Cycle through Estonia on the way to the North Cape

[arctic-cycler]

(This is a translation using google translate. The english version is below.)

Tere. Loodan, et see on õige koht postitamiseks seda. Minu eesti keel ei ole liiga hea ..

Suvel 2013 Räägin jalgrattaga Hollandist (kus ma elan), et Nordkappi Norras, Eestit läbivat. On möödunud tsükkel reisid, Ma leidsin, et on oluline leida hea jalgrattateid enne lahkumist. Muidu see on lihtne sattuda põhimaanteedel, kus on palju liiklust.

Mul on kokku pandud marsruut ja otsin ettepanekuid selle ajakohastamine. Kavatsen järgida rannikul Läti ja edasi põhja Eestis. Siin on minu kavandatud marsruudid Läti ja Eesti:
http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com ... tvia-2013/
http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/ ... onia-2013/

Have any of you got any tips? I would be very interested in hearing them..

Thanks!

Matthew

[Omiar]

Hi Matthew

Feel free to speak english.
You have avoided the E67, that's good. It is rideable if you avoid certain days in a week but there isn't much to see besides a few speed cameras.
A part of your route is gravel - specifically from Tori to Vändra. You can use the main road for that part, this road is the most used by cyclist around here, so it's ok.
I also looked your other routes - you need a visa to enter Russia.

[marguss7]

My cycling tour in summer 2011 from Ainazi in Latvia to Tallinn was in this route: 1-st Day Ainazi-Kabli-Häädemeeste-Võiste and night in www.reiupuhkekeskus.ee near Pärnu. 2-nd Day From Reiu Puhkekeskus to Tori-Vändra (birthplace Rein Taaramae (Cofidis leader) and Tanel Kangert (Astana))-Türi-Paide. 3-rd Day Paide-Väätsa-Roovere-Kuimetsa-Juuru-Kohila-Tallinn, 298 km three days. Gravel between Roovere and Kuimetsa, all other is asphalt. Your choice through Aegviidu is also very good choice. Avoid E67 as long as possible is very good idea Have a nice trip.

[vidrikjupiter]

Yes, it's a good idea to avoid E67. You can do it from Ikla to Rannametsa as shown on your map, it's an old Pärnu-Ikla road which is quite narrow and road condition is not as good as E67 but it's still ok. There you can see old fishermen villages (Treimani), bathe in the sea (Kabli beach is quite popular) and so on. From Rannametsa to Pärnu you have to take E67 if you don't want to take gravel roads, but don't worry, it's not that scary.

Your choice from Pärnu to Tori is good but as an alternative you can also take the road on the other side of the river. As much as I remember the asphalt is a bit better there but there is more traffic. You can cross the river in Sindi or Tori.

From Türi to Paide there is a separate light traffic route. You can check it (and the other roads as well) out using Google street view.

Instead of the 13th road from Aegviidu to Tallinn I suggest you to take this one - http://goo.gl/maps/DzoJp. I have tested it with road bike and I'm not the only one, it seems to me that the most of the cyclists who take the challenge to ride from Tallinn to Tartu or vice versa prefer that one. There is much less traffic for sure. The 13th road is the second main road (called Piibe road) between Tallinn and Tartu so it won't be that quiet.

[arctic-cycler]

Hi Matthew

Feel free to speak english.
You have avoided the E67, that's good. It is rideable if you avoid certain days in a week but there isn't much to see besides a few speed cameras.
A part of your route is gravel - specifically from Tori to Vändra. You can use the main road for that part, this road is the most used by cyclist around here, so it's ok.
I also looked your other routes - you need a visa to enter Russia.

Thanks Omiar. I will update my route with that tip..

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

My cycling tour in summer 2011 from Ainazi in Latvia to Tallinn was in this route: 1-st Day Ainazi-Kabli-Häädemeeste-Võiste and night in http://www.reiupuhkekeskus.ee near Pärnu. 2-nd Day From Reiu Puhkekeskus to Tori-Vändra (birthplace Rein Taaramae (Cofidis leader) and Tanel Kangert (Astana))-Türi-Paide. 3-rd Day Paide-Väätsa-Roovere-Kuimetsa-Juuru-Kohila-Tallinn, 298 km three days. Gravel between Roovere and Kuimetsa, all other is asphalt. Your choice through Aegviidu is also very good choice. Avoid E67 as long as possible is very good idea Have a nice trip.

Hi Marguss.
Thanks for your help! Your route from Vändra to Tallinn looks more direct than the route I have now. Are they both equally nice? My current route was the only one I found online specially for cyclists (on the Lonvia OpenStreetMap overlay http://cycling.waymarkedtrails.org/de/).
Do you have a gpx track of the route you took, and which would you recommend? I suspect that I may get stuck on bad on non-existant roads if I just follow google maps without local knowledge..

I really appreciate all the help I am getting on this forum!! Thanks!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

Yes, it's a good idea to avoid E67. You can do it from Ikla to Rannametsa as shown on your map, it's an old Pärnu-Ikla road which is quite narrow and road condition is not as good as E67 but it's still ok. There you can see old fishermen villages (Treimani), bathe in the sea (Kabli beach is quite popular) and so on. From Rannametsa to Pärnu you have to take E67 if you don't want to take gravel roads, but don't worry, it's not that scary.

Your choice from Pärnu to Tori is good but as an alternative you can also take the road on the other side of the river. As much as I remember the asphalt is a bit better there but there is more traffic. You can cross the river in Sindi or Tori.

From Türi to Paide there is a separate light traffic route. You can check it (and the other roads as well) out using Google street view.

Instead of the 13th road from Aegviidu to Tallinn I suggest you to take this one - http://goo.gl/maps/DzoJp. I have tested it with road bike and I'm not the only one, it seems to me that the most of the cyclists who take the challenge to ride from Tallinn to Tartu or vice versa prefer that one. There is much less traffic for sure. The 13th road is the second main road (called Piibe road) between Tallinn and Tartu so it won't be that quiet.

Thanks vidrikjupiter for the tips! I will be updating my route with all this valuable information. What do you think of an alternate route suggested by Marguss via Juuru? The difference in distance is not that important for me. The trip is meant to be nice! Just looking for the best route..

Thanks for your help!!

Matthew

[arnea]

Two information sources: there is good road oriented map at http://kaart.delfi.ee/. Also Google Streetview covers the Estonia, so you can check out the road conditions.

South Estonia (south of Tartu) is very nice. Small hills, lot's of quite good and mostly quiet roads, nice views. Going from Riga to Valga, then Tartu and Jõgeva will make the trip little bit longer, but it will also be nicer. There is a map of roads suitable for bicycle trainings http://www.mnt.ee/public/Louna_regioon/ ... _louna.pdf

BTW, when do you plan to take this trip?

[wagner]

Another useful map resource is http://kaart.postimees.ee - roads are separated by cover there (orange - asphalt; yellow - gravel). Good luck!

[arctic-cycler]

Two information sources: there is good road oriented map at http://kaart.delfi.ee/. Also Google Streetview covers the Estonia, so you can check out the road conditions.

South Estonia (south of Tartu) is very nice. Small hills, lot's of quite good and mostly quiet roads, nice views. Going from Riga to Valga, then Tartu and Jõgeva will make the trip little bit longer, but it will also be nicer. There is a map of roads suitable for bicycle trainings http://www.mnt.ee/public/Louna_regioon/ ... _louna.pdf

BTW, when do you plan to take this trip?

Hi Arnea. Thanks for lots of valuable information. I will look at the Tartu route. It does look like it would add several hundred of kilometres which may be a bit too much for the time I have. Southern Estonia does sound very attractive, though.

I haven't decided on an exact departure date yet. I will be taking two months off some time in the summer. My tentative date is leaving Eindhoven on the 8th of June, which would put me in Estonia around the end of June, start of July.

Thanks again for your help!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

Another useful map resource is http://kaart.postimees.ee - roads are separated by cover there (orange - asphalt; yellow - gravel). Good luck!

Thanks Wagner! These maps will be useful!

[JannoR]

I will look at the Tartu route. It does look like it would add several hundred of kilometres which may be a bit too much for the time I have. Southern Estonia does sound very attractive, though.

Is there a specific reason why you want to cross the border near Pärnu, or changing this route can be also an option? When you change your route in Latvia close to Saulkrasti (the place where you currently have END sign in your blog post about Latvia), and cross the border in Valga (Valka) instead, then you definitely see much more realistic Latvian and Estonian countryside, more different landscapes, be able to visit Tartu, and the total distance will be only 70km longer.

For quick comparison I did the following exercise in Google Maps:
a) Your current route: Saulkrasti + Pärnu + Türi + Aegviidu + Tallinn = 350km
b) Proposed route through Valga: Saulkrasti + Valga + Tartu + Jõgeva + Aegviidu + Tallinn = 422km

[arctic-cycler]

I will look at the Tartu route. It does look like it would add several hundred of kilometres which may be a bit too much for the time I have. Southern Estonia does sound very attractive, though.

Is there a specific reason why you want to cross the border near Pärnu, or changing this route can be also an option? When you change your route in Latvia close to Saulkrasti (the place where you currently have END sign in your blog post about Latvia), and cross the border in Valga (Valka) instead, then you definitely see much more realistic Latvian and Estonian countryside, more different landscapes, be able to visit Tartu, and the total distance will be only 70km longer.

For quick comparison I did the following exercise in Google Maps:
a) Your current route: Saulkrasti + Pärnu + Türi + Aegviidu + Tallinn = 350km
b) Proposed route through Valga: Saulkrasti + Valga + Tartu + Jõgeva + Aegviidu + Tallinn = 422km

Hi JannoR. You've convinced me. I really thought the route would be a lot longer through Tartu. The way you suggest, I could follow the R1 marked cycle route in Latvia to the Estonian border, and then use the different online maps provided to put together a route to Tallinn. I will do this. From what everyone is writing, the southern part of Estonia is worth the detour.

Thanks for your tip and pointing out the small difference in distance!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all. I have compiled all your advice and come up with the resulting route through Latvia and Estonia.
http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/ ... tvia-2013/
http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/ ... onia-2013/
I put together the stretch from Jõgeva and Roosna Alliku by hand. Using google maps street view helped a bit in avoiding the worst of the bumpy dirt tracks. Still, it would be great if you could look over my route and give some tips!

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think my route through Latvia and Estonia is a lot better now! The little roads through the country look really pretty on Google Maps street view. I am really looking forward to cycling there!!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all.
Thanks again for all your help.
On a different note, do you have any good websites where I can find camping grounds, hotels or B&Bs in Estonia? I see that there are not too many of these on the planned route from Tartu to Tallinn? Would it be a good idea to do some wild camping?

Thanks!

Matthew

[j6ukur]

http://www.visitestonia.com interactive map has some accommodation info in english.

[citybike]

Hello

Work in the company called City Bike and we have been organising bike tours for 20 years already.
Shortest route with little draffic:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=20 ... 9,4.938354
The end of this map made some tricks but idea should be clear.

Wild camping is Ok to do, choose RMK or Riigimetsa areas to avoid any problems with land owners.
Dedicated camp sites are usually alongside forest roads and walking trails, some free are listed at RMK (State forest management) site: http://loodusegakoos.ee/kuhuminna/voima ... aa#tulemus

I would get the proper map or GPS gordinates and go for it.
My suggested route, after Pärnu
From Raeküla district make turn to Sindi (big sunction and signs)
take a bike road, until Sindi and cycle through small sleepy down.
Continue alongside same road, until Tori, small village, places for snack and shop.
Cross the bridge.
A bit on a bigger road but big enough shoulder (15-16 km) and then turn off to left, sign to Rapla 53 km.
And basically follow the same road.
From Rapla road to Kohila, then to Saku and then already bicycle line almost to the Tallinn.

I believe best option for camping and other accommodations to find is Delfi:
http://kaart.otsing.delfi.ee/
Choose Kaardikihid
Choose majutus
Zoom the map until the symbols are active and then choose Kämping/telkimisplats and volaa
And use Google Street view, that good in Estonia and you will get ideas about roads, places and sights.

Good planning!

[arctic-cycler]

http://www.visitestonia.com interactive map has some accommodation info in english.

Hi j6ukur. Thanks! That is a really useful site. Now I feel more confident cycling through the centre of Estonia with places to stay..

[arctic-cycler]

Hello

Work in the company called City Bike and we have been organising bike tours for 20 years already.
Shortest route with little draffic:
https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?msid=20 ... 9,4.938354
The end of this map made some tricks but idea should be clear.

Wild camping is Ok to do, choose RMK or Riigimetsa areas to avoid any problems with land owners.
Dedicated camp sites are usually alongside forest roads and walking trails, some free are listed at RMK (State forest management) site: http://loodusegakoos.ee/kuhuminna/voima ... aa#tulemus

I would get the proper map or GPS gordinates and go for it.
My suggested route, after Pärnu
From Raeküla district make turn to Sindi (big sunction and signs)
take a bike road, until Sindi and cycle through small sleepy down.
Continue alongside same road, until Tori, small village, places for snack and shop.
Cross the bridge.
A bit on a bigger road but big enough shoulder (15-16 km) and then turn off to left, sign to Rapla 53 km.
And basically follow the same road.
From Rapla road to Kohila, then to Saku and then already bicycle line almost to the Tallinn.

I believe best option for camping and other accommodations to find is Delfi:
http://kaart.otsing.delfi.ee/
Choose Kaardikihid
Choose majutus
Zoom the map until the symbols are active and then choose Kämping/telkimisplats and volaa
And use Google Street view, that good in Estonia and you will get ideas about roads, places and sights.

Good planning!

Hi Citybike. Thanks for the tips.

I am still trying to decide on the best route through Estonia in general. Nice City Bikes site, by the way!! Would you recommend visiting Pärnu and then cycling through to Tallinn as you suggested, or passing through the areas in southern Estonia including Tartu? Alternatively, is it worth cycling along the coast all the way to Tallinn? (I think I will not cycle on the islands in the west, though, as that would be a very big detour.)

On my 'planned route' page, I have two alternatives (although I have a lot more here on my computer).. Is it worth making a bit of a detour as in my 'alternate route' and pass through the centre of Estonia, or, if I pass through Pärnu, the shortest route that you describe is the way to go?

http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/ ... onia-2013/

Thanks for your ideas!!

Matthew

[j6ukur]

Another useful map for bike trips is the Sürgavere rain radar. It shows live data for past 4 hours (refreshed every 15 minutes) in UTC time. Add +3 in summertime for Estonian time.

[arctic-cycler]

Another useful map for bike trips is the Sürgavere rain radar. It shows live data for past 4 hours (refreshed every 15 minutes) in UTC time. Add +3 in summertime for Estonian time.

Thanks! Yes, weather radars are very useful for cyclists.

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all,
I think I have now reached a plan for my cycle trip through Latvia and Estonia. I have three routes: two through Pärnu and one through Tartu. I will decide which one to take depending on how time is coming along, and also depending on the weather. I must say that the idea of a rest day at Pärnu is rather attractive..

http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/ ... tvia-2013/
http://lambchopeindhoven.wordpress.com/ ... onia-2013/

Thanks all for your help!!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all,
It is now a month until I leave for the North Cape in Norway from the Netherlands via Estonia. Thank you for all your advice. I currently plan to take the 'coast route' that we have been discussing via Pärnu. I'm looking forward to seeing your country!

I will be keeping a blog: http://arctic-cycler.com.
Here is my route through Estonia:
http://arctic-cycler.com/biking-2013/estonia-2013/

All the best!

Matthew

[caspar08]

Hi all,
It is now a month until I leave for the North Cape in Norway from the Netherlands via Estonia. Thank you for all your advice. I currently plan to take the 'coast route' that we have been discussing via Pärnu. I'm looking forward to seeing your country!

I will be keeping a blog: http://arctic-cycler.com.
Here is my route through Estonia:
http://arctic-cycler.com/biking-2013/estonia-2013/

All the best!

Matthew

Your blog looks pretty decent. I hope you enjoy your trip through Estonia and get some good shots of our landmarks as well

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all,
It is now a month until I leave for the North Cape in Norway from the Netherlands via Estonia. Thank you for all your advice. I currently plan to take the 'coast route' that we have been discussing via Pärnu. I'm looking forward to seeing your country!

I will be keeping a blog: http://arctic-cycler.com.
Here is my route through Estonia:
http://arctic-cycler.com/biking-2013/estonia-2013/

All the best!

Matthew

Your blog looks pretty decent. I hope you enjoy your trip through Estonia and get some good shots of our landmarks as well

I'm sure I'll like the trip through Estonia. And I'll be taking lots of photos!

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all.
Two weeks to go now before I leave Eindhoven on my bike, heading to the North Cape through Estonia. I have been training a lot in the last months - in Holland, Belgium, France and the UK. Here is a little video of my trip: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ttseFfEDtg

Looking forward to seeing Estonia, and catching up with some of you!!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

With only a few days to go before I leave from Holland towards the North Cape in Norway, I have put together all the stuff that I want to take. It is all rather daunting.

Here is a list of what I will be taking: http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/06/04/my- ... kapp-2013/
Have I forgotten anything?

[veloson]

Sure good to have that insect repellant available Looks like a good list, though. Might want to add a couple of plastic bags to save whatever equipment from rain in unexpected situations, just in case, even though your panniers should do the job.

[pärnu rattur]

I did not notice rope on your list. You should take some to hang clothes out for drying if neccessary. And of course there are hundreds of more uses for rope.

[arctic-cycler]

Sure good to have that insect repellant available Looks like a good list, though. Might want to add a couple of plastic bags to save whatever equipment from rain in unexpected situations, just in case, even though your panniers should do the job.

Yes. Plastic bags are certainly coming along.. Always useful!

[arctic-cycler]

I did not notice rope on your list. You should take some to hang clothes out for drying if neccessary. And of course there are hundreds of more uses for rope.

Oops. Forgot that! Thanks!

[erikr]

Well, I'd throw in some powerlinks to repair the chain if you succeed to break it for any reason.
Pick the ones matching width of your chain, ie 8, 9 or 10 speed chain.
Of course your multitool needs to have chain tool also.

[arctic-cycler]

Well, I'd throw in some powerlinks to repair the chain if you succeed to break it for any reason.
Pick the ones matching width of your chain, ie 8, 9 or 10 speed chain.
Of course your multitool needs to have chain tool also.

Hi Erikr.
I actually have a kevlar belt instead of a chain, and Rohloff gears. I have been told that it is really reliable. I am hoping that nothing goes wrong with it. If I do, it won't be easy to fix..

So far I have cycled 2000 km and had no problems..

[arctic-cycler]

Hi all. I have now cycled 2264 km on my way to the North Cape and am approaching Estonia. I am currently in Riga moving on today. Looking forward to seeing your country!
http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/06/26/day ... diga-riga/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 19 and I am 10km south of Estonia. I am here are torrential rain, flesh eating flies and long dirt roads.
http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/06/26/day ... a-kuivizi/

[riho]

Welcome to Estonia!

If You have any problems in Estonia call to webshop Hobisport +3725026200. Any day or any time. We try to help You.

But we hope You doing well:-).

[arctic-cycler]

Welcome to Estonia!

If You have any problems in Estonia call to webshop Hobisport +3725026200. Any day or any time. We try to help You.

But we hope You doing well:-).

Hey. That's great! Thanks a lot!! Looking forward to visiting your country!

Matthew

[arctic-cycler]

Day 20 and I'm camping on a lovely lake in Estonia 100km from Tallinn. A lovely day's cycling with company. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/06/28/day ... i-kergu-2/

[arctic-cycler]

21 days and 2653km after leaving Eindhoven in the Netherlands I have arrived in beautiful Tallinn in Estonia - by bike. Proud and satisfied, I admired the beautiful city in the evening light. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/06/29/day ... u-tallinn/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 24 and my first day in Finland. A lovely cycle along the southern Finnish coast, passing sparkling bays and sandy beaches on my way to Tammisaari. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/01/day ... ammisaari/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 25 saw me experience the Finnish 'bumps'. Lots of fields, forests and lakes on my way to Turku. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/03/day ... ari-turku/

[veloson]

Day 25. The Finnish 'bumps'.

As very good bump hosts, Haanja and couple other parts of Võru county already await you for a return or second trip =)
http://www.visitestonia.com/en/haanja-nature-park

[arctic-cycler]

Day 26. A lovely boat trip across the Turku archipelago and the hottest sauna of my life. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/03/day ... pyharanta/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 25. The Finnish 'bumps'.

As very good bump hosts, Haanja and couple other parts of Võru county already await you for a return or second trip =)
http://www.visitestonia.com/en/haanja-nature-park

Yes. I'll have to come back to experience those bumps.

[arctic-cycler]

Day 27 on my cycle trip from Holland to the North Cape. Sun, strawberries, sand dunes and sunset. I'm at beautiful Yyteri beach. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/04/day ... ta-yyteri/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 28 and I am in Kristiinankaupunki. Try to pronounce that.
Forest paths, stampeding forest cows and the Finnish version of a Pavlova.
http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/05/day ... nkaupunki/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 29 on my cycle trip from Holland and I am in Vaasa in Finland. The fight against the wind was with it. I discovered beautiful forest roads and a meteor crater. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/06/day ... unki-vasa/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 30 and my first day in Sweden. A nice talk on the boat trip. Another lovely forest road. And a youth hostel that kind of didn't exist. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/07/day ... sa-anaset/

[arctic-cycler]

It was harder to enjoy day 31 with a headwind and lots of roadworks. Still, some nice parts and an interesting mega camping ground. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/08/day ... set-byske/

[arctic-cycler]

Day 32 was grey but with a tailwind. I was a happy chappy. Super friendly people in Luleå. This is where I decided to stay the night. http://arctic-cycler.com/2013/07/09/day ... e-lulea-3/