Viru-Nigula Cemetery is located in Lääne-Viru County, near the small town of Viru-Nigula. It lies along the road running through Viru-Nigula, making it easy to find. The cemetery has several access points and is convenient to visit by car.
Getting to Viru-Nigula Cemetery
The cemetery has three entrances. Convenient parking nearby means visitors do not have to leave their cars far from the graves.
A chapel stands opposite the main entrance. It is a useful landmark for first-time visitors.
The cemetery is situated in the historic part of Viru-Nigula, near St Nicholas’ Church. Its official Estonian name is Viru-Nigula kalmistu.
The Old and New Sections of the Cemetery
The cemetery can broadly be divided into an old and a new section.
The old section is of particular interest to those who enjoy history and historic memorials. It contains unusual crosses and old headstones whose shapes and decorative details differ from those of modern monuments.
The new section has reasonably convenient paths. These provide access to most plots and allow visitors to drive closer to the graves. However, some graves have remained untended for a long time, with overgrown plots, old branches, leaves and wilted flowers.
Viru-Nigula Cemetery is closely connected to the history of the local parish and surrounding communities. Its grounds contain graves from different periods, ranging from old family graves to more modern burial plots.
Notable and Significant Graves
Karl Böckler — Participant in the Estonian War of Independence
The official register of the Estonian War Museum lists his name as Karl Böckler Jaan. The spelling Karl Bökler also appears in local sources.
Karl Böckler was born on 3 August 1897 and died on 22 June 1919, aged 21. His grave at Viru-Nigula Cemetery is registered as war grave number 94.
The Estonian War Museum’s register states that the grave is located at Viru-Nigula Cemetery in Lääne-Viru County. Local publications mention Karl Böckler among those who took part in the Estonian War of Independence.
Meinhard Laks — Educator and Poet
Meinhard Laks (1922–2008), an Estonian educator and poet, is buried at Viru-Nigula Cemetery.
He worked at Sonda School for many years as a teacher, deputy head and headteacher. Meinhard Laks is also known for initiating Mother Tongue Day — emakeelepäev — celebrated in Estonia on 14 March.
He was awarded the Medal of the Order of the White Star for his contribution to culture and language. Information about his life and burial place is published in the Estonian Writers’ Online Dictionary.
Mati Napa — Estonian Motorcycle Racer
The cemetery also contains the grave of Mati Napa (1938–1964), a well-known Estonian motorcycle racer who held the title of Master of Sport of the USSR.
Following his death, motocross competitions in his memory were held in Padaoru from 1965 onwards. Information about Mati Napa’s burial place is provided in the Estonian Sports Biographical Dictionary.
Eduard Leetsmann — War Grave
Viru-Nigula Cemetery also contains the war grave of Eduard Leetsmann (1891–1919).
His grave is listed in the Estonian War Museum’s register of war graves. According to the register, Eduard Leetsmann died in 1919. His grave forms part of the cemetery’s historical heritage.
Grave Care at Viru-Nigula Cemetery
Angelio provides grave care services in Ida-Virumaa and neighbouring areas of Estonia.