Discover Ikla: Hiking Routes, History and Coastal Trails

Ikla is an Estonian starting point for travellers who want to combine hiking, landscapes and historical topics. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route begins in Ikla and can be hiked in both directions. This allows you to organise your stay in different ways: you can focus on one section or get to know Ikla as the starting point for a longer tour.

Hiking and birdwatching around Ikla

The Oandu–Ikla hiking trail is 370 km long. This length makes it clear that Ikla is not only interesting for a single short walk, but can also be incorporated into a larger hiking plan. The specific section of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route between Ikla and Treimani runs along the old road from Pärnu to Riga. Those interested in historic transport routes and landscape experiences can therefore gain a special thematic perspective on the surrounding area.

There are several good birdwatching spots along the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route. You can therefore combine hiking and nature observation when planning your day, without limiting the trip to just one activity. The route in both directions offers different possibilities for choosing your personal focus.

Ikla on the Romantic Coastal Route

The Romantic Coastal Route also leads to Ikla. It begins in Virtsu and runs along Pärnu Bay to Häädemeeste, Kabli and Ikla. This route is particularly interesting for trip planning if you want to combine several places and different landscape impressions. Ikla is at the end of this described route and, at the same time, the starting point of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route.

History and unusual reasons to visit

The history of the town and its surroundings includes a specific event: on 14 June 1991, special units of the Soviet militia attacked the Ikla and Heinaste border posts. In addition, the Riisselja–Ikla railway line was closed on 30 September 1975. These two dates point to different chapters of the region’s past and offer points of interest for anyone who wants to explore their stay not only through landscapes and activity, but also through history.

Another special attraction is Uue-Jaani Talu. In addition to accommodation, it has a demolition museum and a farm museum. Those interested in former everyday life, rural topics and unusual collections can include this place in their trip planning.

Practical guidance for finding accommodation

When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house in Ikla, it is worth deciding on your preferred travel rhythm in advance. The focus may be on hiking in one or both directions, supplemented by birdwatching, route sections and historical discoveries. When several interests come together, Ikla provides a clear basis for an individually planned trip.

Via Ikla Bistro offers snacks, meals, coffee and soft drinks around the clock. Via Ikla also has a 24-hour fast-charging station for electric vehicles with a maximum charging capacity of up to 150 kW.

For further orientation, you can also look at Häädemeeste and Nepste. Ikla itself remains the right point of reference when you want to combine hiking routes, coastal stretches, nature observation, history and special local places to visit in one trip.

To the higher-level travel overview: Häädemeeste.