Harku Parish: Coastal Landscapes, Nature Trails and Lighthouses

A limestone coast, cliff forest and trails of varying lengths shape the nature experiences of Harku Parish. Muraste Nature Reserve is located in the villages of Meriküla and Suurupi. It protects the North Estonian limestone coast and cliff forest. Its 141.3 hectares are part of the Natura 2000 network as the Muraste nature area. Lighthouses and manor parks add maritime and architectural history to the nature experiences.

Nature Trails by the Cliff and River

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 the foot of the cliff via a stone staircase. Check local safety guidance before your walk. Information boards introduce the area's natural features and the animal and plant species found there. At the rest areas, you can picnic and barbecue using charcoal you bring yourself.

The Naage hiking trail also takes in distinctive landscape features: part of the trail runs parallel to Naage Cliff. There are caves at the foot of the cliff, and a spring is nearby. In the vicinity of the hiking trail, the Vääna runs along Jahilossi tee. Its winding course offers beautiful views; swimming is possible there in summer.

Coastal Trails and Distances

The international coastal hiking trail runs for 22 kilometres along the coast through Harku Parish. The villages named along the route include Tabasalu, Meriküla, Suurupi, Vääna-Jõesuu and Türisalu. A cycle and pedestrian path from the area around Rocca al Mare in Tallinn reaches Tabasalu after six kilometres and continues from there to Vääna-Jõesuu. Detours to the lower and upper Suurupi lighthouses are possible. As route conditions can change, it is worth checking local guidance before setting out.

For comparing route lengths, there are other specific reference points: the Harku Health Trail is eight kilometres long, lies in Harku Forest and forms part of the 15-kilometre Nõmme-Harku Circular Trail. At 3.5 kilometres, the Tabasalu Nature Trail is shorter than these routes; the coastal hiking trail is 22 kilometres long.

Lighthouses and Manor 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. An exhibition in the lighthouse covers the technology used there, as well as the history of Estonian seafaring and the Suurupi lighthouses. A notice dated 30 August 2026 lists the Suurupi lighthouses as closed to visitors. Check access again before your trip.

The park at Vääna Manor has a freely accessible outdoor low ropes course; check its current availability before visiting. Harku Manor Park covers 20 hectares and is home to 92 tree and shrub species. The manor house itself can only be viewed from the outside. The visitor offerings mentioned therefore differ: Vääna has an outdoor low ropes course, while Harku Manor can be viewed from the outside.

Discover more destinations: Türisalu, Vääna, Vääna-Jõesuu, Vasalemma, Nehatu, Keila Parish, Kernu, Saue.

For the wider travel overview: Harju.