Things To Do
in Narva
Narva is a city in northeastern Estonia, situated on the border with Russia. It is known for its impressive Narva Castle, which dates back to the 13th century. The city has a unique mix of Estonian and Russian cultures, reflected in its architecture, language, and cuisine.
Narva is also home to the spectacular Narva Waterfall, making it a popular tourist destination.
- "Tere" - Hello
- "Aitäh" - Thank you
- "Palun" - Please
- "Head aega" - Goodbye
- "Kuidas sul läheb?" - How are you?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $80
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $10 - $25
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $4
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $25 - $50
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $40
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a visit to Narva Castle, an impressive fortress offering stunning views of the Narva River. Take a guided tour to learn about its rich history and architecture.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby café and then stroll along the river promenade. You can take photos of the scenic surroundings and admire the historical buildings along the way.
Wrap up your day with a relaxing dinner at a local restaurant. Experience some Estonian cuisine and soak in the local atmosphere.
Cross the border to Ivangorod, Russia, and explore the Ivangorod Fortress. The historical site offers intricate architecture and beautiful views of Narva.
Have lunch at a nearby eatery before visiting the Russian Orthodox Church. It's a great opportunity to learn about the cultural differences between the two countries.
Return to Narva and enjoy a quiet evening at your accommodations. Consider an early night to get ready for another full day tomorrow.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Rich cultural diversity due to its proximity to the Russian border and historical influences.
- Affordable living costs compared to many Western European countries.
- Beautiful natural surroundings, including parks and the Narva River.
- Historic sites such as the Narva Castle and the Kreenholm Textile Factory.
- Growing tourism sector with opportunities for local businesses.
- Limited job opportunities, particularly in high-skilled sectors.
- Language barriers for non-Estonian speakers, as Russian is widely spoken.
- Economic challenges and lower average wages compared to Western Europe.
- Public transportation options may be limited compared to larger cities.
- Social issues related to the integration of different ethnic communities.
Best Activities in Narva
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the historic Narva Castle and enjoy scenic views of the Narva River.
Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Narva River Promenade and enjoy the surrounding natural beauty.
Relax on the sandy shores of Narva-Jõesuu Beach and enjoy the Baltic Sea views.
Engage in water activities such as boating or fishing at the Narva Reservoir.
Hike along the Narva-Jõesuu Cliff for stunning coastal views and nature walks.
Places to Visit in Narva
Visit one of these nice places.
Historic castle with panoramic views of the Narva river and the Ivangorod fortress across the border in Russia.
Medieval castle on the Estonian-Russian border offering breathtaking views of the Narva river and the surrounding landscape.
Scenic walkway along the Narva river with picturesque views of the city's skyline and the river.
Food in Narva
Narva Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Pelmeenid, similar to Russian pelmeni, are dumplings filled with meat, traditionally served with sour cream. Look for them at local cafes and restaurants such as Narva Kohvikapsaa.
Must-Try!
Rosolje is a traditional Estonian beetroot and potato salad often served with herring or smoked fish. Enjoy this dish at traditional Estonian eateries like Narva Castle Cafe.
Kalev, the renowned Estonian confectionery company, produces delectable marzipan. Get a taste of the sweet treat at Kalev Chocolate Shop.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Narva Market is a bustling hub of local food and ingredients. Explore stalls offering fresh produce, meats, and traditional Estonian snacks like kringel pastry.
Festival Market features a variety of street food vendors offering everything from grilled meats and fish to crepes and local pastries. Don't miss the chance to sample diverse flavors in one place.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Narva, it is important to show respect for the two official languages, Estonian and Russian. It's advisable to learn some basic phrases in both languages to show cultural sensitivity.
Punctuality is highly valued in Narva. Arriving on time for meetings, social gatherings, and appointments is considered a sign of respect for others' time.
Participation in sauna culture is common in Narva. When invited to a sauna, it's important to observe sauna etiquette, such as being respectful of others' personal space and following the traditions associated with sauna bathing.
Safety
Tipping in Narva
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in Narva, Estonia, as service charges are usually included in the bill. However, leaving a small amount of change as a token of appreciation for good service is generally accepted.
In Narva, Estonia, cash is widely accepted for making payments. Major credit and debit cards are also commonly used, especially in larger establishments. Contactless payment methods such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are becoming increasingly popular in Narva as well.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
In spring, the weather is mild and nature comes to life with blooming flowers and blossoming trees. It's a great time to visit Narva and explore the surrounding nature reserves.
Summer is the most popular time to visit Narva, with long days and comfortable temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. It's also when many cultural events and festivals take place.
Autumn brings beautiful foliage and a more serene atmosphere to Narva. It's a great time for nature walks and to experience the changing colors of the landscape.
Winter in Narva can be cold and snowy, creating a magical winter wonderland. It's a good time for winter sports and to experience traditional Estonian winter festivities.
Narva at Night
Hiking in Narva
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic trail along the Narva River, offering beautiful views and opportunities for wildlife watching.
A protected area with various trails through forests and wetlands, ideal for hiking and nature observation.
A trail around Suur Kivijärv lake, providing a picturesque route with spots for rest and picnicking.
A coastal hike that combines beach walking with forest trails, perfect for a day out in nature.
Features numerous hiking paths through diverse ecosystems, including pine forests and marshes, located a short drive from Narva.
Aiports
How to reach Narva by plane.
The primary international airport serving Tallinn, the capital of Estonia, located approximately 210 km southwest of Narva.
The main international airport in Helsinki, Finland, located about 348 km northwest of Narva, accessible via ferry.
The largest airport in the Baltic states, located in Riga, Latvia, approximately 270 km southwest of Narva.
The main international airport serving Saint Petersburg, Russia, located around 430 km east of Narva.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest demographic group in Narva, making up a significant portion of the city's population. This group primarily speaks Russian.
The second-largest group, comprising a smaller percentage of the population compared to ethnic Russians. They primarily speak Estonian.
A growing demographic group in Narva, with an increasing presence in recent years, especially among younger generations.
Another notable group in Narva, contributing to the multicultural aspect of the city.
Includes various smaller ethnic groups such as Finns, Poles, and others, representing a diverse but limited part of the population.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Football is one of the most popular sports in Narva, with local clubs competing in various leagues and championships.
Basketball is widely played in Narva, with a strong community support and participation in regional competitions.
Track and field events have a good following, with local athletes regularly participating in competitions.
Ice hockey has a dedicated fan base in Narva, with local teams representing the city in national leagues.
Volleyball is also popular, with both indoor and beach volleyball being played recreationally and competitively.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Narva.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many restaurants and cafes in Narva offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, such as fresh salads, grilled vegetables, and mushroom-based entrees. Look for options at establishments like Ron's Pub & Cafe and Lee Pub.
Visitors with gluten sensitivities can find gluten-free dishes at various eateries in Narva. When dining out, inquire with the staff about gluten-free choices on the menu, or opt for naturally gluten-free options like fish and vegetable dishes.