Car Hire Johvi - Mini guide to Johvi
Estonia is one of the smallest countries in Europe. It has a wide variety of landscapes, from dense forests that are home to elk, bear, wolf and wild boar, to beautiful beaches and offshore islands. It also has historic towns, castles, cathedrals and mansions.
The town of Johvi is the capital of Ida Viru, the eastern county of Estonia. Like its near neighbour Kohtla-Jarve, it has the reputation of being a dour, post-Soviet, industrial town. The main attraction of Johvi is its Lutheran church that has the sad and somewhat macabre distinction of being the only Estonian church with two martyrs. The Soviets kept the church open and rebuilt the organ in the 1950s. The tower, destroyed by the Germans in 1943, was rebuilt in 1984. An interesting aspect of the church is its complex array of tunnels and hiding places, the church being used as much as a castle as a place of worship.
Twenty-five kilometres south of Johvi is the largest Russian Orthodox Church outside Russia. The Puhtitsa Convent at Kuremae was completed in 1910. Six smaller churches, a museum and a formal garden were later added with the whole complex being surrounded by a brick wall. Despite all the upheavals of the recent years the community of nuns still tend the grounds and sell the excess produce.
To the west of Johvi is the town of Kohtla-Jarve. It has made the most of its industrial heritage by grassing over and landscaping the surrounding slag heaps which now serve as ski slopes and moto-cross trails. The Kohtla Mine Park-Museum is a unique museum that celebrates the region’s industrial past. Visitors can explore its tunnels, ride on miniature mine trains and examine the functioning machinery.
The Lahemaa National Park was created in 1971 to protect the coastline. Huge glacial boulders and sandy beaches are typical of this environment. Further inland there are lakes, waterfalls and pine forests.
Johvi can be used as a base for exploring the north-eastern part of Estonia. The Estonian train service has been cut back, so travellers have two options, bus or car. Several international car rental firms operate in Estonia and they are generally cheaper than local firms. The main roads are in reasonable condition and traffic is fairly light.
Car hire deals in: Estonia
We rent the following types of cars: Economy (Vauxhall Corsa or equiv.), Mini, Small family (Ford Focus or equiv.), Medium family (Toyota Avensis or equiv.), large family (BMW 5 series), 4x4, SUV, Convertible, Van, Sports car, Luxury cars.
Hire cheap cars from the following suppliers, Ebookers, Opodo, Avis, Expedia, Sixt, Thrifty and budget rental prices from EasyCar, Budget, Holiday Autos, Economy, 121carhire.
