Estonian Narva is located in the Ida-Viru county, it is a city with a rich history and beautiful nature. This charming town, located on the Narva River, forms a natural border with Russia and is known for its impressive fortress and historic center.
Narva is a city in north-eastern Estonia, on the border with Russia, on the Narva River, near the river’s mouth into the Gulf of Finland (Baltic Sea). On the other side of the river lies the Russian city of Ivangorod, formerly part of Narva, in 1945 it was incorporated by the Soviet authorities into the Russian SFSR.
Castle in Narva
More than 700 years old, Hermann Castle in Narva has been ruled over by Danes, Germans, Swedes and Russians through the centuries, but now finally belongs to Estonians. It obtained its current appearance during the time of the Livonian Order from the 14th-16th centuries. Badly damaged in the Second World War, the castle was significantly restored in the 1970 and 1980s before opening as a museum, which simultaneously offered a permanent exhibition showcasing the history of Narva as well as almost a dozen temporary exhibitions.
Narva Art Gallery
The Art Gallery of the Narva Museum is located in the Gloria Bastion, in an old warehouse building for provisions and weapons, built in 1777. Today, it is one of the few buildings in the old town that survived the destructive events of the Second World War. In 1991, the first exhibition opened in the renovated and specially redesigned building, and this day can be called the Birthday of the Art Gallery – a branch of the Narva Museum.
Kreenholm Island
Kreenholm Island is located on the river that marks the border between Narva in Estonia and Ivangorod in Russia. The reservoir serving the water needs of both bordering countries is located east of the local factory, leading to the giant Lake Peipsi. In spring, the dam between the river and the reservoir opens and spectacular rapids flow towards the border crossings between both cities.
Monument to Paul Keres
The statue was installed for the 100th birthday of Paul Keres, an Estonian chess player and international grandmaster, is located on a square between Puškin Street and Peeter Square. The sculpture is made of bronze.
Vaivara Blue Hills Museum
The museum’s exhibition is devoted to the battles fought on the Narva River and the Blue Hills in 1944. The museum exhibits weapons, uniforms, personal belongings of soldiers, war photographs, enemy propaganda leaflets and the like. You can watch historical films and documentaries on the big screen. Despite the heavy topic of war, the exhibition is intended for everyone: adults can focus on learning the details, younger ones have the opportunity to touch some things and sit in historic military vehicles.
Victoria Bastion Casemates
In its 300-year history, the Victoria Bastion has survived many wars. At the beginning of the 21st century, after complete renovation, it became famous again! The bastion has become one of the main tourist attractions of the region. The exhibition in the casemates and powder magazine of the bastion presents the history of the defense system consisting of bastions. Traditional and special trips and programs for both adults and school-age children are organized here. The first floor is open from May to September. It is closed in winter so as not to disturb the local bats that roost there.
Narva River Promenade
The Narva River Promenade is one of the main attractions of the city. It starts from Joaorg Beach and stretches to the Victoria Bastion, spanning about 967 meters. The promenade features modern lighting and a pedestrian path paved with tiles. Near the Friendship Bridge, connecting Estonia and Russia, a fountain operates in the summer, and there’s a seating area with benches. The promenade is also lush with greenery.
