Discover Narva and Ida-Viru County

A vibrant city with a unique mix of cultures and incredible history, Narva offers visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in the past while enjoying modern conveniences.< /span>

Narva has always occupied an important place on the map of Europe. Thanks to its convenient location at the intersection of several trade routes, Narva has always been a center of international trade, regardless of war games. During the Viking Age, a trade route known as “from the Varangians to the Greeks” passed through here, and later a trade route from Tallinn to Novgorod and St. Petersburg passed through Narva. The first mention of Narva in the Danish land register was found in 1240, and in 1345 the settlement received the status of a city.

The city of Narva had many owners - Danes, Germans, Swedes, Russians, and now Estonians. Until the fourteenth century, the city belonged to Denmark, and then passed to the Livonian Order. Hermann's Castle (also known as Narva Castle) was built during this period and today is still the city's main attraction as it houses the Narva Museum. To protect against Livonian and Swedish troops, Ivan III ordered the construction of a fortress on the other side of the river in Ivangorod.

The Russian period of Narva began with the siege of the city fortress during the Northern War. At first, Swedish troops defeated the Russian army, but four years later the war was won by Tsar Peter the Great. Narva united with Ivangorod and became part of the St. Petersburg province.

Before the First World War, more than 21,000 people lived in Narva. After World War I, the city's residents voted to join the newly independent Estonian state. The city saw fighting during the Estonian War of Independence, but major damage was not caused to the city until World War II. Heavy Soviet artillery bombardment during the Battle of Narva in February 1944 destroyed much of the city, and the bombing of Narva by Soviet aircraft on 6 March 1944 leveled the historic old town. The territory of the Krenholm textile factory remained more or less untouched. In 1944, only 550 people remained in Narva. Today, Narva is home to more than 53,000 people and is the third largest city in Estonia.

Immerse yourself in the atmosphere of different historical eras of Narva: walk through the places of the times of Tsar Peter the Great, look at examples of Soviet architecture or just relax on the river bank Narva.

A walk along the romantic Narva embankment is a great start to a city tour. Along the way there are summer stalls, a fountain, a sundial and many sculptures. The main attraction is the view of the two fortresses, known as the “Five Kroon View”, as the same image can be found on the back of the old Estonian five kroon banknote. The observation deck of the same name is the best place from which you can see the Narva Castle, the Narva River and the Russian Ivangorod Fortress on the other side.

Walk through the streets of Narva Old Town. The tourist information center is located in the recently restored town hall, where you can also take a VR tour showing what the city was like before the 1944 bombing. Stop for lunch at Café Muna, located next door on the ground floor of Narva College. Next, visit the Dark Garden, the city's oldest park, located on top of the Victoria Bastion. If you're feeling brave, explore the underground passages where you can come face to face with their bat inhabitants!

Follow the signs to Hermanni Linnus (Herman's Castle), another name for Narva Castle. Built by the Danes in the second half of the eighth century, it is the best-preserved defensive structure in Estonia. To add a little romance, spend a night in the castle in one of the rooms near the North Court and hang your leaf on a tree on the grounds, where newlyweds hang metal leaves engraved with their names for good luck.

Chess fans (or those looking for a worthy Instagram shot) should take a seat next to the statue of famous Estonian chess player and international grandmaster Paul Keres in the park on Pushkin Street. Sit at the table opposite the bronze Paul Keres, think about the game and smile for the camera! You can have dinner at the restaurant "M. Chagall”, where local ingredients, including the notorious lamprey, take pride of place.

Krenholm Textile Factory is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Narva. At the time of its construction in the 19th century, it was the largest textile factory in Europe and the Russian Empire. In 1913, more than ten thousand people worked here, and the area had everything workers needed: shops, a hospital, a school, churches and much more. In 2010, the company declared bankruptcy. Today, the factory hosts various cultural events (including “Narva Station”, “Narva Opera Days”, Narva Art Residence). Tours are offered on Sundays, or you can take a free self-guided audio tour available in multiple languages ​​around the grounds. In the spring, a nearby hydroelectric power station releases water from the reservoir, creating impressive cascades around the island.

An evening is definitely worth spending at the famous Ro-Ro Art Club, which is located on the territory of former cotton fields. warehouses of Narva harbor. A hundred years ago, cargo ships from different countries arrived in Narva with cotton for the Krenholm factory; Today musicians come to perform from all over Estonia, Europe and abroad.

• Stebby's Night Run: In early December, runners can choose a 5 or 10 km route and run around Narva in accompanied by the festive lights of the Christmas season.
• Christmas Village: The Christmas Village, located in the northern courtyard of Narva Castle, is the highlight of the holiday season in Narva.
• International Freedom Theater Festival: at This festival invites small theater companies from countries where there are serious problems with freedom of speech and where artists are subject to censorship that limits creative activity.
• Days of the Narva Opera. Narva Opera Days, held in the area around Krenholm and nearby estates, present contemporary classical music and famous works performed by young artists and seasoned professionals.
• Narva Station: Narva Station has quickly become a popular cultural event in eastern Estonia. The event includes performances by foreign artists, famous Estonian artists and musicians from Ida-Virumaa, free daytime concerts, public discussions, an entrepreneurship day, art exhibitions, excursions, public meetings and a traditional Narva breakfast.
• Night market and Lamprey Festival: During the traditional Lapmi Festival, the fish market is open to fishermen as well as those who simply love fish. Can't make it to the festival? Try lamprey at the Rondeel restaurant in Narva Castle.

Approximately 13 km north of Narva is the seaside resort of Narva-Jõesuu. The first resort complex opened here in 1876, thanks to which the area quickly gained the nickname “Riviera of the North” among the Russian nobility of St. Petersburg, who came here in the early 20th century.

The city is easily accessible by bus, but the most scenic way to get around is by boat. During the summer months, the Caroline ferry departs from the pier near the Ro-Ro Club in Narva. Travel along the line dividing Estonia and Russia, enjoying postcard riverside views and delicious snacks from the ship's buffet. You can stay overnight in Narva-Jõesuu or return the same day, but we recommend that you stay!

After Pärnu, Narva-Jõesuu is considered the second most popular resort town in Estonia. There are three excellent spa hotels here: Meresuu SPA, Noorus SPA and Medical SPA. Prefer to relax on the beach? Narva-Jõesuu will not disappoint; The beach has almost eight kilometers of beautiful fine sand! Finish your stay in Narva-Jõesuu with dinner at Restaurant Franzia, one of the few local restaurants included in the Nordic White Guide.

A little further west along the coast is the Toila Hotel & Spa. The city was also a popular summer resort in the late 19th century. A secluded location, a sauna center and a wide range of services will allow you to relax and unwind. If you find yourself in Toila, take a look at Oru Park, where you can admire the sea view and sunset from the gazebo.

If you want even more privacy and seclusion, continue west along the coast to Saka Estate. There you will find luxurious hotel rooms, a basement restaurant and a cozy spa. The manor park is great for walks and picnics. You can climb the observation tower, which is located right on the edge of the cliff. While in the area, stop at Valaste Waterfall, the highest waterfall in Estonia.

When traveling between Tallinn and Narva, there are several places worth visiting along the way. Or use Narva as a base to explore Ida-Viru County - plenty of adventures await you that will keep you busy for days!

• History buffs will want to stop at Purtse Fortress, a beautiful residential house from the 17th century. Grab a bite to eat at the Von Taube Castle Restaurant, which serves rustic cuisine in a historical setting.
• The Kiviõli Adventure Center is located on an artificial mountain built from the slag of nearby slate mines. In winter, there are ski slopes on one side of the mountain, and a snowboard and half-pipe park on the other. In the summer, the mountain is lined with health trails, downhill and off-road trails, disc golf and more. At the foot of the mountain there is a family adventure park, the longest zip line in Estonia and a motocross track.

• The area of ​​the defunct Aidu quarry has filled with water, creating a series of artificial lakes, ideal for hiking and water sports. Depending on the season, you can go on an extreme off-road jeep adventure, go on a mountain hike, or take an overnight raft trip.
• If you like architecture and history, head to Sillamäe, a former industrial town that was closed to the public during the Soviet Union.
• The Estonian Mining Museum has interactive exhibits that are interesting for all ages, especially the underground restaurant!