From early times, the river linked the coast of the Gulf of Finland with inland regions, providing access to Lake Peipus and further on to Pskov and Novgorod.

The area of Narva-Jõesuu was first mentioned in written sources in 1503, when the Livonian Order’s master Wolter von Plettenberg granted the inhabitants of Narva permission to build structures by the sea for fishing and storing equipment. In the 16th century, fortifications and small settlements began to emerge around the mouth of the Narva River, connected with navigation, fishing, and pilot services. Gradually, the right bank of the river became the more active and significant part of the estuary area.

In the 18th century, the settlement continued to develop as a coastal and riverside community. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, Narva-Jõesuu was increasingly perceived as a place for summer leisure and recreation. A significant turning point came in 1873, when, on the initiative of Narva’s mayor Adolf Theodor Hahn, a decision was made to develop Narva-Jõesuu as a resort. This was supported by a mild climate, pine forests, a long sandy beach, and proximity to Narva and St Petersburg.

In the second half of the 19th century, Narva-Jõesuu rapidly took shape as a resort settlement. Villas, boarding houses, parks, and resort infrastructure were established. The architectural character was influenced by European spa towns and summer resorts: wooden houses with verandas, decorative elements, and a variety of styles ranging from historicism to Art Nouveau. By the beginning of the 20th century, Narva-Jõesuu had become one of the most popular resorts in the region.

During the interwar period, the resort continued to develop and was particularly popular among artists and intellectuals. However, the Second World War caused severe damage to the town: a significant part of the historic built environment was lost, and the architectural integrity of the resort was seriously affected.

In the Soviet period, Narva-Jõesuu developed further as a resort and holiday destination. Sanatoriums, holiday homes, and children’s camps were built, and tourism and recreational infrastructure expanded. At the same time, much of the pre-war wooden architecture gradually disappeared, especially in the central areas of the town.

After the restoration of Estonia’s independence, Narva-Jõesuu went through a challenging period marked by economic and social changes. Since the early 2000s, the town has been gradually regaining its status as a resort destination. The restoration of historic buildings, the development of spa tourism, and the improvement of public spaces and natural areas are shaping the contemporary image of Narva-Jõesuu.

Today, Narva-Jõesuu is a resort town with a layered history, where natural heritage, architecture from different eras, and the memory of the past come together to create a unique atmosphere.