Writer: Helena Bergström
Updated: August 2026 | Along Estonia’s north coast rises the dramatic Ontikaklinten, where the limestone cliffs reach more than 50 meters above sea level in places. One of the best places to experience the landscape is at Valaste waterfall, where a staircase leads down the cliff face. We then continued east to beautiful Oru Park in Toila – once the site of a magnificent palace.
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Along the northern coast of Estonia
During our motorhome trip through Estonia, we continued east from Lahemaa National Park and Rakvere, along the country's northern coast. Our destination included Ontikaklinten – one of Estonia's most dramatic coastal landscapes.
Peter also has a penchant for turning onto the smallest roads, not least when he senses the possibility of getting the drone up. This is where it turned out to be a successful move. The Ontika cliff is much easier to understand from the air than from land.
Ontikaklinten – dramatic cliffs by the sea
The Ontika Cliffs stretch along the northern coast of Estonia and are part of the much longer Baltic Cliffs. Here, the limestone cliffs rise more than 50 meters above sea level in places. From the air, the landscape is truly dramatic – something we were able to capture with the drone when we visited the area.
From land it is actually harder to get an idea of the height of the cliffs. As you approach the edge, all you see is… an edge. In some places it drops very steeply into the sea, so here you have to keep your distance and be careful.
Valaste waterfall – best stop at Ontikaklinten
One of the best places to experience Ontikaklinten from land is Valaste. Here you will find Valaste waterfall and a viewing platform, as well as stairs leading down the steep cliff towards the sea.
Valaste Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Estonia and falls from the cliffs down to the sea. The amount of water that rushes here varies of course with the season and rainfall, but the rocky landscape itself is also worth the stop.
From Valaste a long and steep staircase leads down along the cliff. I (Helena) am afraid of heights and can't really say that I beloved these stairs, but I managed to get both down and up anyway. And yes – both the nature and the view were worth the effort!
On the way you get to see the different layers of the cliff up close and down by the sea a rocky beach awaits. We walked along the water for a while before deciding to take the same path back up.
Oru Park in Toila – park with palace history
After visiting Ontikaklinten, we continued east to Oru Park in Toila. Here a completely different experience awaits: a large, green park with walking paths, plantings, viewpoints and traces of a palace that once stood here.
The palace was built in the late 19th century for the Russian merchant Grigori Yelisseyev. In the 1930s, Oru Palace became the summer residence of the Estonian President Konstantin Päts. During World War II, the palace was destroyed and today the building itself no longer exists. However, the large park remains and is well worth a visit.
Oru Park is large, green and perfect for a walk. Where the palace once stood, there is now a beautiful and well-kept part of the park with plantings, hedges and fountains.
There are also various viewpoints and small attractions around the park. When we were here, the signs pointed in both directions and we didn't manage to find everything. But it didn't really matter – the walk through the lush park itself was the big bonus.
A good stop along the northern coast of Estonia
The combination of Ontikaklinten, Valaste waterfall and Oru Park was one of our finest stops along the north coast of Estonia. Here you get both dramatic nature, a short hike and a dose of Estonian history – and the distances between the attractions are short.
If you travel further east, the area is also a good place to combine with, for example, Narva and the northeastern coast of Estonia.
More to see in the neighbourhood
If you want to continue your adventure in Estonia, there is much more to see and discover. Here you will find more tips and reports:
FAQ – frequently asked questions about Ontikaklinten, Valaste and Oru Park
How high are the cliffs at Ontika?
The Ontik Cliffs reach over 50 meters above sea level at their highest points. The cliff coast is part of the Baltic Cliffs, which extend considerably further along the Baltic Sea area.
Where is the best place to see Ontikaklinten?
Valaste is one of the best and most accessible places to experience the cliff landscape. Here you will find Valaste Waterfall, viewpoints and stairs down the cliff. Check current conditions before visiting as trails and stairs can be affected by weather and landslides.
How high is Valaste waterfall?
Valaste Waterfall is about 30 meters high and is often described as the highest waterfall in Estonia. The amount of water varies greatly depending on the season and rainfall.
Where is Ontikaklinten located?
Ontikaklinten is located on the north coast of Estonia in Ida-Virumaa, between Kohtla-Järve and Toila, among others. Valaste waterfall is a good starting point for a visit.
What is there to see in Oru Park?
Oru Park offers walking paths, plantings, viewpoints and remains of the former Oru Palace. The palace itself was destroyed during World War II, but the large park remains.
Does Oru Palace still exist?
No. Oru Palace was, among other things, the summer residence of Estonian President Konstantin Päts, but was destroyed during World War II. Today, you can visit the park where the palace once stood.
How far is it between Valaste and Oru Park?
They are located relatively close to each other along the north coast of Estonia and are therefore well suited to combining during the same excursion.
Programme "Promoting Estonia as a Tourism Destination" is supported by European Union Regional Development Fund.
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Solan says:
What a delicious picture to start with!
Those are your wheel tracks in the field, aren't they?
?? Peter probably likes off-road driving too...
10 July 2019 - 9:32
Helena says:
Glad you like the picture! Sometimes it's good to have a drone on hand! 🙂 And haha, very nice and perfect "wheel tracks" 😉.
10 July 2019 - 18:41
Ama de casa says:
Incredibly beautiful, but I am NOT going to tell Anders about those rocks... 😉.
Keep up the good work!
10 July 2019 - 9:55
Helena says:
Haha, no best not to tell, these edges are not to be trifled with 😉.
10 July 2019 - 18:42
Britt-Marie Lundgren says:
What a wonderful day with cool nature and beautiful views. We can buy it straight off!
10 July 2019 - 16:08
Helena says:
Super nice! 🙂
10 July 2019 - 18:42
Nils-Åke Hansson says:
Nice picture it gets when you take pictures from above. You seem to have a fantastic time
10 July 2019 - 20:28
Helena says:
Super nice! It is also relaxing to travel here because it is so calm, no crowds anywhere ???
11 July 2019 - 10:31
Lena - gott för själen says:
Imagine how powerful nature can be sometimes. So beautiful and cool with those rocks.
How sad about that castle that no longer exists. I can imagine that it looked a bit strange with all the "accessories" around a castle, but without a castle, as well.
Hug Lena
10 July 2019 - 21:32
Helena says:
The cliffs are really dramatic! And yes, the castle was kind of missing... Sad with everything destroyed in wars and the like!
11 July 2019 - 10:32
BP says:
What pictures! Love the photos of the rocks. So good with a drone, right! WOW I just say. So very professional!
10 July 2019 - 22:22
Helena says:
Glad you like the pictures! Here it was especially good with drones! ??
11 July 2019 - 10:33
Micke says:
Cool place and nice pictures! The motorhome is visible, but it has shrunk! And has become a tiny one! 🙂 Is it good? Better than Freedom? Will there be a text about Freedom vs Inspire?
12 July 2019 - 8:56
Elisabeth says:
So beautiful. We will probably have to add Estonia again to our future travel destinations. You have shown some places that we missed when we were in Estonia.
15 July 2019 - 11:23