Backpacking in Narva | Estonia

Reposted: July 16 2019

Backpacking in Narva | Estonia. This post first appeared on my other, now, defunct travel blog and details notes taken from September 2018

Narva, the border crossing point to Russia.

The idea of coming here was very much like my visit to Figuig in Morocco. A border town with Algeria, though that particular border has been closed since '94.

Life at the end of the road.

​Going to a border town without actually wanting to cross. The border to Russia is very much open, with the main destination in Russia being St Petersburg, only 160km away. 

Border towns are usually more interesting than regular towns though nothing of 'note' happened, you can find delight in derelict buildings or part of the old port, a building used as a Soviet prison camp in WW2, or further along, a warehouse unit now a bar (not pictured) where you can chug draft beers served in plastic beaker looking out across the Narva River to Russia.

The Narva Fortress (aka Narva Castle and Hermann Castle) dates from 1256. Across the River, Narva is the Russian town of Ivangorod.

The Alexander Church built in the years of 1881-1884. It has been obviously restored.

​Everything and anything in Estonia was flattened by the Russians and if by chance, anything was left, the Germans made sure!

The Eastern Orthodox Church. I like to keep the photos 'au natural', complete with lock-ups, as it paints a true picture.

​The light in Narva was great. Zero pollution, a stiff breeze blowing in off the Baltic sea and some luck with later afternoon, early evening light.

Narva's Townhall, erected between 1668-1671 modelled and designed by Georg Teuffel from Lubeck in Germany. The main entrance portal was built in Stockholm and brought to Narva in 1686. Restored, 1956-1964

T-34 tank Memorial. This Russian T-34 type tank marks the spot of the battle of the Tannenberg line (25 July 1944 - 10 August 1944) where the Red Army crossed the River Narva (behind). 5km out of town. 

German cemetery just out side the city of Narva for German soldiers killed in battle in WW2

Ivangorod:

Across the River Narva is the Russian town of Ivangorod and below, the fortress from 1492

How to get to Narva:

Tallinn to Narva:

There are 4 services by train, departing Tallinn at 07:07, 11:23, 14:45 and 18:06, arriving in Narva at 09:44, 13:41, 17:35 and 20:43 respectively. 

Lux Express run 7 services a day and if you book early enough, the fare can be as low as 7€. 


Heading south:

Eco Lines and Lux Express both run night buses straight thru to Riga. They leave around midnight and arrive around 7 the following morning. Check out the schedules on Info Bus. The fare is just under 30€ saving you money on a hostel but then again you miss the scenery and if you are like me, won't sleep a wink. 

There are quite a few buses running to Tartu, which is what I did on the Yellow Bus (Simple Express). The tourist office is very helpful.