Kohtla-Järve: life of the real miners

We are going to explore with you Ida-Virumaa county, which was once well-known for extracting oil shale and now is definitely the district with so much potential in that.

We will start our trip from the centre of Tallinn and on our way, we will learn some general facts about Estonian weather, climate and nature. Our first stop will be in Haljala village where we will have a closer look at Haljala church and find out some facts about the role of religion in Estonia, paganism, old beliefs and sacrifices in the past.

Later, we will approach Kiviõli, the administrative capital of Ida-Virumaa with its huge spoil tip, a town that influenced the development of Estonian economy in the times of the USSR and has now become the host of super enduro in Kiviõli bike park. On the way to Kohtla-Järve, we will visit Valaste waterfall where we can see the Baltic Klint and enjoy a stunning view over the Baltic Sea. The next place we will approach is Kohtla-Järve, another ex-industrial town, and, finally, we will get to our final destination – Kohtla-Nõmme where the Estonian Mining Museum is located.

We will get a unique opportunity “to discover the exciting history of the mine or to experience unforgettable off-road trips to old mines, see quarries and the beautiful water erosion caused by groundwater falls” which is by all means a once in a lifetime experience. For this tour, we will almost become real miners! Lunch will also be served there.

NB! The order of sights may vary.

8:00 – 9:15 Tallinn – Haljala

9:15  – Haljala, Haljala church

10:00 – 10: 40 – Haljala – Kiviõli. 

10:40 – 11:15 – Kiviõli, Tuhamägi. 

11:15 – 12:00 – Ontika,Baltic Klint. – Kohtla-Järve.

12: 00 – 14:30 Kohtla – Nõmme kaevandusmuuseum + lunch.

14:30 -15:30 tour in Kohtla – Järve.

15: 30 – 17: 30 – Back to Tallinn.