Vihula tours

Are we speaking with a fan of manors? If it’s true, Vihula is perfect for you to travel! Visit Vihula, take a tour and get acquainted with beautiful village in the northern Estonia, on the territory of stunning Lahemaa National Park. Tourists are traveling here to see an astounding Vihula manor, a compelling 16th century estate with two manor buildings and 50 hectares of amazing parkland alongside the Mustoja River. It is located only 6 km from the historical Altha fishing village and a few minutes away from the Baltic Sea coast. Moreover – it is only an hour drive to tempting Estonia’s capital – Tallinn. Visit Vihula, take a tour and get inspired by it’s history, architecture and nature. Travelers always get surprised when they find out, that the whole manor is turned into fine restaurant and luxury spa hotel. Tour to Estonia, visit Vihula and participate in great concerts, conferences, weddings or even exhibitions. Oh, we almost forgot to tell you about astounding Vihula’s windmill – it’s just idyllic… What are you waiting for? Travel to Estonia and visit Vihula!

Population: 1,939 (2009)

Area:  364.28 km2

Density: 5.3 /km2

Postal code: 45401 – 45601

Area code: +372 (326)

Lahemaa National Park is one of the most visited places in Vihula because it is the oldest and largest national park in Estonia. Visitors often spend a whole day visiting this unique place because it has quite a number of attractions to offer such as picturesque Estonian coastline, Käsmu captains village, beautiful forests and bogs, wild rivers and waterfalls, a beaver trail, old phosphorite mines and more. Visitors can choose to either explore everything on foot or to drive around with a guide. For an additional price, people can also have an authentic traditional dinner in one of the old villages, so they could enjoy the amazing Estonian vibe to the fullest.

Palmse Manor and Open Air Museum are surrounded by the amazing nature of Lahemaa National Park and are a must-visit place in Vihula. Palmse Manor is among the greatest and most impressive baroque mansions in Estonia and is one of the protected areas of the country. The Open Air Museum displays an overview of Estonian manor life and architecture throughout time. It includes parks, gardens, historical buildings, workshops, a training center, a Palm House, a wine cellar, a cafe and even a tavern that serves national dishes. It is a unique place suited for both some education and a lot of entertainment.

Vihula Manor is also situated on the premises of the Lahemaa National Park. We’ve told you it was big, right? Vihula Manor is a beautiful 16th century estate featuring two main manor house buildings and situated only 4 kilometers from the coast of the Baltic Sea. The manor now houses a luxury SPA hotel and a great restaurants. Visitors, however, can freely wander around these picturesque premises and admire the architecture together with the beautiful nature and then have a great meal in the restaurant. There’s a win-win situation right here.

Kasmu Sea Museum is situated in former Soviet coast guard barracks and is one of the most interesting places to visit while traveling around Vihula. It is a perfect place for anyone interested in sea life because the exhibits display the history and customs of many areas connected to the sea: seagoing, fishing, smuggling trade and some interesting and unique artwork of the sea as well. One of the highlights of the museum is also the fact that it is located on the shore and has an amazing view of the bay where visitors can also take a walk.

Toolse Order Castle is a medieval castle standing on the northern coast of Estonia. Unfortunately, it was destroyed during the Northern War in the 18th century, but its remains are still standing. The ruins are now fastened and partly fixes, so it is safe to walk among them. On the walls, there are numerous information boards that tell the story and the history of this place as well as some interesting facts about the castle. Since the Toolse Order Castle is also the castle located closest to the sea in Estonia, it offers some romantic and beautiful scenery and atmosphere.

Sagadi Manor Hotel is a great place to eat at if you want to try some traditional Estonian dishes because the menu offers quite a few options. The menu mostly offers dishes involving meat, and there is also something special made from bear. Sounds exotic, right? The welcoming atmosphere and professional staff will make your dinner a pleasant experience.

Altja Korts is a restaurant located in the Lahemaa National park and is a perfect place to stop for a lunch and to rest your feet a little. The menu offers some delicious national Estonian dishes for a very reasonable price. On the warm days, visitors can also sit on a patio and enjoy the beautiful nature that surrounds the restaurant.

Lahemaa Kohvikann is one of the highly recommended places to eat by both locals and visitors that has once been here. Situated in the middle of the Lahemaa National Park, the restaurant offers not only great atmosphere and service but excellent food as well. Everything is freshly prepared, the menu offers a wide selection of dishes and the portions will surely stuff even the most hungry ones.

Restaurant la Boheme is one of the best places to eat in Vihula situated in an amazingly renovated Vihula manor. It is a French-style restaurant, the interior and history creates a magical medieval restaurant and offers a menu full of delicious Estonian dishes, some Central European cuisine as well as excellent options for vegetarians.

Palmse Korts is one of the greatest country tavern-style restaurants in Vihula. The restaurant offers traditional Estonian dishes that are always fresh and perfectly cooked. The interior is unique, staff friendly and the prices will not leave you penniless. And this is a great combo for choosing a place to enjoy your dinner!

Explore Kasmu Nature and Cultural History Trail, which is almost 4.2km long. It is one of the best things to do in Vihula because you will not only spend some quality time in a beautiful nature but will also get a chance to explore the Kasmu seaside village and its museum. So put on your walking shoes and let’s get going!

Visit Sagadi Forest Museum and learn more about Estonia’s nature that accounts for much of the country’s charm. Here visitors can find exhibitions about activities connected to the forests such as hunting and woodwork. It also displays both historical and modern ways and tools of working in the forests, planting and measuring trees and much more.

Visit Kasmu Chapel – an old and charming wooden chapel housing an organ that’s one of the oldest ones in Estonia. It is also surrounded by an old cemetery that is a resting place to more than 30 great Estonian captains that has not only interesting crosses to examine but also some unusual and unique family memorial monument, which is said to be one of Estonia’s most beautiful monuments.

Walk in the Beaver Trail and admire some nature untouched by man. By walking in the trail, you will pass the Altja River Valley that is full of diverse plants and animals, and, of course, you will witness some dams built by beavers, their dens on the bank of the river and the trees whose trunks they gnaw through.

Visit Vainupea Chapel and explore this sacral place that is widely popular among locals as a venue for concerts and weddings. So there’s a small chance that you might get a peek of traditional Estonian wedding! The chapel is located near the shore which creates a special and warm atmosphere around it, and, of course, allows for some great views.

• It is highly recommended to pack some waterproof shoes for visiting and walking around the Lahemaa National Park.
• Many museums are closed down on Mondays and Tuesdays so plan your trip accordingly.
• The best time to visit Vihula is during the summer, because during the winter the daylight is quite short and most of the sites are located near the sea so you will best enjoy it if it is warm outside and you can walk along the seaside with bear feet!