Tallinn is often the first destination for travellers visiting Estonia due to its charming medieval appearance and rich history. However, Estonia has much more to offer beyond its capital, as you will discover on day trips from Tallinn. These excursions can take you to various national parks with diverse landscapes, including forests, bogs, and waterfalls, as well as picturesque spots along the Baltic coast. This particular day trip is tailored for those with an interest in both history and nature, featuring visits to former manor houses, monastery ruins, the Rummu Quarry, coastal cliffs, and more.
Our first stop will be Vaana Manor, located less than 30 kilometres from Tallinn Airport.
Vaana Manor
Vaana Manor has a long history dating back to 1325. Until 1920, it was owned by the von Stackelberg family, who, at the end of the 18th century, commissioned the construction of a unique building in Estonia in the late Baroque style. 
In the 19th century, artificial castle ruins, still visible today, were added to the park to create a romantic atmosphere. Since 1920, the manor has served as a kindergarten and primary school, with renovations carried out over the past two decades. The park also includes an intriguing installation called "Old Pianos". 
Address: Väänamõisa tee 1, Vääna küla
If you would like to visit the premises, contact the school by phone +372674 9129 or email
Keila
Keila is a small town situated 30 kilometres from Tallinn, named after the river on which it was built. With a population of only 10,000 residents, it exudes a cosy atmosphere, characterised by narrow streets, low houses, and architectural landmarks, including an ancient altar stone. While more industrial than tourist-oriented, the town still attracts visitors with its charm. 
Keila boasts three parks, one of which I have personally explored. 
For a morning coffee, the Kegel café-restaurant, located in a historic railway station building, comes highly recommended. Open from 10 a.m. onwards, visitors can enjoy a unique experience, though I have yet to visit the establishment myself.
Address: Jaama tn 1a
Keila Joa Castle
The Keila-Joa Castle, constructed in 1833, sits alongside the picturesque Keila River. 
The ground floor of the castle houses a museum and exhibition hall, featuring a permanent display on the history of the castle, formerly known as Schloss Fall, and its first owners. 
The Museum of Anthems is a unique highlight, showcasing anthems from around the world along with details about their composers. Seasonal exhibitions offer a diverse range of cultural and artistic displays. The museum is open Thursday to Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but may occasionally be closed for private events. For the latest information on opening hours, please call +372 56288287. The castle also functions as a hotel, offering five luxurious suites on the second floor of the main building, as well as accommodations in the historic small manor, which includes two suites and fourteen deluxe rooms.
Next to the castle is the Keila Waterfall.
Keila Waterfall
The waterfall at Keila-Joa is six metres high and several dozen metres wide, making it the third largest in Estonia after the Narva and Jagala waterfalls.
The surrounding area features a spacious park with walking trails and views of the manor castle. A 2.1-kilometre nature trail follows the Keila River through the park, with stairs and suspension bridges along the route. 
At the start of the trail, visitors can find an information board with a map and general details, as well as information points along the way highlighting notable natural features and the park's history. Do not miss the sculpture of hearts by Mati Karmin, where newlyweds attach their wedding padlocks. A car park is available at the beginning of the trail.
Vasalemma Manor
The Vasalemma Gothic-style manor, constructed between 1890 and 1893 using local dolomite known as Vasalemma marble, is a beautiful and well-preserved building. Since 1919, it has housed a primary school, featuring an English-style design with an eight-sided tower, pediments, and tall arched windows. 
Interestingly, the manor house has appeared in films as a stand-in for an English villa. Keep an eye out for the Vasalemma School sign.
Rummu Quarry
The Rummu Quarry is a popular tourist spot in the area, famous for its historic Vasalemma marble deposit. In the past, the quarry was operated by prisoners from Murru Prison, but after the prison's closure, quarry work stopped, and the pumps used to keep the area dry were turned off. As a result, the water level quickly rose, submerging a large mining excavator, buildings, and other equipment. The clear water and sunken structures now create an underwater museum that attracts swimmers and divers.
The surrounding hills and turquoise water create a unique and surreal landscape. Visitors must purchase an entrance ticket to explore the area, which also offers tours of the former prison. I preferred exploring the artificial hill with its sloping terrain. 
On a hot day, I enjoyed swimming in the cool water of the quarry.
Padise manor complex and monastery
During my day trip, I was pleasantly surprised by the Padise manor complex and monastery. The main attraction is the Padise monastery complex, which includes Padise Manor and the adjacent 14th-century Padise Monastery. Founded by the Cistercian monks in the 14th century, the monastery's construction took over 200 years, with some interruptions along the way. After undergoing extensive restoration, the monastery now welcomes visitors and is renowned for its exceptional acoustics and unique atmosphere, making it a popular venue for concerts. 
The manor house, designed in the early Classical style with German influences, preserves original architectural features including the staircase, ceiling beams, and doors. The lobby displays the von Ramme family coat of arms, bestowed by King Gustav II Adolf of Sweden in 1624, adding historical significance to the building. Today, Padise Manor operates as a boutique hotel and spa, offering a rich historical ambience. 
The manor also houses a restaurant in the farm building, where I enjoyed a delicious lunch.
Pakri Cliff
The Pakri Peninsula stretches 12 kilometres in length and slightly over 5 kilometres in width. Its highest point rises 31 metres above sea level, while the tallest cliff reaches 25 metres. The best views of the peninsula are from the sea or the air with a drone, although some sights can also be observed from the top. 
Estonia's tallest lighthouse, standing 52 metres high from its base, is located there. Built in 1889, the lighthouse remains operational and is currently undergoing renovation.
LaSpa Hotel in Laulasmaa
I spent the evening at the Laspa Hotel's spa complex before enjoying light snacks at their Michelin-starred Wicca restaurant, widely regarded as one of Estonia's top dining venues. The restaurant focuses on maximising taste through creativity, using wild herbs, flowers, and organic ingredients sourced locally from small-scale farmers. They showcase Estonian and Nordic craftsmanship, cooking techniques, and traditions through their food and drink.
The hotel's sauna and water centre features a variety of pools, including children's and outdoor pools, as well as a pool with a counter-current system, alongside a Japanese bath, a hot tub, and a swimming pool. 
Guests can choose from a range of sauna experiences, such as aroma sauna, sea steam sauna, salt steam sauna, wood-heated outdoor sauna, sanarium, and cone sauna. The café at the water centre serves refreshing drinks, ice cream, and snacks. For those wishing to extend their stay, overnight accommodation is available at the hotel. It is best to book both a table at the restaurant and a room at the hotel in advance.
Address: Puhkekodu tee 4, Laulasmaa küla
Practical information
A car is required for this day trip, which covers approximately 170 kilometres, starting and ending at Tallinn Airport. Of course, you can start your tour from any other place in Tallinn. While best enjoyed in warm, sunny weather, the trip is also charming during the colder seasons. Though the itinerary may appear complex, there is a good reason behind it. The day concludes with a relaxing visit to LaSpa Hotel in the evening, where you can unwind in the water complex and enjoy dinner as the final stop of the tour.
If you have more time, I advise to visit also Tartu, the second largest city in Estonia.
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Author: Anita Sane
About the author
Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Bloglovin.
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