Saula: Blue Springs and Viking Culture

Saula offers a range of options for planning a trip: the Saula Blue Springs combine a distinctive natural feature with cultural and historical significance, while the Viking Village showcases Viking culture, hands-on experiences, and activities on the river. You can consider whether you would like to focus primarily on the natural monument, a cultural tour, taking part in activities, or a river experience. The options differ, and for seasonal or bookable activities, the relevant conditions are part of planning your visit.

Saula Blue Springs: a natural monument with a history

The Saula Blue Springs comprise three springs with different hues. Together, they cover an area of up to 700 square meters. They have been protected as a single natural monument since 1999. Their historical significance is also part of the site: the springs were once known as sacrificial springs; as archaeological monuments, they connect the landscape’s distinctive features with an established cultural interpretation.

The springs therefore have two distinct aspects: their visible form, with three differently colored springs, and their protected and historical status. For anyone exploring Saula through its natural and cultural heritage, the Blue Springs bring both together in one named place, without conflating the two aspects.

Viking museum and Estonian Viking culture

The Viking Village includes a Viking museum. A guided tour there is inspired by Estonia’s Viking culture from the 8th to the 11th century. It includes archery, axe throwing, and catapult activities. This offers a choice between two distinct cultural experiences: the museum and a tour that combines its historical context with hands-on activities.

Get involved at the Viking Village

Those who would like to focus on a hands-on activity can choose a blacksmithing program, where participants can work in the forge. Other activities include a fortress battle. Visitors can also catch their own trout. After fishing, an experienced fish processor can grill or smoke the trout to order. These experiences differ in how visitors take part: blacksmithing and trout fishing are hands-on activities, while the tour brings together a cultural theme and activities.

Before your trip, check whether the tour and blacksmithing program are currently available to book. For the fortress battle, trout fishing, and subsequent preparation, it is also advisable to confirm availability if a particular activity is important to your plans.

Canoe tour, treasure hunt, and boat rental

The Viking Village canoe tour covers approximately 8 kilometers on the Pirita River. The approximate distance gives you a concrete idea of the tour; check river conditions and seasonal availability before your trip. Another option is the treasure hunt aboard a Viking ship on the Pirita River. The river section of this activity is weather-dependent and seasonal. The canoe tour, with its approximate distance, and the seasonal, weather-dependent Viking ship experience are therefore two distinct options.

The Viking Village also rents canoes and boats. Confirm their availability before your trip, especially if boat rental or one of the river activities determines your travel dates. This lets you choose between a canoe tour, the treasure hunt, and a rental while keeping any seasonal or weather-related conditions in mind.

Discover more destinations: Pedase, Vikipalu, Salmistu, Laagri, Keila, Pärispea, Saue, Tallinn.

For the broader travel overview: Harju.