For a trip to Harku Parish, Muraste Nature Reserve offers an introduction to the coastal landscape: it is located in the villages of Meriküla and Suurupi and protects the North Estonian limestone coast and cliff forest. It covers an area of 141.3 hectares; as the Muraste nature area, it is part of the Natura 2000 network. Other highlights range from the Tabasalu Nature Trail to Suurupi’s maritime history. When planning, it is worth keeping track of route lengths and visitor access conditions.
Coast, Cliff and Nature Trails
The 3.5-kilometre Tabasalu Nature Trail runs through the Rannamõisa Landscape Protection Area and Tabasalu Nature Park. It first follows the edge of the cliff, then descends to its foot via a stone staircase. Information boards cover local natural features and the animal and plant species found there. In this way, the trail offers different perspectives on the cliff landscape as well as information about its natural environment.
There are rest areas along the nature trail where visitors can picnic and barbecue using charcoal they have brought with them. Check the local guidelines before using the barbecue. The Naage Hiking Trail also passes distinctive landscape features: part of it runs parallel to Naage Cliff; there are caves at its foot, and a spring nearby. In the vicinity of the hiking trail, the Vääna flows along Jahilossi tee. Its meandering course offers beautiful views and swimming opportunities in summer.
Compare Coastal Routes and Trail Lengths
The international Coastal Hiking Route runs for 22 kilometres along the coast through Harku Parish. Places named along the route include Tabasalu, Meriküla, Suurupi, Vääna-Jõesuu and Türisalu. Tabasalu is also a useful reference point for cycling and walking routes: a cycle and pedestrian path reaches the town after six kilometres from the area around Rocca al Mare in Tallinn. From Tabasalu, the path continues to Vääna-Jõesuu; detours to the lower and upper Suurupi lighthouses are possible. Trail conditions can change, so it is advisable to check them before setting out.
Further specific distances are available for shorter and longer route options. The Tabasalu Nature Trail is 3.5 kilometres long; the Harku Health Trail covers eight kilometres and is located in Harku Forest. It is part of the 15-kilometre Nõmme-Harku circular route. These figures describe different scales: the length of an individual nature trail, a health trail and the more extensive circular route.
Lighthouses, Manor Houses and Parks
The Suurupi Upper Lighthouse was built in 1760. Its balcony is 63 metres above sea level and offers views of Tallinn and Lohusalu Bay. The lighthouse houses an exhibition about the technology used there, as well as the history of Estonian seafaring and the Suurupi lighthouses. Visitor access is an important factor in planning: according to a notice dated 30 August 2026, the Suurupi lighthouses are closed to visitors; check their current status before your trip.
Parks and manor houses offer their own distinctive features, too. Harku Manor Park covers 20 hectares and is home to 92 tree and shrub species. Harku Manor can only be viewed from the outside. Vääna Manor Park has an outdoor low ropes course that is freely accessible; check its current availability. Alongside nature and coastal trails, there are parks and a specific outdoor activity to choose from.
Find Hotels Based on Your Travel Focus
Take the different route lengths into account, and check access conditions in advance for destinations with restricted access. This way, your search can match your travel plans without assuming that all attractions are currently accessible.
Discover more destinations: Türisalu, Vääna, Vääna-Jõesuu, Padise, Paldiski Linn, Kahala, Loksa Linn, Kiili Parish.
View the wider travel guide: Harju.
