The Jägala waterfall during our visit in Autumn 2021
The Jägala waterfall is the biggest waterfall in Estonia and a popular destination not only for tourist visiting Tallinn but also for locals who enjoy this wonderful place with their children and dogs.
In summer it is also possible to enter the water and apreciate the extraordinary atmosphere.
How to best experience Jägala waterfall?
Discover tickets, tours, and activities for Jägala waterfall through these providers:
Best Jägala waterfall Tours
From Tallinn: Day Trip to Lahemaa National Park
/5Enjoy the natural beauty of Lahemaa National Park's peninsulas, bays, forests, beaches, waterfalls and bogs on this tour from Tallinn.
As low as
€109
on GetYourGuide.com
Tallinn: Old Town Walking Tour and Jägala Waterfall
/5Start the day with a trip to Jägala waterfall and finish with an Old Town walking tour.
As low as
€99
on GetYourGuide.com
Jägala Waterfall and Harju County 5-Hour Tour from Tallinn
/5Discover the real Estonia on this tour that takes you off the beaten track.
As low as
€93
on GetYourGuide.com
Lahemaa National Park Full Day Tour from Tallinn
/5Explore the beautiful landscapes, coastline and cultural highlights of Estonia’s Lahemaa National Park on a day trip from Tallinn, with an informative local guide.
As low as
€60.52
on Viator.com
The Jägala waterfall (Jägala juga)
The Jägala waterfall (Estonian: Jägala juga, or Joarüngas) is a vertical drop in the lower reaches of the Jägala river. The high of the waterfall is between 7.8 and 8.1 meters and the width is over 50 meters, which makes it the biggest waterfall in Estonia (not the highest, since Valaste waterfall is 30 mt high).
The waterfall falls from the North-Estonian bank escarpment, that is moving every year c.a. 17 cm towards the source due to the water erosion.
The most interesting view is provided by the waterfall during the spring high water and in winter, when the waterfall is frozen. In autumn the water flow of the Jägala waterfall is quite low, but it is an occation to walk near the water.
TIP: It is also sometimes possible to walk behind the water wall, but be aware that the rocks are very slippery there.
Where is the Jägala waterfall?
The Jägala waterfall is located about 25km east of Tallinn, 1 km North of the center of Koogi village.
How to get to Jägala waterfall from Tallinn
If you don’t want to take advantage of a guided tour, you can get there by bus or taxi.
If you have chosen the first option, we suggest taking the bus 152A from Baltijaam or the Bussijaam bus stop (note: the bus stop on Tartu mantee, not the Bus station) and NOT the 152 nor the 171 that drops you in the middle of the highway. Direction: Koogi. Cost: 2,60 € you can pay directy on bus (no cards accepted).
Koogi to Jägala waterfall
Once in Koogi, there is a small grocery store (Koogi pood) on the opposite side of the street where you can buy water or some snacks for the trip.
Take the Jägala-Joa street northbound for 1 Km, than take the Jägala-Joa tee left and you are at the Jägala waterfall parking lot.
How to go to the Jägala-Joa Hydropower plant?
In order to get to the Jägala-Joa Hydropower plant or to enjoy the nice route that goes north till the sea you’ll need to take the woodland path right to the parking lot. There is a bridge that allows you to cross the river.
Please note that sometimes the Jägala Joa Oak bridge is closed!
In that case, you have three options:
- wade the river (possible only when the water is at its lowest point)
- do the 4.5 km car route roundtrip, but without a car is not advisable
- Do the following workaroud (only for hikers)
Workaround
Go back in the direction of the bus stop. After 500 meters you will find a “do not enter” sign on the right side of the street and a small passage just after a luxurious modern villa, passing under a light pole.
You will cross the bridge on the Jõelähtme jõgi, with a small waterfall on the right (Jõelähtme juga). Follow the street for 550 mt, at the fork take the road on the right. After 1.8 km in the woods turn right and after 200 mt turn right again.
You arrived at the Linnamäe hüdroelektirjaam, a small industrial hydroelectric power plant, where you can easily cross the Jägala river.
Unfortunately, Google Maps doesn’t show the routes. We suggest to use Mapio.net instead, which is excellent for this specific route.
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