Narva-Jõesuu
General Information
Narva-Jõesuu is a resort town in northeastern Estonia, located at the mouth of the Narva River on the coast of the Gulf of Finland. Today, the town also includes the areas of Vaivara and Viivikonna. Narva-Jõesuu has a population of 4,260. The city of Narva is just over ten kilometers away.
A Look into History
Until the early 20th century, Narva-Jõesuu was known by its German name, Hungerburg. Already during the Tsarist era, it was a popular resort town that attracted vacationers from St. Petersburg, Tallinn, and even Finland. It was loved by the St. Petersburg aristocracy and also by artists — among them the famous Ilya Repin, who spent many summers in Hungerburg.
A fun fact for Finns: the beloved journalist Erkki Toivanen’s mother, Adele Toivanen (née Konga), was originally from Narva-Jõesuu and is also buried there. Through his mother, Erkki learned Estonian already as a child.
Already in the 1800s, the town became known not only for its breathtaking sandy beach but also for its ornate summer villas — although only a few of them remain today. The beach still shines in its former glory, and history whispers all around.
What to See?
Of course, the beach — but also the beautiful pine forest that surrounds it. Perhaps the best place to feel the spirit of 19th-century splendor is the lovely park complex with old pavilions, known as Hele park and Pime park (Bright and Dark Park).
Close to the beach you’ll also find the traditional Narva-Jõesuu Medical SPA and the stylish Meresuu Spa & Hotel, where you can truly experience the relaxing mood of a resort town.
How to Get There?
By Public Transport to Narva-Jõesuu.
You arrive at the Port of Tallinn and walk to the new tram stop at Vanasadam. From there, take tram line no. 2 either towards the bus station (Suur-Paala direction) or the railway station (Kopli direction). Perhaps you’ve already decided whether you’ll continue by train or bus and have purchased your ticket (train tickets: www.elron.ee, bus tickets: www.tpilet.ee). You can buy a tram ticket using contactless payment on your bank card at the ticket machine located at the front of the tram.
This time, you choose the bus and take the tram to Tallinn's bus station. You board a comfortable Lux Express bus, which takes you directly to the Narva bus station in two hours and 45 minutes. The journey passes quickly thanks to air conditioning, stylish design, and personal screens where you can watch movies.
You arrive in Narva in the afternoon and decide to explore the city before continuing to Narva-Jõesuu. From the bus station, you walk to the Five Crowns viewing platform, where you can enjoy iconic river views and see Hermann Castle. You try the old-town walking tour using a QR code, which takes you along the promenade, to the fortress, into Pimeaed Park, and finally to the beautiful Town Hall. You grab a bite to eat and enjoy a coffee.
Local bus no. 31 takes you from Narva to Narva-Jõesuu. To ride the bus, you purchase an Ühiskaart (a public transport card valid all over Estonia) from the R-Kiosk next to the station and load some credit onto it. The bus takes you to the resort town in 25 minutes, and you walk to your spa. If you’ve booked Narva-Jõesuu Medical Spa, get off in the town center. For Meresuu Spa & Hotel, ride to the Meresuu stop.
At the spa, you can enjoy a variety of treatment and pampering packages, saunas, swimming pools, and of course, great food. Right nearby is the stunning sandy beach, bordered by the town’s other pride — the majestic and health-promoting pine forest. The historical parks Heleaed and Pimeaed also invite you for a walk, and no wonder: the atmosphere feels like a 19th-century park painting come to life.
Next summer, the city’s most visible landmark — the 1950s-built lighthouse — will once again be open to the public. From the top, you’ll see breathtaking views of the sea, the port of Narva-Jõesuu, and the Narva River. If you plan to visit the lighthouse, be sure to check its opening times in advance.
In the summertime, you can also take a day cruise from Narva-Jõesuu to Narva along the river on the Caroline riverboat. Of course, you can also travel to Narva by bus, taxi, or Bolt ride, but the boat trip offers a completely different experience. And it may just happen that you won’t want to leave the calm, beautiful, and fresh-air-filled Narva-Jõesuu at all.
When your spa holiday is over, you can spend a day in Narva or hop on a local bus to Sillamäe or Jõhvi. Sillamäe’s unique, Soviet-classical center with its promenade and cultural house is definitely worth a visit, as is the Sillamäe Museum, which introduces the city’s history. In Jõhvi, you might enjoy a visit to the retro-style market right next to the bus station or stop by the town’s pride — the fortified medieval-style St. Michael’s Church. Once you’re ready, hop on a bus or train — the trip from Jõhvi to Tallinn takes about two hours.
By Car to Narva-Jõesuu:
Booking a Car Spot on the Ferry.
You must reserve a car space in advance on ferries operated by Tallink Silja, Viking Line, or Eckerö Line. The reservation is made at the same time as your passenger ticket and includes an additional fee.
Some ferry companies allow you to change or add a space if you’ve entered the wrong vehicle size — but only if availability allows. Check-in times vary by company.
When booking, be careful to enter the exact length of the vehicle, license plate number, and country code.
Required Documents for Driving to Estonia
Before your trip, make sure you have the following documents:
Passport or photo ID
Driver’s license
Country code sticker (FIN) or a license plate with FIN marking
Vehicle registration certificate (technical part)
Authorization letter (if the car isn’t registered in your name) or export permit
In addition, it’s recommended to bring the Green Card — proof of your motor insurance coverage.
Driving Rules in Estonia
Estonian and Finnish driving cultures are quite similar, but driving in Estonia can feel a bit faster-paced. Roads are generally in very good condition.
The most important difference is the alcohol limit — in Estonia, it’s 0.2‰, which effectively means zero tolerance.
Speed limits: in urban areas: 50 km/h, on highways: 90 km/h, in densely populated zones: can be as low as 30 km/h.
Also note:
Daytime running lights must be on at all times
Speed cameras are common on main roads
Stop only in designated parking areas, not on the roadside
Insurance and the Green Card
The Green Card is an international certificate of motor insurance, which you can get from your insurance provider. It is not required for travel to Estonia but may be necessary if you continue your trip to the Baltic countries or Central Europe.
It’s free and often available digitally.
Cost of a Car Trip
Main Expenses
Ferry ticket: depends on the ferry company and vehicle size. For a standard car, expect around 40–60 € (20–30 € one way). Some companies offer Priority tickets for an extra fee.
Fuel: cheaper than in Finland. 95 petrol: approx. 1.805 €/L. Diesel: approx. 1.719 €/L (as of March 2025)
Other Costs:
Parking fees
Accommodation and food
Unexpected expenses (fines, repairs, etc.)