Jõhvi Travel Guide (East Estonia/Estonia/Baltic states/Europe)

Introduction to Jõhvi

Located in East Estonia, Jõhvi offers a unique travel experience that combines natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions. This small town is known for its picturesque surroundings, outdoor adventures, museums, and a vibrant food scene. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will dive into the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, what to eat, and much more for your next trip to Jõhvi.

List of Places to Visit in Jõhvi

When it comes to places to visit in Jõhvi, the town offers a variety of cultural and natural attractions. Whether you’re interested in museums, outdoor activities, or scenic views, there’s something for everyone.

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

For history buffs and culture enthusiasts, Jõhvi has several ancient sites, manors, and museums that will take you back in time. Some of the must-visit cultural attractions in Jõhvi include:

Jõhvi Manor Park and Museum: This 18th-century Baroque-style manor is a great place to explore the history of Jõhvi town and learn more about the life of the noble families that once occupied the estate.
Jõhvi Church: This neo-gothic church was built in the 19th century and is a well-known landmark of Jõhvi town. The church is open to visitors and is a must-visit for an insight into Estonia’s religious beliefs and practices.
Kohtla Mining Park: This unique interactive museum offers an excellent opportunity to learn more about Estonia’s mining history and culture. In the museum, you can explore the underground mine tunnels and old mining machines.

Natural Attractions of Jõhvi: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Jõhvi’s natural beauty, including its hiking/biking trails, scenic lakes, and parks, provides visitors with plenty of outdoor adventures and stunning views. Here are some of the natural wonders in Jõhvi worth exploring:

Kiviõli Adventure Center: This outdoor adventure park offers visitors a chance to engage in various activities like ziplining, paintball, off-road driving, and hiking. It’s a must-visit attraction for adrenaline junkies and adventure enthusiasts.
Palamuse Oandu Nature Reserve: This park, located in the northeastern part of Estonia, is part of Lahemaa National Park, and is home to scenic views of ice age boulders, forests, and bog walks.
Narva-Jõesuu Beach: This sandy beach, located on the northeastern coast of Estonia, is ideal for a relaxing afternoon or evening walk, swimming, and sunbathing.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Jõhvi

Jõhvi’s natural beauty can be explored on foot or on bike. Visit these hiking/biking routes to enjoy the scenery.

Valaste Waterfall: This trail, located in the northeastern part of Estonia, is home to a 30-meter high waterfall and cliff view, offering an excellent opportunity to explore the area’s natural beauty.
August Valdmann Path: This trail’s starting point is Jõhvi Manor Park, and it stretches for eight kilometers across the picturesque forest of Northeastern Estonia. The path is well-maintained and easy to walk on.

Best Things to Do in Jõhvi: Activities and Tours

Jõhvi offers plenty of activities and tours for travelers, providing them with an experience to remember. Here are our top picks:

Kayaking Tour: Explore the Peipsi Lake or River Narva on a kayaking tour with a guide. The tour takes you through breathtaking views of untouched nature and unique cultural hotspots.
Spectacular Light Show: The Jõhvi Concert Hall hosts a light and sound show throughout the year with different themes each month. It’s a must-visit spectacle that combines art, music, and technology that promises to awe and inspire.

Week-Long Itinerary for Jõhvi

To help you make the most of your trip to Jõhvi, we have curated an itinerary with the best places to visit and things to do:

Day 1: Arrive in Jõhvi and explore the town.

Day 2: Visit Jõhvi Manor Park and Museum and tour the manor grounds.

Day 3: Go to the Kiviõli Adventure Center and participate in various activities.

Day 4: Explore the Valaste Waterfall and cliff view.

Day 5: Visit Palamuse Oandu Nature Reserve and go on a hike or bike ride.

Day 6: Attend the spectacular light show at Jõhvi Concert Hall.

Day 7: Tour the Kohtla Mining Museum and explore the underground mine tunnels.

Food and Drink Scene of Jõhvi

The food and drink scene in Jõhvi is vibrant, and the town’s local cuisine and drinks are a must-try. Here are some of the dishes and beverages that you should taste:

Must-Try Dishes

Black Bread Soup: This unique and traditional dish is a blend of black bread, diced bacon, and onions. It’s a hearty and savory meal that’s perfect for chilly weather.
Estonian Pork Chop: Enjoy a juicy and flavorful piece of Estonian pork, served with sauerkraut and mashed potatoes.

Local Beverages

Vana Tallinn Liqueur: This sweet and smooth rum-based liqueur is a local favorite. It has a distinct vanilla flavor and can be enjoyed as a mixer or on its own.
Estonian Beer: Estonia has a thriving craft beer scene, and it’s worth trying some of the local brews.

Where to Stay in Jõhvi: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Jõhvi has several accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious hotels. Here are some options to consider:

Hotel Wironia: This hotel is a 4-star hotel located in the heart of Jõhvi. It features modern and comfortable rooms, a spa center, and an on-site restaurant.
Jõhvi Hostel: This hostel is a budget-friendly option located in the center of Jõhvi. It features comfortable rooms, a shared kitchen, and free parking.

What to Buy in Jõhvi: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Jõhvi has several local shops and markets where you can buy souvenirs and local products. Here are some of the things to consider buying:

Amber Jewelry: Jõhvi is known for its amber, and you’ll find plenty of shops selling amber jewelry made by local artisans.
Estonian Alcohol: Bring home a bottle of Vana Tallinn Liqueur or some Estonian craft beer as a memorable souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Jõhvi

Estonians are known for their love of nature, and they adopt sustainable living practices. It’s important visitors respect the customs and culture of the local people. Some of the local customs and traditions include:

Respect for Nature: Estonians take great pride in preserving their natural surroundings. As a visitor, it’s important to respect this custom and avoid littering or damaging the environment.
Singing Festivals: Estonians take their choral singing seriously, and the country hosts several singing and music festivals throughout the year. It’s worth attending one of these festivals to witness the country’s passion for music.

Best Time to Visit Jõhvi

The best time to visit Jõhvi is in the summer, between May and September. The weather is mild, and the days are longer, providing more time for outdoor adventures and sightseeing.

Do’s and Don’ts of Jõhvi

When traveling to Jõhvi, it’s important to follow a few dos and don’ts:

Do:

Respect the Local Culture: Estonians value their culture and customs, and it’s important to respect them.
Try Local Food: Don’t leave Jõhvi without trying some of the traditional Estonian dishes and local beverages.

Don’t:

Litter: It’s important to keep the environment clean and avoid littering.
Disrespect the Local Customs: It’s important to be mindful of the local customs and traditions and avoid doing anything that may be perceived as disrespectful.

Safety and Health

Jõhvi is a safe and stable country, and visitors are unlikely to encounter any safety issues. However, it’s important to follow standard safety precautions, such as locking your doors and not leaving valuables unattended.

Safety in Jõhvi

Be Vigilant: Don’t leave your personal belongings unattended and avoid walking alone at night.
Emergency Contact Numbers: In case of an emergency, dial 112, which is the national emergency number.

Health in Jõhvi

Jõhvi has an excellent healthcare system and offers quality medical services to its people and visitors. Visitors are advised to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies.

Getting to Jõhvi: Transportation Options and Logistics

Jõhvi is easily accessible by various transportation options, including air, bus, and car.

Airports Near Jõhvi

The closest international airport to Jõhvi is Tallinn Airport, which is located approximately 150 kilometers away.

Bus Stations Near Jõhvi

Jõhvi has two bus stations: 1) Jõhvi Bus Station, located in the city center, 2) Jõhvi Kaubakeskuse Linnaliinide Bussipeatus.

Other Options

Taxis and rental cars are also available for visitors who prefer private transportation.

How to Get Around in Jõhvi

Jõhvi is a small town and is easy to navigate on foot or bike. Public transportation, such as buses, is also available.

Where to Go Next from Jõhvi: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Jõhvi is a great base for exploring nearby destinations and excursions. Some of the places you can venture out to include:

Tartu: This is Estonia’s second-largest city and is known for its vibrant student culture, old town, and medieval architecture.
Narva: This city is located on the Russian border and is known for its impressive castle, Kreenholm textile factory, and the Narva River.

Conclusion

Jõhvi offers visitors a unique travel experience that combines natural beauty, rich history, and cultural attractions. From hiking to kayaking, visiting museums to attending concerts, and exploring the food and drink scene, there’s something for everyone in Jõhvi. We hope this comprehensive travel guide provides you with all the information you need to plan your next adventure to Jõhvi, Estonia!

Jõhvi Image Gallery

The Orthodox church

Jõhvi promenade

St. Michael Church and Stronghold