Toila: Oru Park, Coast and History

In Toila, you can consider the landscape, coast, trails and history as different focal points when planning your trip. Oru Park takes centre stage with its location on the Pühajõgi and the klint landscape; the beach features a narrow strip of sand and flat boulders. There is also the Toila-Martsa hiking trail, with two route lengths, and a VR experience about the history of Oru Manor. This lets you tailor your choices to specific interests—from a walk in the park to exploring the area's past.

Oru Park: Valley, Klint and a Diversity of Trees and Shrubs

Oru Park lies in the valley of the Pühajõgi River, at the mouth of the Klint Bay and on a sandstone cliff. The valley, bay and cliff are three defining features of its location. Its 75-hectare area is home to 258 different species, varieties or forms of trees and shrubs. The figure covers several botanical categories: it includes varieties and forms as well as species. Oru Park is a landscape conservation area. The protected landscape and diversity of trees and shrubs give the park two distinct qualities: its geographical setting and its botanical richness. You can take a walk in Oru Park; it is well signposted and well maintained.

Trails Through the Park and Coastal Landscape

The Green Energy Trail begins above Hõbeallika Spring. Visitors can also explore Hõbeallika (Silver Spring) Cave in Oru Park. The Toila-Martsa hiking trail has two routes of different lengths: a 3.2 km Toila loop and a longer 6.5 km route. The trail starts in the settlement of Toila and follows the Baltic Klint both along the top of the cliff edge and below it along the seashore. The longer option is a little more than twice the length of the loop—a clear difference to consider when choosing a route. The route includes both the cliff edge and the lower coastal area.

Toila Beach and Harbour

Toila Beach is on the Gulf of Finland, at the mouth of the Pühajõgi River. A narrow strip of sand, lined with flat boulders, defines the shore. The beach is reached through Oru Park. There are beach volleyball facilities and a trampoline for children. Toila Harbour is at the mouth of the Pühajõgi. The beach and harbour can be distinguished by their respective features: the beach is defined by its shoreline and recreational facilities, while the harbour is characterised by its location at the river mouth.

The History of Oru Manor

Grigori Jelissejev built Oru Park and the magnificent palace in the valley of the Pühajõgi. In 1935, three Estonian industrialists bought the palace and park and gave them to President Päts for use as a summer residence. This sequence highlights two distinct historical aspects: Jelissejev's creation of the estate and its later intended use as a summer residence.

At VR Toila 1938, visitors can rent a VR headset and see Oru Manor brought back to life virtually. The experience includes three different journeys. The VR experience is seasonal; check in advance whether it is available during your travel dates.

Discover more destinations: Narva-Jõesuu, Kuremäe, Aseri, Kiviõli, Mäetaguse, Kalvi, Sillamäe, Valaste

For the regional travel overview: Ida-Viru.