Discover Kirikuküla: Suitsu Landscape and Rural History

Kirikuküla combines the landscape along the Suitsu River with viewpoints, trails, reed beds, islands, and buildings shaped by rural traditions. Specific points of interest include the 1.3 km-long Suitsu Hiking Trail, the Suitsu Observation Tower, and historic buildings along the river.

About 1,000 years ago, Matsalu Bay extended as far as Kirikuküla. The former extent of the bay is part of Kirikuküla’s landscape history.

Wooded meadows can be seen near Penijõe in Kirikuküla. This includes the Allika wooded meadow in Kirikuküla, which is considered significant. Open meadows with trees therefore shape part of the landscape.

The Suitsu Observation Tower is a 21 m-high metal tower with an open upper section.

What landscape characterizes Kirikuküla?

The forest west of the Suitsu Observation Tower was formerly a wooded meadow and has since become overgrown. Today, this area is more strongly characterized by forest.

The wooded meadows near Penijõe and the Allika area, by contrast, represent more open landscape forms. Kirikuküla’s landscape therefore includes forest, meadow, and wetland.

What can you see from the Suitsu Observation Tower?

From the Suitsu Observation Tower, you can look out over reed beds, coastal meadows, and Matsalu Bay. The open upper section of the 21 m-high metal tower provides a wide view across several types of landscape.

From the same observation tower, Estonia’s largest reed beds can be seen; they cover approximately 2,000 hectares.

A 300 m-long paved road leads to the Suitsu Observation Tower.

What nature experiences does the Suitsu Hiking Trail offer?

On the Suitsu Hiking Trail, you may see roe deer, moose, and wild boar.

The trail also passes through a landscape where flooded meadows, reed beds, and wooded areas occur side by side. The Suitsu River, coastal meadows, and Matsalu Bay shape this setting.

What is there to see along the Suitsu River?

Along the road by the Suitsu River and at other locations in Kirikuküla, old farmhouses with thatched roofs can be seen. The roofs and traditional building style shape the rural character of the settlement along the river.

Old and restored boathouses stand on the right bank of the Suitsu River. They were formerly used, and continue to be used, for storing the fishing equipment needed.

Excursion boats for visitors to the national park depart from the boathouses on the Suitsu River and travel along the river.

Which historic buildings are part of the settlement’s appearance?

Tika Farm in the former village of Äärenurga is protected as a listed building under the Heritage Conservation Act.

Together with the old farmhouses and boathouses, Tika Farm represents different forms of rural architectural heritage. Thatched residential and farm buildings, riverside sheds, and a protected farmstead are among the built elements in the surroundings of Kirikuküla.

Other destinations in the same travel area include Rakvere, Sagadi, Viru-Nigula, Vihula, Kunda linn, Käsmu, Vainupea and Väike-Maarja.

FAQ

How long is the Suitsu Hiking Trail?

The Suitsu Hiking Trail is 1.3 km long, lies in the Matsalu Forest, and runs parallel to the flooded meadow of the Suitsu River.

Which islands are located around Kirikuküla?

Suurrahu is an island in the vicinity of Kirikuküla. Papilaid and Kõvajalaid are islands in the wider regional surroundings of Kirikuküla.

Is there a cabin for overnight stays in Kirikuküla?

The Suitsu Forest Cabin is a forest cabin for overnight stays.

To the general travel overview: Lääne-Viru.