home to a viewing tower which offers stunning views over the surrounding environment, with the Endla bogs and Alutaguse forests in the distance. In addition to the viewing tower there is also the famous ‘Emumemm’ wooden hut, the ‘house of the rising sun’, an old cemetery and camping and picnic sites.Did you know…?*Emumagi hill is 166.5 metres above sea level and 80 metres from foot to peak*According to legend, the hill was formed from earth dug out of the Peetla bog by the horse ridden by Kalevipoeg, the hero of the Estonian epic

Altja was first mentioned in written records in 1465 and is a typical seaside village, with all of its houses stretching along one street. The Uustalu and Toomarahva farms at Altja are typical coastal farms and have been restored by Lahemaa National Park. On the point at Altja you can see the fishing net sheds which were reconstructed on the basis of old photographs and the memories of the villagers. The village also has its own swing and tavern, where you can try local dishes.

The Ojaaarse forest trail is located in Lahemaa National Park and is 3.5 km long. It begins in the car park next to the Ojaaarse nature house and then winds through the bright pine forests between the Kuresoo and Pikapollu creeks. A large number of heritage culture sites can be found along the trail: boundary stones; old forest vistas; mileposts; and more. Along the trail you will find out about folk beliefs in regard to local birds, animals and medicinal plants.