Kiviõli

Kiviõli is a town in Ida-Viru County, in northeastern Estonia. The name translates to “stone oil” in Estonian, reflecting its historical ties to the oil shale industry, a district-wide economic mainstay in the region. The town grew in the 20th century around oil shale mining and processing and became part of the industrial landscape shaped during the Soviet era.

Geographically, Kiviõli is located in the industrial northeast of Estonia and sits near other towns in Ida-Viru County, such as Jõhvi and Kohtla-Järve. The local economy was traditionally dominated by oil shale extraction, processing, and related energy production. In recent decades, the town has diversified its economy by developing services and tourism to complement the industrial bases.

A notable contemporary attraction is the Kiviõli Adventure Park (Kiviõli Seikluskeskus), an outdoor recreation complex offering activities such as alpine slides, zip-lining, and forest trails. The park has contributed to regional tourism and the town’s image as a destination for family-friendly recreation and nature outings. Today, Kiviõli remains a small regional center with cultural and community facilities serving residents and nearby communities.

Population is in the several thousand range. Transportation links are mainly by road, with regional bus services connecting Kiviõli to larger towns; the nearest railway access is in nearby Jõhvi or Kohtla-Järve.