Its charter calls for the preservation, research and promotion of North-Estonian landscapes, ecosystems, biodiversity and national heritage.

The name Lahemaa originates from the most thoroughly studied and visited part of the North Estonian coast, where four large peninsulas (Juminda, Pärispea, Käsmu and Vergi) are separated from each other by four bays (Kolga, Hara, Eru and Käsmu).

The park, marked by several trails, teems with wildlife, including a population of boar, red deer, wolves, bear and lynx.

The coast is covered with rocks and boulders, used each year by cranes as a stopover on their way to the Bosphorus and Egypt.

Prior to 1991, the Soviet Union operated a large secret submarine base at Hara.