There is hardly another place in Estonia that can offer historical culture, peaceful relaxation and natural beauty at the same time. Narva-Jõesuu is one such place. What is the story of this small resort town, also known as the Nordic Riviera, and what does it offer today?
Historical background: beloved holiday resort of the aristocracy
Narva-Jõesuu’s fame as a resort town began in 1873, when the town started to build holiday cottages for rent and to practice gardening. A hot baths department was opened in 1876 and a mud and water bath was built. The town’s reputation as a popular holiday resort among St. Petersburg’s elite was soon established. The small and cosy resort town became the favourite holiday destination of the aristocrats of the big city. Thus, in the Golden Thirties, the city was fondly referred to as the ‘Pearl of the Baltic’ and the ‘Estonian Riviera’.
“This city is associated with many famous artists and writers, such as Ilya Repin, Ivan Shishkin, Nikolai Leskov, Dmitri Mamin-Sibiryak, Igor Severyanin,” notes historian Mart Laar. “This beautiful resort town has left a deep mark on their work.”
Narva-Jõesuu today: a modern resort with all amenities
Narva-Jõesuu has not stood still in time. It is one of the most beautiful and popular summer holiday destinations in Estonia today. The city offers visitors sanatoriums, health centres, guest houses, restaurants, bars, shops, a museum, library and churches. The picturesque nature and sea air of the Narva-Jõesuu resort centre is also a major attraction.
Among the most popular tourist attractions in Narva-Jõesuu are the Narva-Jõesuu sanatorium and the Meresuu and Noorus spas .“We offer our customers a wide range of services, from traditional mud baths to modern spa services,” says Tõnu Toompark, a member of the Meresuu Spa management board.
Port of Narva-Jõesuu: the last marina before the Russian border
In addition to land-based attractions, Narva-Jõesuu port also offers the chance to relax at sea. The harbour can accommodate vessels up to 24 m in length and 2.2 m in draught, making it the last marina on the southern coast of the Gulf of Finland in the Baltic Sea within Estonia. There are 10 berths for guest yachts, a garbage collection point and a border crossing and passport control.
But what’s the ultimate charm of Narva-Jõesuu? Is it a city with a history that dates back to the 19th century, or does its beautiful nature and tranquil atmosphere simply offer the perfect holiday? Maybe it’s all of these things. One thing is for sure: Narva-Jõesuu is a place where the past meets the present, creating a unique atmosphere that attracts visitors year after year.
