French
DeutschLoksa is a small coastal town in Harju County, North Estonia. It lies on the shore of Hara Bay, at the mouth of the Valgejõgi River, near Lahemaa National Park. The town has a sandy beach, historic churches and an industrial heritage associated with brickmaking and shipbuilding. It is a convenient base for exploring the northern coast of Lahemaa.
Understand
[edit | edit source]Loksa developed as an industrial settlement in the late 19th century, when a brick factory was established here in 1874. Shipbuilding later became an important local industry. The town is also known for its historic red-brick bus station, built in 1939.
Loksa is exceptionally Russian-speaking compared to many other small towns in Estonia. This is linked, in particular, to the Soviet-era shipbuilding industry and its workforce.
Get in
[edit | edit source]By bus
[edit | edit source]Loksa is connected by regional buses to Tallinn, Kuusalu, Rakvere and other settlements in northern Estonia. Services from Tallinn are available from Balti Jaam and other stops in the capital.
The main bus station is located at Tallinna tn 49, in the town centre.
Timetables are available at Peatus.ee.
By car
[edit | edit source]Loksa is about 68 km east of Tallinn. Follow the road towards Narva and turn north at Kuusalu towards Loksa.
Get around
[edit | edit source]
Loksa is small enough to explore on foot. The beach is approximately 0.5 km from the town centre. The surrounding countryside and Lahemaa National Park are best explored by car, bicycle or organised excursion.
See
[edit | edit source]- Loksa beach (Loksa rand), Mere tn 12, ☏ +372 523 9239, info@visitlahemaa.com. A spacious sandy beach on Hara Bay, next to Lahemaa National Park. Facilities include changing cabins, a water tap, beach volleyball and football courts, benches and a dry toilet. The beach is surrounded by trees and dunes.
- Loksa Lutheran Church (Loksa Maarja kirik), Tallinna tn 54, ☏ +372 5694 5978, loksa@eelk.ee. Historic Lutheran church dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The congregation's registered address is Tallinna tn 51.
- Orthodox Church of St John of Kronstadt (Loksa Kroonlinna püha Joanni kirik), Posti tn 17a, ☏ +372 5615 9577, ioannikogudus@gmail.com. Orthodox church dedicated to St John of Kronstadt. The church was consecrated in 2008.
- 1 Loksa bus station (Loksa bussijaam), Tallinna tn 49. A distinctive red-brick bus station built in 1939. The building is an example of Estonian interwar architecture and an important local landmark.
- Loksa industrial heritage. The town's history is closely associated with its former brick factory, established in 1874, and its shipbuilding industry.
Do
[edit | edit source]- Enjoy swimming and sunbathing at Loksa beach.
- Walk along the coastal section of the Baltic Forest Trail.
- Explore the forests, bogs and coastline of Lahemaa National Park.
- Visit the nearby coastal villages of Viinistu, Käsmu and Võsu.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- Loksa Konsum, Tallinna tn 36, ☏ +372 5743 8571, loksa.konsum@harjuty.ee. Daily 09:00-22:00. Supermarket selling groceries and everyday necessities.
- Grossi Toidukaubad, Rohuaia tn 6, ☏ +372 600 9200. Daily 08:00-22:00. Supermarket selling groceries and everyday necessities.
- Meie Toidukaubad, Posti tn 2, ☏ +372 607 5165. Local grocery store.
Eat
[edit | edit source]- 1 Kuivoja Looduskodu (Kuivoja Puhkekeskus), Rahu 39, ☏ +372 5858 1133, kuivoja@gmail.com. Restaurant serving homemade meals and grilled dishes. The property also offers accommodation, a sauna and outdoor activities.
- Mere baar, Posti tn 19, ☏ +372 607 5580. Casual bar serving food and drinks.
- Lucky Bar (Lucky kohvik-baar), Tallinna tn 49, ☏ +372 5565 2724. Local café-bar serving food and drinks, near the bus station.
- Burger Time, Tallinna tn 5, ☏ +372 5561 0390. Takeaway restaurant specialising in burgers.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]- 1 Kuivoja Looduskodu (Kuivoja Puhkekeskus), Rahu 39, ☏ +372 5858 1133, kuivoja@gmail.com. Guesthouse with comfortable rooms, a restaurant and a sauna. Located in a wooded area near Hara Bay.
- Loksa Hostel, Posti tn 27, ☏ +372 5196 0048. Budget hostel accommodation in the town centre.
- Loksa Laagripaik, Metsa tn 17. Private holiday accommodation near the coast, suitable for groups and independent travellers.
Connect
[edit | edit source]Mobile phone coverage is available throughout the town. Free Wi-Fi may be available at accommodation and restaurants.
Go next
[edit | edit source]- Lahemaa National Park – Estonia's largest national park, with forests, bogs, manor houses and coastal villages.
- Viinistu – a coastal village with an art museum and harbour.
- Võsu – a popular seaside resort in Lahemaa.
- Käsmu – a historic coastal village known as the village of captains.
- Kuusalu – a rural settlement south of Loksa.
- Tallinn – Estonia's capital, about 68 km west.