Narva is a municipality and city in Estonia. It is located in the Ida-Viru County, at the eastern extreme point of Estonia, on the west bank of the Narva river which forms the Estonia–Russia international border. With 53,626 inhabitants Narva is Estonia's third largest city after capital Tallinn and Tartu.
Summer (June – August): Best time for sightseeing, hiking, and enjoying the riverfront. Temperatures range from 15–25°C.
Spring (April – May) & Autumn (September – October): Pleasant weather, fewer tourists, and beautiful seasonal colors.
Winter (December – February): Cold and snowy, but ideal for experiencing the city's medieval charm and nearby winter activities.
By Train: A comfortable and affordable option from Tallinn (2.5 hours).
By Bus: Frequent buses from Tallinn (3 hours), Tartu (4 hours), and other cities.
By Car: A 2.5-hour drive from Tallinn via the E20 highway.
By Air: The closest major airport is in Tallinn.
Narva Castle (Hermann Castle) – A well-preserved medieval fortress offering stunning views of the Narva River and Russia’s Ivangorod Fortress.
Narva River Promenade – A scenic walkway along the river with great views and parks.
Narva Alexander’s Cathedral – A beautiful neo-Gothic church with impressive architecture.
Ivangorod Fortress (Russia) – Located just across the river in Russia (visa required).
Narva Bastions – Historic defense structures with tunnels to explore.
Narva Museum – Inside the castle, showcasing the region’s history and culture.
Dark Garden Park – A peaceful park with historical monuments.
Narva Art Gallery – A small but interesting gallery with Estonian and Russian art.
Kreenholm Textile Factory – A former industrial giant, now an architectural landmark.
Narva-Jõesuu Beach – A beautiful sandy beach about 15 km from Narva, known for its resorts and spas.
Walk Along the Narva River Promenade – Great for photography and relaxation.
Explore Narva Castle & Bastions – Discover the city’s medieval history.
Visit Narva-Jõesuu Spa Resorts – A perfect spot to unwind with wellness treatments.
Go Biking or Hiking – Trails around the Narva River and surrounding forests.
Attend the Narva Battle Reenactment (Summer Event) – A historical reenactment of the Great Northern War.
Cross the Estonia-Russia Border (if you have a visa) – Experience Ivangorod Fortress and Russian culture.
Visit Kreenholm Textile Factory – Take a guided tour to see its industrial past.
Enjoy Winter Activities – Try ice fishing, skiing, or winter walks by the river.
Check Out Local Festivals – Narva hosts music, cultural, and historical events throughout the year.
Taste Local Russian-Estonian Fusion Food – Unique flavors influenced by both cultures.
Luxury:
Narva-Jõesuu Medical Spa & Hotel – A top choice for spa lovers.
Meresuu Spa & Hotel – A great beachfront wellness hotel.
Mid-Range:
Narva Hotell – A comfortable stay near the city center.
King Boutique Hotel – A charming hotel with historical ambiance.
Budget:
Inger Hotel – An affordable option with a central location.
Vaksali 4 Hostel – A simple and budget-friendly stay.
Traditional & Local Cuisine:
Rannarestoran – A cozy beachside restaurant with fresh seafood.
Old Trafford Pub – A mix of Estonian and Russian dishes in a pub setting.
Casual & Cafés:
Kohvik Muna – A popular café with great coffee and cakes.
Rondeel – Located in Narva Castle, offering historic vibes and delicious food.
Russian Cuisine:
Restoran Narva – A great spot for Russian-style dumplings (pelmeni) and soups.
China House – A mix of Chinese and Russian flavors.
Multicultural Influence: Narva has a strong Russian cultural influence, with around 90% of the population being Russian-speaking.
Historical Significance: The city has been at the crossroads of wars between Sweden, Russia, and Estonia.
Tipping: 5–10% is common in restaurants, but not mandatory.
Spa & Wellness Tradition: Narva-Jõesuu has a long history of being a wellness retreat.