Discover Valaste: Waterfall and Cliff Coast

Valaste combines an impressive waterfall with the striking cliff coast of Ontika and pristine woodland landscapes. There, the “Valaste juga” waterfall plunges down as a wall of water more than 30 metres high and is the highest waterfall in Estonia. Those planning a trip with nature experiences, viewpoints and informative trails will find a special starting point here for exploring the landscape.

Waterfall, Cliff and Protected Nature

The Ontika Landscape Protection Area safeguards the Baltic Klint and characteristic natural forests. Between the terrace and the sea lies the cliff forest, which is one of the most pristine forest types in Estonia. This combination of limestone cliff, forest and sea coast defines the character of Valaste. The best view of the Ontika cliff coast is from the stairway platform at Valaste Waterfall. The “Valaste õppe- ja matkarada” study and hiking trail also offers this view.

For holiday planning, this means you can organise your stay around whether you mainly want to experience the waterfall and the view, get to know the landscape while hiking or include a section along the sea. A holiday apartment in Valaste is therefore a particularly suitable search term if you want to spend your days not just at a single viewpoint, but enjoying a range of different nature experiences.

Study Trails with Different Impressions

The “Valaste hiking and study trail” runs along the Ontika Landscape Protection Area. A total of 22 information boards provide information about the limestone cliff of Ontika and the surrounding landscape. You can use the explanations to appreciate the geological formations and woodland landscape more consciously. The boards also offer families points of discussion for exploring questions about the landscape together along the way, without reducing the outing to a mere hiking route.

The “Ontika–Valaste nature trail” runs for approximately 700 metres along the seashore. If you include this route in your day plan, you should take the current trail conditions into account: The Ontika end of the “Valaste hiking and study trail”, the stairs and the footbridges below the cliff are currently impassable and closed due to landslides. The hiking and study trail is currently accessible only as an out-and-back route. Therefore, do not plan a descent below the cliff, but instead follow the sections that are open or accessible.

Choose the Right Accommodation for Your Travel Plans

When searching for a holiday house or holiday apartment in Valaste, it is worth clarifying your own excursion plans before booking. Do you want to focus on the waterfall and the view, use the information boards along the study trail or explore the section along the seashore? The answer will help you structure your days sensibly without presupposing a particular accommodation location or set of amenities. Users of public transport can also start and finish the “Ontika–Valaste nature trail” at Valaste Waterfall. This specific starting point may therefore play a role in your planning.

Valaste is suitable for a trip that combines observing nature and physical activity with short discoveries covering a range of subjects. Find out about the current accessibility of the trails before your visit and take the closure below the cliff into account. This will allow you to combine your holiday-apartment search with a realistic daily plan and experience the distinctive landscape of Ontika mindfully.

More Destinations for Your Search

If you would like to compare other places besides Valaste, you can also view Jõhvi, Kuremäe, Mäetaguse, Sillamäe, Toila, Kiviõli, Narva and Kalvi.

For the overarching travel overview: Ida-Viru.