LääneViru

Lääne-Viru County, or Lääne-Viru maakond in Estonian, is a county in northern Estonia. It forms part of the historical Virumaa region and borders Harju, Järva, and Ida-Viru counties. The county's administrative center and largest town is Rakvere. The region has a mixed rural character, with agriculture and forestry as important economic activities alongside light industry and services.

Geography and nature: The landscape encompasses forests, hills, and lakes, and includes areas of Lahemaa National Park in its northern part, known for its nature, manor estates, and coastal landscapes. The county contains several towns and parishes, each with local histories dating to medieval times.

History: The name Lääne-Viru means Western Viru, contrasting with Ida-Viru. The area is part of the historic Virumaa region, with medieval castles and manors reflecting its past. In modern times, the county was formed during the administrative reforms of Estonia in the 1990s and restructured in 2017 to its current municipalities.

Culture and notable sites: Rakvere Castle is a major landmark in the capital, attracting visitors with its medieval history and annual events. The Tarvas bull statue stands in Rakvere. The region also features historic manor estates, such as Palmse and Vihula, tied to Lahemaa's cultural landscape.