One of the most unusual sections of the Forest Trail in Northern Estonia, which leads along the foot of the impressive North- Estonian Klint in good weather, then climbs to the top of the klint in the villages of Valaste and Saka, revealing breath-taking views of the Gulf of Finland from the so-called Viru Rise. In the Saka‒Ontika‒Toila section (about 23 km), the maximum height of the North-Estonian Klint reaches 55 m. If the weather is clear, you can see the isles named Great and Small Tütarsaar, which belong to Russia, at a 50 km distance.
Practical information
Length: 21 km
Duration: 10-14 h
Starting point: Toila SPA Hotel
End point: Saka manor
The course of the route: Toila‒Martsa‒Valaste‒Ontika‒Saka
Road surface: Paved road in Toila, a narrow, rocky, challenging seashore for the rest of the distance
Difficulty: Hard
Obstacles: The Clint has formed several mass slides and mudslides, which together with the vegetation ‒ trees and bushes ‒make walking difficult.
Danger points: Going near the top and bottom part of the North-Estonian Klint is dangerous, especially after spring and autumn showers, as it can collapse.
Keep in mind! This section is challenging. Although the distance is not that great, plan the walk to take two to three times longer than usual. During stronger north, northwest, or northeast winds, the narrow shore (beach) may be completely covered with water in places and thus not suitable for walking. In calm weather, it is advised to split the section in a two-day walk with an overnight stay in Valaste. Shoes with fixed ankle and walking poles will help you keep balance. Keep in mind that there are only a few places where you can climb up or down the 50 m high Klint: near the villages of Martsa (a steep slope), Valaste (stairs), Saka (stairs). The stairs are steep. There are no services at the foot of the Klint.
Alternative options: If the sea is rough and the rolling waves are too strong, go along the Toila‒Ontika‒Saka road on top of the klint or take the bus.
