10 Things to Do in Johvi That You Shouldn't Miss

The Crucifixion of Our Lord church in Johvi was completed in 1895 as part of the plan of Estonian governor Shakhovskoy to make Johvi the centre of the Russian Orthodox faith in the north-east of the country. The nearby Puhtitsa convent of the Dormition of the Mother of God, known to locals as the Kuremae convent, was also founded by nuns who came to Johvi. Built in Historicist style from natural stone and red brick, the church is open to visitors every day in summer.Did you know…?*The Crucifixion of Our Lord church in Johvi was the first place of work of the young Aleksei Mihhailovitš Ridiger – who would go on to become Aleksius II, patriarch of all Russia.

The Oru Park and grand palace in the beautiful valley of the Puhajogi River was built by Grigori Jelissejev – one of the wealthiest men in 19th century Russia. In 1935, three industrialists bought the palace and park and presented it to President Pats for his summer residence. The palace was totally destroyed during the Second World War. Today you can walk in the well-marked and well-maintained park, look at various species of trees and shrubs, explore the Silver Spring Cave, as well as enoy the sea view and the sunset from the petrel nest. Interesting fact: the Oru Park Promenade organized annually in August has become a tradition.

Estonia’s highest limestone cliff, the Ontika cliff that is up to 55 metres high, is like a stone nature book, revealing the layers of various eras to the viewer. The best place to see the cliff is from the observation platform built near the Valaste cascade. Or take a hike along the coastal hiking trail to discover the unique forest on the limestone cliff. Interesting facts: - The Ontika Limestone cliff is the highest part of the over 1,100-km-long Baltic limestone bank that starts in Sweden on the Island of Oland and ends in Russia near Lake Ladoga. – The limestone cliff runs 23 kilometres from the Village of Saka to the vicinity of Toila, thus being the longest uninterrupted part of the cliff.

Church of St. Michael in Johvi centre is the oldest building in the town. It is believed to be built in the middle of 13th century. The peculiarities of the church are 2m thick walls and elements of stronghold that make the church of St. Michael the best protected fortification church in the whole Estonia. Today you can get acquainted with the history and legends of the church as well as with the museum in its cellar with the help of audio-guide available in 6 different languages.Interesting to know:Church of St. Michael is the biggest one-nave church in Estonia.In the museum you can find the oldest metal objects found in Estonia from Jabara burial mound.The church is a popular concert place thanks to its unique acoustics.

Toila baths have a variety of saunas for you to enjoy: steam, infrared, aroma, wood-fired and salt saunas. There are also heated relaxation benches, Jacuzzis, sunbathing spots and a log sauna cabin on the roof. The interior design of the baths brings to mind ancient Rome, with tiled floors and walls and reed mats on the ceilings – you will feel as though you have been transported back in time! Toila Spa was the first in Estonia to offer the unique Sauna World treatment.

Valaste Waterfall situated on the Ontika Limestone Cliff is the highest in Estonia with its fall of 30 metres. The waterfall shows its more rebellious side of nature in Springs and during the high water season. In summer and during the dry period you can only see the groundwater oozing out from between different layers. The waterfall is particularly picturesque in winter, when the combination of northerly winds blowing from the sea and the sprinkles of water create a real ice castle on the trees on the precipice. The Ontika Limestone Cliff is the highest spot on the famous 1100-kilometre-long Baltic Klint that runs from the island of Oland in Sweden to the vicinity of Lake Ladoga in Russia.

Founded in 1975, the museum is located in a former ministry school building. Its permanent displays are arranged thematically in separate rooms, where you will obtain an excellent overview of life in the country, farms in the olden days, the work of master craftsmen and the history of the local fire fighting service. Separate Exhibitions focus on the unique natural environment and diversity of the area, the history of the Iisaku school and the writer of the well-known Estonian song ‘Ema suda’ /A Mother’s Heart/. The teacher’s apartment on the second floor presents a picture of life in the early 20th century, and there is a special exhibit looking at the Iisaku region’s population of half-Estonian/half-Russians. If you wish, you can also watch locally shot films.

The Jouga lakes are a group of lakes in Ida-Virumaa, Jouga village, situated by the road that turns from Johvi-Tartu road towards Kuremae. These are four lakes, which came about when loose ice melted. These lakes are the Jouga Pesujarv, Jouga Linajarv, Jouga Liivjarv and Armise lake. There are many rare plant and animal species in the lakes, for example the edible frog. Pesujarv is a popular swimming place with a boardwalk that leads to the lake which has a swimming pontoon, so it would be more comfortable to go in.RMK has made six bonfire sites, a well and you can also put up your tent. There's also an outhouse and parking spaces for 15 cars.

This hiking trail, which starts in the village of Toila, winds its way not only along high clifftops but also down onto the seashore below. Hiking along it you will enjoy the scenery of the Baltic Glint, its Forests and famous blue clay sediments and granite, and find out more about local cultural history. You can cover the hiking trail as two different distances: the shorter, at 3.2 km, takes in the harbour and beach, the old fishing port and the German soldiers’ cemetery; the longer also takes in the geological features of the area, its ancient Forests and a mill tower before returning to Toila along the old trade road.