Hikes and attractions

At Kallaste Turismitalu Holiday Resort and its surroundings, there are many great hiking opportunities both independently and with a guide. The hikes are listed in order of distance — the closer options are listed first.

Historical-themed hike: Padise Monastery and Castle

Through blueberry forests and heather-covered fields, the hiking trail leads nature and culture enthusiasts directly to the ruins of Padise Monastery. The monastery is only 1.5 km from Kallaste Turismitalu — an ideal destination for a peaceful walk. If desired, we can organize a guided tour of Padise Monastery for your group — believe us, it’s definitely worth peeking behind the monastery walls! The experience becomes especially memorable with a night hike by torchlight. Along the way, we also visit Padise Castle hill and hear fascinating local stories.

Padise Castle hill:

About 0.8 kilometers from Kallaste Turismitalu along a forest trail lies Padise Castle, also known popularly as the Old Castle Hill. It is a fortress site from the Middle Iron Age (7th-8th centuries), built on a high river bend cape. The castle was surrounded by earthen ramparts and a wooden fence; few artifacts have been found: a flat arrowhead, a fragment of a bronze brooch, a fire iron, and shards of pottery.

Padise Castle was not permanently inhabited but used for defense, like other coastal castles in Estonia. Due to its location, it is assumed it may have been connected to the sea and a harbor. In ancient times, the sea extended more than a kilometer inland between Kurkse and Madise, forming a deep bay sheltered from western winds, which could have been suitable for a harbor.

Since there was already a road running past Padise Monastery, it is likely the harbor was established at a crossroads favorable for trade. The castle was built to protect this trade harbor.

On the other hand, the founding of Padise Castle is linked to the formation of parishes: Padise became the center of the Vomentaga parish. Parishes at that time were both military defense units and administrative units, based on mutual agreements among their members. One of their main tasks was to protect their inhabitants, which required building a castle.
/ Ridbeck, Heino. Padise läbi aegade. Tallinn, 2005./

Padise Monastery:

Construction of Padise Monastery took place intermittently over more than 200 years, during the 14th–16th centuries. By 1343, the first level or cellar and parts of the main floor walls were completed when the St. George’s Night uprising began, and the monastery was burned down, killing 28 monks (Cistercians). The ruins were recovered only around the 1370s when construction of the unfinished monastery complex resumed.

The consecration ceremony of the main building took place in 1448. In the Livonian War, the monastery ceased its activities in 1559. During this period, additional fortifications for firearms were built next to the monastery. The monastery burned down in 1766 and has been partly in ruins since. The von Ramm family used the monastery buildings as a manor house, but after the fire, it could no longer serve its functions. Thus, in the 1770s, a new main manor house was built east of the monastery using stones from the ruins. Restoration and renovation of the monastery began in the 1930s.

The Padise manor belonged to the von Ramm noble family until its expropriation in 1919. The last owner was Fridolf von Ramm. Today, the von Ramms operate the Padise manor again, which now houses a hotel and restaurant.

More info about Padise Monastery history here: Jaak Juske artiklist.

Padise Nature and Cultural Learning Trail (Self-guided visit)

Padise Nature and Cultural Learning Trail – an independent journey through history and nature
If you want to discover the stories of the area at your own pace, the Padise Nature and Cultural Learning Trail is just for you! This diverse and informative trail passes historical sites, mysterious forest groves, and beautiful natural spots, taking you back to the times when Padise Monastery was the spiritual and economic heart of the region.

The trail starts at Padise Monastery and leads through forests, swamps, and fields — each stop reveals a piece of the local heritage. The marked trail, equipped with information boards, offers insights into nature and culture: which animals and birds live here, how the landscape formed, and what role the monastery monks played in shaping local life.

This trail is ideal for:

• Families wanting an educational yet playful activity with children
• Nature lovers enjoying peaceful walks surrounded by beautiful views
• History and culture enthusiasts fascinated by the Padise Monastery, castle hill, and local monuments

The trail is suitable for independent exploration — bring a water bottle, a loaded route map on your phone, and set out. If you want a deeper experience, we can also arrange a hike with a guide for you.

Militaristic Nature Hike – Rummu Ash Hill

The peculiar Rummu Ash Hill and the deep blue quarry lake captivate with their otherworldly charm and hidden stories. Legend says the quarry unexpectedly flooded — as a result, clear water preserves trees, bushes, excavators, and other mining equipment underwater. This makes Rummu an ideal destination for both divers and adventurous hikers.

A guide will take you through this unique landscape and share captivating stories about the dark past of Rummu Prison and the region’s history. Rummu Ash Hill is only 4 km from Kallaste Turismitalu — you can hike directly from the farm or explore around the lake locally. If desired, we can also arrange a longer circular hike.

In summer, Rummu is one of Estonia’s most unique swimming spots — visitors come here from all over the country!

You can learn about Rummu’s options and prices on their website: RUMMU

Hiking on the Pakri Islands

Very close to Kallaste Turismitalu (only 10 km from the farm) is Kurkse harbor, from where you can take a boat across the sea route to visit the Pakri Islands. The islands have interesting history and unique nature. The boat can carry up to 11 people at a time, and payment is per trip — so it’s worth considering this when planning your group size. The farm can prepare pleasant picnic packages for you to eat while hiking on the island. Catering from the island can also be ordered. Guide services are available for groups as well.

And what could be better after a long hike than a hot sauna and refreshing river, along with good company at Kallaste Turismitalu!

You can check all options and prices on our partner’s website: pakrisaared.ee

Pakri Islands – a heritage that withstands time

Just a few kilometers from the town of Paldiski stretch the mysterious Pakri Islands (Väike-Pakri and Suur-Pakri), separated from the mainland by the Kurkse Strait and the Pakri Peninsula. Although the name might be confusing, the former Suur-Pakri was actually the smaller island, but it had more inhabitants and farmland — hence the odd naming logic.

The islands have a rich history and unique cultural heritage. They were first mentioned in 1283 in a charter by the Danish king confirming the estates of Padise Monastery. Settlers likely came from Uusimaa in Finland, where Padise Monastery had extensive land holdings. Over centuries, a unique folk culture and dialect developed — Suur- and Väike-Pakri even spoke slightly differently!

Before World War II, life on the Pakri Islands was thriving — five villages, two schools, churches, cemeteries, home museums, and nearly 120 farms. But in 1940, the entire population was forced to leave the islands, which were turned into a Soviet military base and used as a bombing range for decades. The last bombs fell here as late as 1992.

Today, the islands have been returned to Estonia, and nature is slowly beginning to recover. The limestone cliffs on Suur-Pakri reach up to 8 meters, and on Väike-Pakri even 17 meters. These islands are quiet, starkly beautiful, and full of stories worth hearing.

Valgejärve Nature Learning Trail (Self-guided visit)

Valgejärve Nature Learning Trail – a safe journey on the edge of bogs and forests
If your soul longs for peace and your eyes seek views reflecting the sky and the rustling bog sedge in silence, then head to the Valgejärve Nature Learning Trail. This well-marked and easily passable hiking trail circles Valgejärve — one of the most beautiful bog lakes in Harju County — offering visitors enchanting views, diverse nature, and plenty of discovery joy.

The trail is about 6.5 km long and is perfect for independent hiking. The path goes through primeval forests, bog-edge meadows, and wooden boardwalks directly to lakeside bays, revealing wonderful views of mirror-smooth water and interesting plant life. Information boards along the trail introduce visitors to the wildlife of bogs and forests, protected species, and the development of human-nature coexistence in this area.

This trail is suitable for:

• Nature lovers seeking peace and depth
• Photographers inspired by misty lake reflections or flying cranes
• Hikers of all ages, as the trail is easy to walk and great for children

For independent visits! Bring comfortable shoes, water, and why not a nice picnic bag.

Paldiski Town and Pakri Lighthouse (Self-guided visit)

Just 25 kilometers from Kallaste Farm lies the unique town of Paldiski — a place where historical heritage, stunning natural views, and cultural experiences intertwine. If you head towards the sea, be sure to stop at the Amandus Adamson Studio Museum. This is where the world-famous sculptor Amandus Adamson lived and worked — today, his former home welcomes visitors as a museum showcasing the artist’s life, creative legacy, and the atmosphere of that era.

From there, the path leads directly to the cliff edge — the impressive coastline of the Pakri Peninsula. Here stands Estonia’s tallest lighthouse — the Pakri Lighthouse, whose red-and-white tower is climbed by 275 steps. Those who count their steps will be rewarded with a magnificent panoramic view: the shimmering sea, rugged rocky shore, Paldiski town, and misty horizons in the distance. On a clear day, the view is truly enchanting!

Near the lighthouse is another discovery: an iron ladder leading adventurous souls directly to the trail at the foot of the cliff. It’s an ideal spot for a short hike — walking along the rocky shore, beside the rolling sea, feels like traveling back in time. You might hear the cries of seagulls, the splash of waves, and the howl of the wind — all together creating a magical moment.

Paldiski and the Pakri Peninsula are full of contrasts: a former closed military town has become an open cultural and natural site, where every view and story tells of history, courage, and renewal.

RMK Hiking Trail: Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve Branch (Self-guided visit)

The RMK hiking trail Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve branch passes through nine counties, a series of protected areas, and along its 820 kilometers showcases many of Estonia’s amazing landscapes — beautiful sandy and pebble beaches in Läänemaa, dense forests in Harjumaa, lovely fertile fields in the granary of Järvamaa, impressive wetlands in Endla and the Great Emajõgi Swamp, hilly bright pine forests in Põlvamaa, and the quintessential “most-most places” in Võrumaa.

The trail is marked in nature with white-green-white paint markings and directional signs.

More information and maps: RMK kodulehel

Coastal Hiking Trail (Self-guided visit)

The Coastal Hiking Trail is a hiking route that runs along the coasts of Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania, with a total length of 1200 km (it is also part of the European long-distance trail E9).

Downloadable PDF guidebook for the Coastal Hiking Trail: Ranniku matkaraja REISIJUHT

Hiking trail website: Ranniku matkarada