Tips for hiking the Baltic Coastal Trail

The Estonian stages of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail

The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route, which runs along the coast of the Baltic Sea, is part of the European long-distance path E9, while the Baltic Forest Hiking Route is part of the E11. Lonely Planet named these two hiking routes a Best in Travel Sustainable Destination for 2024.

The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route comprises eight major stages, divided into 60 one-day walks between 15 and 25 km. Each day can be regarded as a separate route. The Estonian section is about 622 kilometers and takes about 30 days.

These are the four main sections of the Estonian Baltic Coastal Hiking Trail:

• Coast of Pärnu Bay and fishing villages (Ikla – Virtsu 228 km, duration 11 days)
• Matsalu National Park and islands of western Estonia (Virtsu – Rohuküla 100 km, duration 5 days, plus Saaremaa, Muhu, Hiiumaa, and Vormsi)
• Haapsalu and Coastal Swedish villages (Tuuru – Nõva 136 km, duration 6 days)
• Cliffs and waterfalls of northwestern Estonia up to Tallinn (Nõva – Tallinn 158 km, duration 8 days)

Important things to keep in mind

• You can begin at any point along the trail and travel in both directions.
• Various stages can also be completed via public transportation, or the logistics and baggage carriage can be agreed upon with your accommodation providers.
• Signposts, information displays, and white-blue-white markings on trees and other natural objects help navigate in nature; stickers on traffic signs and electricity poles are used in villages and cities.
• If the trail runs along the beach for a longer period and does not change direction, there are no markings.

Leave no trace

• Drinking tap water is completely safe in Estonia. Use a reusable bottle, buy products in smaller packaging, and dispose of your waste at the nearest bin.
• If you have a dog on the hike, ensure your pet does not disturb birds and animals. Always keep your dog on a leash; it is the safest option for them and local wildlife.
• Follow posted rules at protected areas and national parks, as well as everyman’s right in Estonia.

What does the trail look like?

In Estonia, the Coastal Route runs along the seashore for around 100 km between Haapsalu and Tallinn, but the coastline is irregular elsewhere and comprises numerous capes, reed beds and beach meadows. The remaining 500 km or so can be traveled by coastal roads and, at times, along the side of the motorway. In cities and settlements, the coastal hiking trail extends along the sidewalk.

Hiking in all seasons

The trail is accessible in all seasons, though some accommodations and services may not be available in the off-season.

• The coastal area is busier during summer, so seaside accommodation should be booked beforehand. The seawater may reach +18–20 °C, so swimming is also an option. 
• Autumn offers more colors to see when walking through the forest, and there are mushrooms and berries in the woods.
• During winter, take advantage of the snow to complete some of the stages on skis. 
• Spring offers a chance to witness nature awakening – fragrant lilacs, birds returning from warmer areas, gurgling streams, and buds sprouting.

What to expect from nature

Dangerous natural disasters are not characteristic of the coast of the Baltic Sea. However, a breeze will usually nudge you forward while walking along the coast. There are no tides that restrict traveling along the seashore, but the coastline still varies and may be different upon each subsequent visit to the same place. This Lonely Planet article can also give you an idea of what to expect.

Estonia is not home to any poisonous or dangerous plants or animal species; the only venomous snake species is the common viper, which may be seen sunbathing on pathways. There are healthy populations of wolves and bears, but they are not common along the coast and typically stay away from people. Ticks are common in grassy and forested areas.

Tips for hikers on the Baltic Coastal Trail

Safety

• Bring cash (euro), as an ATM may not always be nearby.
• A travel document is necessary for crossing the Estonian-Latvian border.
• Comfortable and appropriate footwear and water- and wind-proof clothing are important; bring a small pharmacy kit with sun protection and insect repellent during summer.
• An external battery may be handy; some places may not have mobile reception, though most places have WiFi.
• Camping and fire-making are only allowed in designated public rest areas; it is prohibited on the beach.
• Check that going to the forest has not been prohibited due to fire risk: www.lvgmc.lv for Latvia and on www.emhi.ee for Estonia. In the case of a fire, call 112.