Cliffs and waterfalls of Northwestern Estonia.

Section 56. Paldiski - Kersalu.

Practical information

Length: 16 km

Duration: 5 – 7 h

Start: Paldiski railway station, 

Finish: Kersalu village

Itinerary: Paldiski – Pakri Lighthouse – Kersalu

Road surface: Asphalt, gravel roads, trails, forest and unpaved roads, sand, short sections of beach covered in stones and pebbles.

Difficulty level: 

Obstacles: None

Dangerous places: You must not approach the upper part and the base of Pakri and other cliffs because rockfalls occur regularly as a result of the waves washing away the cliffs. The cliffs consist of comparatively unconsolidated sedimentary rocks (limestone, dolomite, sandstone, etc.), the slabs or blocks of which often hang over empty spaces. You can encounter vipers at the seacoast.

Good to know! There are shops and catering services in Paldiski town, in the summer also next to the Pakri Lighthouse. Suitable (closed, water resistant) footwear is necessary, walking poles are advisable for support.

Alternatives: There are stairs between Paldiski and the Pakri Lighthouse (~ 4,5 km from the railway station) that you can take to go down to the foot of the Pakri Cliff. Here you can take up a small (return) hike in search of better photographic views, but be careful! Vigorous walkers can combine this section with the next day’s one and finish in Laulasmaa.