Nestled in the far north-eastern corner of Estonia, Narva is a city of stunning beauty and rich history. It is a place of great cultural and architectural significance, with a unique and vibrant atmosphere that sets it apart from other cities in the country. From ancient fortresses and medieval churches to cobblestone streets and beautiful parks, Narva is a city full of attractions and activities that will delight visitors of all ages. Here are the top 20 places to see in Narva, Estonia.
1. Hermann Castle: Built in 1256 by the Danes, Hermann Castle is the oldest castle in Estonia and one of the most impressive in the country. It was built to protect the city of Narva from foreign invaders and has been a symbol of the city’s strength and resilience ever since. Today, it is a popular tourist attraction and a great place to explore the history of Narva.
2. Narva Museum: Located in the old town of Narva, the Narva Museum is a great place to learn about the history and culture of the city. The museum houses a variety of artifacts, documents, and photographs that tell the story of the city’s past. It is also home to a number of interesting exhibitions, including one dedicated to the city’s famous fortifications.
3. Narva-Jöesuu Beach: Located just a few kilometers from the city center, Narva-Jöesuu Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Estonia. It is a great spot to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the Gulf of Finland. The beach is also home to a variety of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and beach volleyball.
4. Narva Cathedral: Built in the 13th century, Narva Cathedral is one of the oldest churches in Estonia. It is a beautiful example of Gothic architecture and is a popular tourist destination. Inside the cathedral, visitors can admire the stunning interior, including the intricate stained glass windows and the impressive frescoes.
5. Town Hall Square: Located in the heart of the city, Town Hall Square is a great place to explore the local culture and get a feel for the city. The square is lined with cafes and shops, and is a popular spot for locals and tourists alike. On the square, visitors can also admire the Town Hall, a beautiful building with an impressive clock tower.
6. Ivangorod Fortress: Located just across the Narva River, Ivangorod Fortress is a stunning example of Russian military architecture. It was built in the 15th century to protect the city of Narva from foreign invaders and is now a popular tourist attraction. Inside the fortress, visitors can explore the old battlements and admire the stunning views of the river.
7. Narva River: The Narva River is one of the most beautiful rivers in Estonia and is a great spot to explore the city. Along the river, visitors can admire the stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside. The river is also home to a variety of activities, including swimming, fishing, and kayaking.
8. Narva-Jõesuu Promenade: Located along the Narva River, the Narva-Jõesuu Promenade is a great place to take a stroll and admire the stunning views of the city. Along the promenade, visitors can also explore the old cobblestone streets and admire the various monuments and sculptures.
9. Kreenholm Manufactory: Located just outside the city, Kreenholm Manufactory is a great place to explore the city’s industrial history. The factory was once one of the largest textile factories in the world and is now a popular tourist attraction. Inside the factory, visitors can explore the old machinery and learn about the history of the factory.
10. Narva-Jõesuu Lighthouse: Located at the mouth of the Narva River, the Narva-Jõesuu Lighthouse is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. It was built in 1820 and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can climb the tower and admire the stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
11. Narva Castle: Built in the 13th century, Narva Castle is a stunning example of medieval architecture. It was once used as a fortress to protect the city from foreign invaders and is now a popular tourist attraction. Inside the castle, visitors can explore the old battlements and admire the stunning views of the city.
12. Narva Park: Located in the heart of the city, Narva Park is a great place to relax and enjoy the stunning views of the city. The park is home to a variety of activities, including walking, running, and biking. It is also a great spot to admire the local flora and fauna.
13. Narva-Jõesuu Bridge: Located just outside the city, the Narva-Jõesuu Bridge is one of the most impressive landmarks in the city. It was built in the 19th century and is now a popular tourist attraction. Visitors can admire the stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside from the bridge.
14. Narva Waterfall: Located just outside the city, the Narva Waterfall is a stunning natural attraction. It is a great spot to admire the beauty of nature and take a stroll along the river. The waterfall is also a great spot to take a dip and cool off in the summer months.
15. Narva Art Museum: Located in the old town of Narva, the Narva Art Museum is a great place to explore the city’s art and culture. The museum houses a variety of artworks from the 19th and 20th centuries, including paintings, sculptures, and photographs. It is also home to a number of interesting exhibitions, including one dedicated to the city’s famous fortifications.
16. Narva Old Town: Located in the heart of the city, Narva Old Town is a great place to explore the city’s history and culture. The old town is home to a number of interesting sights, including historic buildings, cobblestone streets, and monuments. It is also a great spot to admire the stunning views of the city and the surrounding countryside.
17. Narva Palace: Located just outside the city, the Narva Palace is a stunning example of Baroque architecture. It was built in the 18th century and is now a popular tourist attraction. Inside the palace, visitors can explore the old rooms and admire the stunning views of the city.
18. Narva-Jõesuu Observatory: Located just outside the city, the Narva-Jõesuu Observatory is a great place to explore the night sky. The observatory is open to the public and is a great spot to observe the stars and planets. It is also home to a number of interesting exhibitions, including one dedicated to the history of astronomy.