Lääne-Viru County Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids

Lääne-Viru County

County of Estonia

Flag	Coat of arms

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

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
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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

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

The Viru bog in Lahemaa National Park is a unique wetland area.

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

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

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 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

The main building of Mõdriku Manor.

Malla Manor, another historic estate in the county.

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.