Vihula: Nature and Manor History

For a trip to Vihula, you can plan nature, manor history and leisure activities as separate focal points. The differences are especially clear along the paths, in the collections and through the activities at Vihula Manor. You can decide in advance whether you would rather focus on a particular route length, historical themes or hands-on activities.

Landscape and trails in Vihula

Vihula Manor is located in the protected Lahemaa National Park. The gently flowing Mustoja runs through the park between old, stately trees and lush greenery. It then widens into a pond with water lilies, small islands and romantic arched bridges. This brings together a tree-lined stretch of river and a pond landscape.

There are two marked hiking trails at Vihula Manor: one is 1.5 km long and the other 3 km. The trails are also suitable for cycling. This lets you compare the routes by length while bearing in mind that they are not used exclusively for hiking. For planning your day, note that the one-hour bicycle rental included in the day pass is a separate detail from the stated trail lengths: the bicycle is intended for exploring the surrounding area.

Manor history and museums

The first written record of Vihula Manor dates to 1501. The present manor house was built during the von Schubert period, between 1820 and 1880. The first reports of vodka production at Vihula Manor date to the mid-18th century. These dates represent different chapters: the first written record, early reports of production and the construction period of the present manor house.

The Vodka Museum comprises four collections with different contents. The Oldtimer Museum has a very different focus: it displays legendary and very rare vehicles, including the Volga, Pobeda, Chaika and the historic Opel P4. The different collections and vehicle models therefore stand alongside the manor’s history as distinct cultural interests.

Hands-on activities

The day pass at Vihula Manor includes a visit to the historic watermill and one hour of bicycle rental for exploring the surrounding area. Check what the pass includes before your visit. In the chocolate workshop, participants learn about the history and art of chocolate making. Using three different types of chocolate, they make sweets and truffles, and also create a decorative box.

The Vihula mini-golf course also has a distinctive theme: it is the first and largest 18-hole mini-golf course in the Baltics. Its holes depict well-known sights from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The course thus combines mini-golf with representations of landmarks from three countries.

Family activities and regional cuisine

During the summer season, visitors can observe animals at the Vihula Manor eco-farm. Kaval-Ants Forest offers children adventurous opportunities to play and relax. Animal viewing is limited to the summer season; the forest offers a separate activity for children.

The menus at Vihula Manor’s restaurant focus mainly on Estonian cuisine; several recipes come from the manor’s old cookbook. A large proportion of the restaurant’s natural and regional produce comes from the manor’s own garden and neighboring farms. The cuisine and its stated sources thus complement the historical and active experiences with a culinary aspect.

Discover more destinations: Haljala, Vergi, Jäneda, Ohepalu, Triigi, Rakvere, Altja, Mõedaka.

For the higher-level travel overview: Lääne-Viru.