Best destinations for nature tours in Estonia

Head south to Lake Võrtsjärv and then west to the coast: any time of year is the perfect time to explore these wild landscapes. Listen to the whispers of the forest and take a dip in the fresh, clear waters, where bright-eyed seals bob and thousands of seabirds land during their seasonal migration.

Estonian culture is deeply rooted in nature, like the highest, widest and oldest tree. About half of Estonia's territory is covered with forest, that is, about 2 million hectares of pine, birch and spruce. The wetlands attract visitors year-round with their sense of otherworldly magic. And the song of sea sirens calls sailors and tourists, luring them to hundreds of islands scattered off the coast of Western Estonia.

The island of Hiiumaa, with its untouched nature and tranquil island way of life, has been part of UNESCO's Man and the Biosphere World Program for almost 30 years. The hard-working islanders deserve special recognition for managing to live in harmony with nature and preserve their special traditions.

Things to do on Hiiumaa

• Visit the historic Kõpu lighthouses , Tahkuna and Ristna and enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding landscape.
• Discover the dense forests with a guide on a military trek in Tahkuna or on inland hiking trails.
• Go on a bike ride through the Kassari juniper fields and Cape Sääretirp and bird watching at Orjaku.
• Take a guided kayak tour of the islets of Hiiumaa.
• Enjoy nature on horseback or explore the alvars of the Sárve Peninsula.

Matsalu National Park has been included in the Ramsar list as a wetland of international importance since 1976. In addition to birds, it also protects the semi-natural communities characteristic of western Estonia, as well as the cultural heritage of the Vainamer Sea.

In spring and autumn, large flocks of migratory birds can be seen in Estonian national parks, which inspired the creation many folk songs and sayings. A wise way to learn about weather changes is to closely observe the movements of migratory birds. As soon as the storks fly away, wait for cold weather; the flight of geese means the approach of frost, and the departure of swans should be accompanied by snow. Estonia's national bird, the swallow, is the most accurate meteorologist. Even before the dark clouds appear, you can tell when rain is coming if you see swallows flying suspiciously close to the ground.

Things to do in Matsalu National Park

• Check out one of largest floodplain meadow in Europe, the 4,000-hectare Kasari floodplain meadow.
• Climb the Kloostri observation tower, visit the Haeska birdwatching tower, and Puise Nina farm and birdwatching tower.
• li>Botanical enthusiasts can find a variety of orchids among the oak and hickory trees growing in these species-rich forest meadows.
• Take a kayaking tour through Matsalu National Park.
• Look for beavers, moose and birds during a boat ride.
• In winter, go sledding on the frozen bay.

The traditions of Muhu Island come from the cargo and traders passing through it, as well as from military parties, fortune seekers and workers. It is a place where time rests because nature and traditions have remained almost the same over time. Coastal folk culture has survived from ancient times to the present day, inviting visitors to find refuge on the island. Explore Muhu and experience an authentic village atmosphere and serene landscape.

Things to do on Muhu Island

• Learn about the architecture and farm landscape at Koguwa Fishing Village and Muhu Museum
• Visit the ancient cultural trails of Tikhuse or the Muhu Adventure Park and Nature Trail.
• Hike along the northern coastline, cliffs and islets of Muhu.
• Go on a walk on the sailboat Moonland and enjoy scenic sea views.
• Take a guided SUP ride to see the sunset.

Estonia's westernmost inhabited island, Vilsandi, is the center of a national park where you can find seals, waterfowl and orchids. Two-thirds of the national park is sea, and there are more than 150 islands, islets and cays.

What to do in Vilsandi National Park

• Vilsandi is home to one of the largest gray seal rookeries in Estonia and a resting place for thousands of water birds.
• More than 30 species of orchids grow in the area - look for them on the Vilsandi hiking trails or go hiking in Vilsandi on foot.
• For lovers Geologists can explore limestone outcrops rich in fossils and petrified corals.
• The Harilaid hiking trail leads to Kiipsaare Lighthouse.
• Create a personalized bird watching tour during the spring or autumn migration.
• Organize a guided nature hike from Kusti Tourist Farm.
• Join a tour to look for Steller's eiders and other seabirds.

The romantic coastline runs along the coastline around the Bay of Pärnu, through the juniper fields of Varbla to the Estonian-Latvian state border in Ikle. Here you can find traces of the long-forgotten coast of the Baltic Sea, or perhaps your soul will be drawn inland, to deep, mysterious forests and swamps.

What to do on the romantic coast

• Walk along isolated beaches and pass through idyllic fishing villages and rural landscapes, starting at Kabli Beach and Visitor Centre.
• Visit mysterious, ancient sites to see the most beautiful sunsets.
• Hike through desert swamps, coastal meadows home to flocks of birds, sand dunes and pine forests.
• Visit the island of Kihnu, which has a unique cultural and natural environment, and take a fascinating tour of island.
• Take a guided kayaking trip to Mania or Sorgu Island.
• Rent a bike and follow the Kihnu Wheels of Transportation route on Kihnu Island.
• Hire a guide to take you along the romantic coastline north of Pärnu.

The fifth season is a time of heavy flooding in Soomaa National Park, and only after visiting these places you will understand what a huge impact the floods had on the formation of the surrounding nature. More than 185 different species of birds live here, and you may also encounter lynx, wolves or brown bears.

Spring in Soomaa National Park is especially unusual. The snow melts, causing flooding in the national park. Known as the fifth season, this is the ideal time to canoe on temporary waterways and in villagers' backyards. Local residents are well prepared for floods and await their arrival like a visit from a rich relative. The fifth season is also known for romance, as according to local myths, it is the time of the meeting of two old lovers, the river spirit and the swamp spirit. According to these legends, the river and swamps are home to their many sons and daughters, wandering through the forests or hiding in the water.

What to do in Soomaa National Park

• During the fifth season floods, you can take a guided canoe trip from Soomaa.com.
• Take an overnight canoe trip and beaver safari.
• Learn how to make haabya, traditional Estonian dugout canoes.
• Hike on the Ingatsi nature study trail or Riisa nature study trail.
• Try winter snowshoe hiking in Soomaa or ice skating on the frozen river for an unforgettable experience impressions.

Lake Võrtsjärv, part of the Natura 2000 nature and ornithological area, is a natural habitat for various plants and fish, as well as a popular tourist destination. The area of ​​the thousand-faced lake offers opportunities for active recreation, visiting the lake museum, the opportunity to try hot smoked bream with local fishermen or ride a sailboat on the water.

What to do on Lake Võrtsjärv

• Bike around the entire lake, making a circuit of almost 140 km.
• Rent a canoe and paddle around the lake.
• Sail on a traditional sailboat.
• Take horses for a swim or ride through the forests surrounding the lake.
• Nearby Elva has over one hundred kilometers of hiking trails, and the Hellenurme watermill offers insight into the cultural heritage of the region.

Dr. Simon Bell, a professor at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, has been studying the influence of nature on our health for many years. He acknowledges that there is a clear connection, but can only theorize when asked why. “We have evidence that being close to nature makes us more relaxed, based on physiological factors, things we can measure. So we know it works, but we don't know how,” Bell said.

As humans, we can live our lives completely out of touch with the natural world, in which we live. We tend to distance ourselves from nature and our place in its delicate balance. “Sometimes it’s really important for us as humans to feel small, to feel like we’re part of something bigger than ourselves and our busy lives,” Bell says. “Being one with nature, with the universe, creates humility and ultimately relaxes.”