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Lääne-Viru County facts for kids

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Lääne-Viru County
County of Estonia
Vaade Toolse linnuse varemetele merelt.jpg
Flag of Lääne-Viru County
Flag
Coat of arms of Lääne-Viru County
Coat of arms
Location of Lääne-Viru County
Country Estonia
Capital Rakvere
Area
 • Total 3,695.72 km2 (1,426.93 sq mi)
Population
 (2018)
 • Total 59,791
 • Density 16.17844/km2 (41.9020/sq mi)
ISO 3166 code EE-59
Vehicle registration R

Lääne-Viru County is a beautiful area in northern Estonia. It's like a big region or province. The main city and capital of this county is Rakvere. This county is known for its amazing nature, old castles, and charming manors. It's a great place to explore history and enjoy the outdoors.

Exploring Lääne-Viru County

Lääne-Viru County is divided into smaller areas called municipalities. Think of them as local districts. There is one main city municipality and seven rural municipalities in Lääne-Viru County. Each municipality has its own local government. They help manage things like schools, roads, and local services for the people living there.

Rank Municipality Type Population
(2018)
Area
km2
Density
1 Haljala Parish Rural 4,389 547 8.0
2 Kadrina Parish Rural 4,958 355 14.0
3 Rakvere Parish Rural 5,566 296 18.8
4 Rakvere Urban 15,613 11 1,419.4
5 Tapa Parish Rural 11,252 479 23.5
6 Vinni Parish Rural 6,919 1,013 6.8
7 Viru-Nigula Parish Rural 5,981 311 19.2
8 Väike-Maarja Parish Rural 6,016 683 8.8

Rakvere: The Capital City

HPIM2348 Rakvere ajalooline linnus tänapäevas
Rakvere Castle is a popular historical site.

Rakvere is the capital city of Lääne-Viru County. It is the largest urban area in the county. The city is famous for its impressive Rakvere Castle. This castle stands on a hill and offers amazing views. It's a popular place for visitors to learn about medieval times. The castle often hosts events and activities that make history come alive.

Rakvere is also a center for culture and sports in the region. It has theaters, museums, and sports facilities. Many people visit Rakvere to enjoy its lively atmosphere.

Nature and Landscapes

Lääne-Viru County is a paradise for nature lovers. It has diverse landscapes, including forests, lakes, and bogs. A significant part of the county is covered by Lahemaa National Park. This park is one of Estonia's oldest and largest national parks. It protects many different types of natural environments.

Lahemaa National Park

Viru bog - RRiiberg
The Viru bog in Lahemaa National Park is a unique wetland area.
Altja jõgi Lahemaal
The Altja river flows through Lahemaa National Park.

Lahemaa National Park is famous for its beautiful coastline, old fishing villages, and vast forests. It also has unique wetlands called bogs, like the Viru bog. These bogs have special plants and animals. The park is a great place for hiking, cycling, and observing wildlife. You might spot moose, wild boars, or various bird species.

Emumägi Hill

Vaade Emumäele
A view from the tower on Emumägi, the highest point in Northern Estonia.

The highest point in Northern Estonia is located in Lääne-Viru County. It is called Emumägi. This hill is 166 meters (545 feet) tall. There is a viewing tower on top of Emumägi. From the tower, you can see far across the beautiful Estonian countryside. It's a fantastic spot for panoramic views.

Historical Castles and Manors

Lääne-Viru County is rich in history. It has many old castles and grand manor houses. These buildings tell stories of past centuries. They show how people lived long ago.

Toolse Castle

Vaade Toolse linnuse varemetele merelt
The ruins of Toolse Castle stand by the sea.

One of the most interesting historical sites is Toolse Castle. These are the ruins of a medieval castle right by the sea. It was built to protect the coast from pirates. Today, you can explore its ancient walls and imagine life in the past. The castle offers a glimpse into Estonia's defensive history.

Palmse Manor

Palmse mõisa peahoone pargi poolt
Palmse Manor is a beautifully restored estate.

Palmse manor is one of the most famous and well-preserved manor estates in Estonia. It is located within Lahemaa National Park. The manor complex includes a grand main building, various outbuildings, and a beautiful park. It has been carefully restored. Visitors can learn about the life of Estonian nobility. It also shows how people lived on large estates centuries ago.

Other Notable Manors

Mõdriku mõisa peahoone
The main building of Mõdriku Manor.
Malla mõisa peahoone 2012
Malla Manor, another historic estate in the county.
Vihula mõisa tuuleveski
The windmill at Vihula Manor.

Besides Palmse, there are other beautiful manors like Mõdriku manor, Malla manor, and Vihula manor. Many of these manors have been restored. Some now serve as hotels, museums, or cultural centers. They offer a unique way to experience Estonian history and architecture.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Condado de Lääne-Viru para niños

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