Discover Ikla: coastal routes and history

Ikla is the starting point of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route in Estonia. For planning your trip, this gives you a clear reference point: you can consider the town as the starting point for a hike without committing to a direction. The route can be walked in both directions. Check local trail conditions before setting out.

Coastal trails for planning

A section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route between Ikla and Treimani follows the old road from Pärnu to Riga. The Oandu–Ikla hiking trail is 370 km long. For route planning, it is worth keeping the two names distinct: Ikla–Treimani refers to a specific section, while the 370 km length applies to the Oandu–Ikla hiking trail. This makes it clear whether you have a section or the full named trail in mind.

The Romantic Coastal Route is another route associated with Ikla. It starts in Virtsu and runs along Pärnu Bay to Häädemeeste, Kabli and Ikla. This sequence helps you locate the named places along the coastal route. If you are planning a trip through several places, pay attention to the name of the route in question and its described course.

Nature and history

There are several good birdwatching spots along the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route. This means you can combine hiking with an interest in birdwatching. Birdwatching is an additional focus along the trail and can be taken into account when choosing a stage.

On 14 June 1991, special units of the Soviet militia attacked the border posts at Ikla and Heinaste. The Riisselja–Ikla railway line was closed on 30 September 1975. The railway closure predates the attack; the two dates relate to different subjects: transport and border history. This makes it possible to place these historical references in the context of event history and transport history. The railway closure took place just under sixteen years before the attack.

Practical information

Via Ikla Bistro serves snacks, meals, coffee and refreshments around the clock. Via Ikla also has an electric vehicle fast-charging station available around the clock, with a maximum charging capacity of up to 150 kW. The two services meet different practical needs: a meal or coffee break on the one hand, and charging an electric vehicle on the other. When planning your travel stages, you can consider these services separately.

If you are looking for a hotel in Ikla, first decide on the focus of your trip: a stage of the coastal hike, birdwatching, the Romantic Coastal Route or the historical sites. Then check specific hotel offers against your own requirements.

Discover more destinations: Häädemeeste, Nepste.

Back to the main travel overview: Häädemeeste.