Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Keila waterfall is one of Estonia's most famous waterfalls and is located just a few kilometers west of Tallinn. Here you will not only find a wide and beautiful waterfall, but also a romantic park with suspension bridges, hiking trails and a magnificent manor house. For us, Keila-Joa was the last stop on our motorhome trip through Estonia – before we rolled on towards the ferry in Paldiski.
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Keila waterfall in Estonia
Keila Waterfall, Keila juga in Estonian, is located in the small town of Keila-Joa about 30 kilometers west of Tallinn. The waterfall is located in the Keila River and is approximately six meters high and 60–70 meters wide.
We came here after our visit to Rummu quarry and it took about half an hour to drive between the two places.
When we visited Keila-Joa it was summer and there was quite a bit of water in the falls. Despite that, it was really beautiful – and the surrounding environment turned out to be almost as nice as the waterfall itself.
The waterfall changes with the seasons
How impressive Keila Waterfall is depends a lot on the season and water level. During periods of high water, the falls spread out over the limestone cliff, while during drier summer periods there may be significantly less water.
This also means that the place can look very different in different photos. Our photos are from a summer visit with relatively low water levels.
Hike through Keila-Joa park
The beautiful Keila-Joa Park spreads out around the waterfall. There is a 2.1 kilometer long nature trail that follows the banks of the Keila River through the park. Along the way, you pass stairs, suspension bridges and several nice viewpoints. The trail is open all year round.
We found the whole area to have a very romantic feel. One of the more special features is two large hearts, created by Estonian sculptor Mati Karmin, where newlyweds traditionally attach love locks.
Keila-Joa in the evening
We stayed overnight in the area and therefore had the opportunity to see the park in the evening. The lighting on the stairs and bridges created a completely different atmosphere. It was a very nice way to end our long trip through Estonia.
Keila-Joa Manor – Schloss Fall
Right next to the waterfall is the magnificent Keila-Joa mansion, also known as Castle Fall. The main building was completed in 1833 and was designed in the neo-Gothic style by architect Andrei Stackenschneider.
The location is spectacular to say the least. The manor overlooks the park and waterfall, and the sound of the Keila River is ever-present.
There is also an exciting musical historical detail here. According to the manor's history, composer Aleksei Lvov performed the Russian Imperial Anthem God save the Tsar! for Tsar Nicholas I here.
The manor, which also has a small museum in the basement, is open to visitors for a fee. When we visited the manor, we thought the entrance fee was quite high in relation to how much of the building we got to see. Since then, the business has developed, so today's visit may not reflect our experience.
An old mill became a hydroelectric power plant
The water power at Keila-Joa has been used for a long time. As early as the 16th century, there was a water mill at the falls, and later the operation was developed into a hydroelectric power plant. The old building by the water today contributes to the historical environment around the waterfall and the manor.
Keila waterfall is a great day trip from Tallinn
Keila-Joa is an easy day trip if you are in Tallinn and want to get out of the city for a while. Schloss Fall is located about 32 kilometers from Tallinn and in the area there is not only the waterfall and the park but also the coast, beaches and other day trips. Here you will find more tips and reports about places to visit nearby.
FAQ – Frequently asked questions about Keila waterfall
Where is Keila Waterfall located?
Keila Waterfall is located in Keila-Joa in northern Estonia, about 30 kilometers west of Tallinn. It takes about 40 minutes to drive there from central Tallinn.
How high is Keila waterfall?
Keila Waterfall is approximately 6 meters high and 60–70 meters wide. The amount of water varies throughout the year and the fall is often more powerful in spring and autumn than during dry summer periods.
Does it cost anything to visit Keila Waterfall?
No, the waterfall itself and Keila-Joa Park can be visited without an entrance fee. However, if you want to visit the museum in Schloss Fall, you will have to pay an entrance fee.
Can you hike at Keila waterfall?
Yes. A nature trail of approximately 2.1 kilometers runs through Keila-Joa Park along the Keila River. The trail passes, among other things, the waterfall, suspension bridges and several beautiful places in the park.
What is Schloss Fall?
Schloss Fall, also known as Keila-Joa Manor, is a 19th-century neo-Gothic mansion located right next to the waterfall. Today, it houses both a museum and a boutique hotel.
How much time do you need at Keila Waterfall?
Allow about one to two hours if you want to see the waterfall and walk through the park. If you also want to visit Schloss Fall or take it easy in the area, you can set aside half a day.
Can you visit Keila Waterfall from Tallinn?
Yes, Keila-Joa is a good day trip from Tallinn. The trip takes about 40 minutes by car, and the trip can also be combined with, for example, Rummu quarry or Paldiski.
Is Keila Waterfall worth a visit?
Yes, we think so. The waterfall is not very high, but the wide fall together with the green park, the suspension bridges and the Schloss Fall make Keila-Joa a very nice excursion destination. For us, it was also the perfect last stop on our motorhome trip through Estonia.
Programme "Promoting Estonia as a Tourism Destination" is supported by European Union Regional Development Fund.
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Ama de casa says:
Oh! I love waterfalls! That park looked really nice 🙂 .
You really find many gems there in Estonia 🙂 .
25 July 2019 - 9:57
Helena says:
Very nice! Yes, there were many golden grains 🙂
26 July 2019 - 7:57
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
There's something about waterfalls. We have many on our list; everything from Swedish Njupeskär and Hällingsåfallet, all the beautiful waterfalls in Croatia to Viktoriafallen...
So cosy to be able to fricamp next door! Estonia is really appealing!
25 July 2019 - 11:19
Helena says:
Isn't it? Same here! I haven't seen Njupeskär, for example! And Viktoriafallet must be special. The waterfalls in Croatia are fantastic!
26 July 2019 - 7:58
Happy Campers says:
Very lovely waterfalls and great tips for the future 🙂 .
25 July 2019 - 12:41
Helena says:
Estonia is nice to travel around in! 🙂
26 July 2019 - 7:58
BP says:
The park was really nice and romantic, especially with the lovely lighting in the evening. The waterfall was a bit cute if you say so;-)
I really like the paintings you took at the mansion.
Yes, and I hope the DFDS freight and passenger ferry is not as shabby as the old Polferrie boats to Poland were.
25 July 2019 - 21:44
Helena says:
The lighting really made the park look fantastic in the evening! Will come back with pictures from the DFDS ferry 🙂.
26 July 2019 - 7:59
Elisabeth says:
There are many beautiful things to discover!
26 July 2019 - 11:30
Göran Gunnarsson says:
The manor house in Keila-Joa and the waterfall and manor park are highly recommended. This as well as all the sandy beaches here on the way to Paldiski. I am possibly biased as we always spend three to four weeks here in the neighbourhood since 15 years. Unfortunately, you very rarely see any Swedish cars here. In addition, there are now great cycle paths here.
26 July 2019 - 15:35