Aegviidu – At the Crossroads of Nature, History and Community
Location & Accessibility
Nestled in Harju County, just 60 km northeast of Tallinn along the historic Piibe Road and the Tallinn–Narva railway, Aegviidu serves as both a serene retreat and a vital transport hub. Since 1870, its third-class station has linked the borough to Tallinn, Tartu, Rakvere and Narva—modernized in 1978 with electrified commuter trains—and makes Aegviidu the final stop on the Tallinn–Aegviidu line.
Aegviidu’s roots reach back to the 18th century, when Mellin Manor’s cattle farm and tavern stood beside Piibe Road (recorded as “Aegwid” in 1796). In 1820 the manor established a horse-post station here and soon after built the Charlottenhof hunting lodge.
With the opening of the Baltic Railway in 1870, a village took shape around the station. By 1895 the former Ambla chapel served as a field church, and in 1920 a sawmill began operations. Parcel sales kicked off in 1922, sparking a residential boom that by 1925 saw the first summer villas rising among the forests.
In 1926 Aegviidu gained official summer-resort status, and after World War II it became a borough within various administrative districts before regaining independent municipal status on 20 June 1991. Notably, in 1937–38 architect Artur Perna designed a holiday house at Nelijärve, which was converted into a state tourism base in 1948.
On 15 August 2015, Estonia’s Ramblers’ Association (Eesti Matkaliit) officially proclaimed Aegviidu the nation’s Hiking Capital, an idea by long-time association member Marilin Pehka. That summer’s opening event for Estonia’s annual Hiking Week was Aegviidu’s inaugural Matkafestival: locals and visitors gathered at the bandstand to share trail tales and music, then set off after dark on a guided night hike into the bogs with the Uhhuuduuri expedition group.
Hiking Week stretches over 5–7 days, featuring routes of all lengths: from family-friendly outings along the Sõõriksoo boardwalk near the RMK Nature Centre to spirited day trips into the Nelijärve hills and mountain-bike tours through Kõrvemaa’s ski and hiking centre. Since 2023, the Aegviidu Hiking Festival has continued this legacy, uniting Estonia’s hiking clubs and enthusiasts each summer.
Outdoor Adventure
RMK’s Aegviidu Visitor Centre and Tervisedepoo act as gateway hubs: rent bikes, canoes or snowshoes, join guided walks, or set off on self-guided adventures—electric mountain-bike trails, Soodla River canoe routes, dawn treks from the Uuejärve camp platforms and refreshing swims in pristine bog lakes.
Accommodation & Dining
Aegviidu offers a spectrum of stays—from rustic campsites and cozy guesthouses to charming summer villas—and a selection of cafés and restaurants where you can savour local flavours.
Transport & Infrastructure
Frequent electrified commuter trains to Tallinn, regional connections to Tartu, Rakvere and Narva, plus a reliable bus network, make Aegviidu effortlessly accessible year-round.
Aegviidu’s vibrant spirit springs from its blend of long-time residents and newcomers drawn by the area’s wild beauty. United by volunteer initiatives—clean-up days, community hikes, craft workshops—this tight-knit community continues to nurture traditions while pioneering sustainable nature tourism. With its rich heritage, unrivalled natural landscapes and dynamic local engagement, Aegviidu stands ready to welcome both domestic and international visitors seeking fresh outdoor experiences.
Discover Aegviidu—Estonia’s Hiking Capital, where every season brings new paths to explore and stories to share.