E9 section 57: Kersalu - Laulasmaa

The E9 Section 57: Kersalu - Laulasmaa is a 12 km point-to-point coastal trail in northern Estonia, gaining roughly 40 m of cumulative elevation over a single day. Rated easy, it threads pine forest, sandy bays and reed-fringed shoreline along the Baltic Coastal Hike, ending at the resort village and beach of Laulasmaa west of Tallinn.

About the E9 section 57: Kersalu - Laulasmaa

Section 57 forms one short, scenic link in the E9 European long distance path, a 9,880 km coastal route that runs from Tarifa in southern Spain to Narva-Jõesuu on Estonia's eastern border. The full E9 crosses eleven countries — Portugal, Spain, France, England, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia — and is managed across the continent by the European Ramblers Association. Within the three Baltic states the route is branded the Baltic Coastal Hike, and the Estonian portion alone, known locally as the Ranniku matkarada, stretches 622 km and takes roughly 30 days to walk in full.

This 12 km stage is one of the gentlest and most accessible days on the entire Estonian coast. It begins at the quiet hamlet of Kersalu in Lääne-Harju municipality, Harju County, and finishes at Laulasmaa, a well-known seaside village fringed by sandy beaches and tall Scots pines just 35 km west of the capital, Tallinn. The terrain is almost flat throughout — Estonia is one of the lowest-lying countries in Europe, and nothing on this section rises far above sea level — so the day is defined by distance and surface underfoot rather than climbing.

The trail follows the white-blue-white waymarks painted on trees, posts and rocks that identify the Baltic Coastal Hike across all three countries. Walkers move between firm forest tracks, soft sand, boardwalk over wet ground and short stretches of gravel road. Because the going is straightforward and the section is short, it suits families, beginners, and anyone wanting a single relaxed day on the Baltic shore. It also pairs naturally with neighbouring stages for those building a multi-day coastal itinerary toward Tallinn. If you are new to planning weight and pace for flat coastal days, our guide on how many calories you need hiking a full day is a useful starting point.

Route Overview & Stages

The 12 km section divides naturally into three walkable legs, summarised below. Distances are approximate and elevation figures reflect the trail's flat coastal character.

Most fit walkers complete the full 12 km in 3 to 4 hours at a relaxed pace, including stops. There is no significant climbing to slow you down, but soft sand and boardwalk sections can be slightly tiring underfoot, so allow a little extra time in warm weather.

Highlights & Points of Interest

• Kersalu hamlet — a quiet rural settlement in Lääne-Harju municipality that marks the start of the stage and the end of the preceding Paldiski–Kersalu section.
• Lahepere Bay (Lahepere laht) — a broad, shallow bay with reed beds and shallow sandy shoreline, a good spot for spotting wading birds in spring and autumn.
• Coastal pine forests — tall Scots pine woodland on sandy soil typifies this part of the Estonian coast and provides welcome shade on hot summer days.
• Lohusalu peninsula — a wooded headland with a small harbour, separating Lahepere Bay from Lohusalu Bay and offering open Baltic views.
• Laulasmaa beach — one of the most popular sandy beaches west of Tallinn, gently shelving and backed by dunes and pine, the natural finish to the walk.
• Arvo Pärt Centre — a striking modern building set in the Laulasmaa pine forest, dedicated to Estonia's most celebrated living composer and worth a visit on arrival.
• White-blue-white waymarks — the shared Baltic Coastal Hike markings appear on trees and posts throughout, confirming you are on the official E9 route.
• Lahepere–Laulasmaa dunes — low coastal dune systems with hardy grasses, marking the transition from forest to open beach near the end of the section.

Best Time to Hike the E9 section 57: Kersalu - Laulasmaa

The Estonian coast has a cool maritime-influenced climate, and this section is at its finest in the warmer half of the year. The walking season effectively runs from May to September. Late spring (May and early June) brings long daylight — close to 18 hours near midsummer — fresh greenery and active birdlife around Lahepere Bay, though the Baltic remains too cold for comfortable swimming.

July and August are the warmest months, with average daytime highs of roughly 20–22 °C and sea temperatures occasionally reaching 18–20 °C, making Laulasmaa beach genuinely swimmable at the finish. These are also the busiest weeks, as Tallinn residents head west to the coast. September offers a quieter, golden-light alternative with stable, mild weather and fewer crowds, although daylight shortens noticeably.

The single best month is July, when the warmest and most settled weather coincides with the swimmable sea and the full range of open cafés and services in Laulasmaa. As of 2026, Estonian summers continue to trend slightly warmer and drier than historical averages, so carry sun protection and water even on a short coastal day. Winter walking (November to March) is possible but demanding: snow, ice, short daylight and sub-zero temperatures make the section a different proposition entirely and best left to experienced cold-weather hikers.

Practical Information

Accommodation

Laulasmaa is a developed resort village, so the finish has the best options on this stretch of coast. The Laulasmaa Spa & Conference Hotel offers full-service rooms typically from €90–150 per night depending on season. Guesthouses and holiday apartments in and around Laulasmaa and Lohusalu generally run €50–100 per night. Self-caterers will find rental cottages along the bay, often booked by the week in high summer.

Estonia's "everyman's right" (igaüheõigus) permits responsible wild camping on most unfenced natural land, and there are free RMK (State Forest Management Centre) campfire sites and basic camping spots along the coastal route — these cost nothing but offer only minimal facilities such as a fire ring, firewood and a simple privy. Book hotel rooms well ahead for July and August.

Getting There & Back

The route lies in Harju County, within easy reach of Tallinn, about 35 km east. The nearest major gateway is Tallinn Airport (TLL), roughly a 45–55 minute drive away. Public buses run from Tallinn's central bus station and Balti Jaam railway area toward the Laulasmaa and Lohusalu area; the journey takes around 50–70 minutes depending on the service. Kersalu, at the start, is more remote and best reached by car, taxi or by walking in on the preceding section from Paldiski, which has its own railway station on the Tallinn–Paldiski line. The simplest logistics are to base yourself in Laulasmaa, travel out to Kersalu and walk back toward your accommodation.

Permits & Fees

No permit or entry fee is required to walk Section 57 — the E9 and the Baltic Coastal Hike are free to use throughout Estonia. Access across natural land is protected by Estonia's right-to-roam tradition, provided you respect private gardens, leave no trace and use fire only at designated sites. The only costs are optional: accommodation, food, transport and any visit to attractions such as the Arvo Pärt Centre.

Gear & Packing List

This is a short, flat day hike, so a light daypack is ample. A 20–35 litre pack carries water, layers, snacks and swimwear comfortably — the Salomon ADV Skin 20 suits fast, light walkers, while the Fjällräven Abisko Hike 35 gives more room if you are carrying extra clothing or camera gear. If you are linking several E9 sections into a multi-day coastal trip and carrying camping kit, a larger volume pack such as the Zpacks Arc Haul Ultra 50L keeps the load light on your shoulders. For ideas on trimming pack weight, see our roundup of the best ultralight backpacks of 2026.

Key items for this coastal section: a windproof and waterproof shell (Baltic weather changes quickly), sun hat and sunscreen for the exposed beach stretches, insect repellent for the reed beds and forest in summer, comfortable trail shoes that cope with sand, at least 1.5 litres of water, and swimwear and a quick-dry towel for Laulasmaa beach. Trekking poles are unnecessary given the flat profile.

Similar Trails You Might Like

Section 57 is one of a chain of Estonian coastal stages that can be combined into a longer Baltic Coastal Hike walk toward Tallinn. If you enjoyed this gentle shoreline day, the neighbouring sections offer more of the same forest-and-beach scenery, and longer southern stages suit hikers wanting bigger daily distances. For something more dramatic and mountainous, the Albanian Alps make a striking contrast — see our guide on how to hike the Theth to Valbona trail.

• E9 section 58: Laulasmaa - Vääna-Jõesuu — 19 km, continues east from this stage's finish
• E9 section 56: Paldiski - Kersalu — 16 km, the section that leads into Kersalu
• E9 section 60: Tabasalu - Tallinna sadam — 25 km, the final approach into Tallinn harbour
• E9 section 33: Häädemeeste-Uulu — 26 km, a longer stage on the southern Pärnu coast

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to hike Section 57: Kersalu - Laulasmaa?
July is the best month, offering the warmest weather (around 20–22 °C), a swimmable Baltic Sea at Laulasmaa beach, and full village services. The wider season runs May to September. May and June bring long daylight and birdlife, while September is quieter with stable, golden weather but shorter days.

How difficult is the Kersalu to Laulasmaa section?
It is rated easy. The 12 km route is almost entirely flat, with only about 40 m of cumulative elevation gain across the whole day. The main challenges are soft sand and short boardwalk stretches, which can tire the legs slightly. Well-marked waymarks make navigation simple, suiting families and beginners.

How long does the trail take and how far is it per day?
Section 57 is a single 12 km day, usually walked in 3 to 4 hours at a relaxed pace including stops. It is one of the shortest stages on the Estonian coast. Walkers building a multi-day trip often combine it with adjoining sections of 16–25 km to reach Tallinn over several days.

What accommodation is available along the route?
Laulasmaa, at the finish, has the most choice: the Laulasmaa Spa hotel (about €90–150 per night), guesthouses and holiday cottages (around €50–100). Estonia's right-to-roam also permits responsible wild camping and free RMK forest campfire sites with basic facilities. Book hotels well ahead in July and August.

Do I need a permit or pay any fees?
No. The E9 and the Baltic Coastal Hike are free to walk throughout Estonia, and no permit is needed for Section 57. Access is protected by Estonia's everyman's right, provided you stay off private gardens, leave no trace and light fires only at designated sites. Your only costs are optional food, lodging and transport.

For official route details and the Baltic Coastal Hike network, see the Baltic Trails coastal route page, and for background on the wider path consult the European Ramblers Association, which coordinates the E9 across the continent.