Maardu lake
Maardu lake is one of the city's most significant landmarks and natural attractions. It is a popular destination for walkers, nature enthusiasts, and anglers, offering a serene and beautiful environment for leisure activities. Maardu lake is a natural lake with a surface area of 16.8 hectares. The lake has a slightly elongated shape, measuring 1,400 meters in length and 920 meters in width, with a shoreline stretching 5.876 kilometers. Its average depth is 1.5 meters, with a maximum depth of 3.7 meters.
Several streams flow into Maardu Lake, including water from the nearby Maardu south quarry, with the largest inflow coming from the Hiiemetsa ditch, which spans approximately 4 kilometers. Outflow from the lake is carried by the Kroodi stream, which ultimately empties into Muuga bay.
Maardu lake was essentially destroyed in 1894 when the dam at the beginning of the Kroodi stream was removed, causing the lake to dry out completely. It was restored in 1939 and served as a water reservoir for the Maardu Chemical Plant. Today, the lake is a popular spot for swimmers and anglers.
Nestled alongside the lake, within the heart of Maardu's city limits, lies the Järveäärse residential area—a haven of picturesque beauty and tranquil charm, where nature's serenity blends seamlessly with a welcoming community.
Maardu forest park
Maardu offers an abundance of parks and green spaces, making it an ideal destination for relaxation. These areas are cherished by both locals and visitors seeking peace and tranquility.
Exploring Maardu's attractions allows you to experience the region’s natural beauty, which is deeply intertwined with the city’s historical and cultural heritage.
One of Maardu’s most beloved recreational areas is Maardu Forest Park, located within the city’s northern quarry. This well-maintained area spans 30.5 hectares, with over 20 hectares covered by forest, primarily consisting of larch trees planted on the former quarry site. The park features picturesque ponds, charming bridges, and a fountain, creating a serene environment for leisure and outdoor activities.
Maardu Forest Park is a favorite retreat for residents, offering scenic walking and jogging trails, including dedicated 3 km and 5 km health tracks. Additionally, the park serves as a vibrant venue for various outdoor events, making it a true gem for nature lovers and those seeking an escape into the tranquility of the outdoors.
Kellamäe park
Kellamäe Park is a 6.5-hectare scenic area located in the heart of Maardu, offering locals and visitors an ideal place for walks, leisure activities, and enjoying nature. At the center of the park lies a beautiful pond, whose calm reflection adds a special charm to the surroundings, inviting people to pause and take in the peaceful atmosphere.
Walking paths wind through lush greenery, providing a tranquil escape from the city's hustle and bustle. The park also features a child-friendly playground, where younger visitors can play and have fun. Additionally, an impressive monument stands in the park, dedicated to the memory of Georgi Bõstrov, Maardu’s longtime mayor. Kellamäe Park is often a venue for various cultural events, bringing the community together and creating unforgettable moments.
Kopranõmme nature area
Kopranõmme Nature Area is located on the western border of Maardu, between the Muuga garden city, the Vana-Narva highway industrial area, and the Viimsi Laiaküla residential district. It is a 14-hectare area that includes 15 state-owned land units and two cliff-base sections of Paevälja 2. Naturally, the area is connected to the ponds located at Tiigi Street 2, enhancing its ecological and scenic value.
The Kopranõmme Nature Area is diverse, consisting of sandy terrain, heathland, meadows, swamp forests, fens, and other natural habitats. Historically, this area was part of the seabed located between the limestone cliff and the coastal ridge. As a result, water flowing down from the limestone cliff accumulates before reaching the coastal ridge near Altmetsa Road. This creates a gradient of plant communities: in the south, there is a spruce forest, in the middle, a pine forest, and in the north, near the ponds, a swamp birch forest.
During the Nature Observation Marathons conducted in 2021 and 2022, around 300 different plant and animal species were identified in the area. The central part of the nature area, particularly the sandy and heathland habitats, was found to be the richest in biodiversity. The area is also home to several protected plant species from the second and third protection categories. Additionally, various wild animals such as moose, deer, hares, foxes, beavers, and numerous bird species have been observed in the area.
The Kopranõmme Nature Area is well-suited for walking, dog walking, and cycling. However, it is not suitable for motor vehicles.
