In short
- Free RMK parking lots sit near the E20 highway.
- Drive 50 km east from Tallinn on the Tallinn-Narva road.
- Arrive early in the morning to secure a parking space.
In this article
Getting to the Viru Bog trail by car is straightforward. The State Forest Management Centre (RMK) provides free parking areas right at the trailhead. This guide covers how to find these lots, when to arrive, and what rules to follow.
Where is the Viru bog trail parking located?
The main RMK parking lot sits right off the E20 Tallinn-Narva highway.
Drive east from Tallinn on the E20 for about 50 kilometers. Look for the exit towards Loksa. The parking area is clearly marked and maintained by RMK. It puts you right at the start of the 3.5 km boardwalk loop.
How much does it cost to park at Viru Bog?
Parking at all RMK lots in Lahemaa National Park is completely free.
You do not need to buy a ticket or display a pass. Entry to the national park itself is also free. Just pull into the designated area and park your vehicle in an open space.
When is the best time to find a parking spot?
Arrive early in the morning to easily find a parking space and avoid crowds.
The Viru Bog trail takes 1.5 to 2 hours to walk. Because it is highly accessible, the lot fills up quickly by midday. An early arrival also rewards you with misty sunrise views over the bog pools.
What are the parking rules in Lahemaa National Park?
You must keep your vehicle strictly on designated roads and parking lots.
- Do not drive off-road to find extra parking spaces.
- Keep dogs on a leash as soon as you exit your car.
- Do not camp or make fires in the parking area.
What if I do not have a car?
You can take a public bus or book a guided tour from Tallinn.
Public buses run from Tallinn to the Loksa tee stop, which is near Viru Bog. The bus ride takes 1 to 1.5 hours and costs €3.50 to €5. Alternatively, guided day trips provide round-trip transport directly to the trail.
How long is the walk from the parking lot?
The trailhead starts immediately at the parking area.
From your car, you will walk a 3.5 km loop on a wooden boardwalk. The path leads to small bog pools and a central observation tower. The trail is mostly flat, but the wooden boards can become slippery in wet weather.
Questions travellers ask
Is the Viru Bog trail open year-round?
Yes, Lahemaa National Park and its trails are open all year. Winter is a popular time for snowshoeing across the bog.
How far is the parking lot from Tallinn?
The parking lot is about 70 kilometers east of Tallinn. It takes 45 to 60 minutes to drive there on the E20 highway.
Is the Viru Bog boardwalk safe in the rain?
The trail is flat, but the wooden boardwalks can become slippery in wet weather. Wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with good grip.
