Nature objects in Estonia

What's special about the nature in Estonia?

In Estonia, there stands the most impressive rock wall in the Baltics - the so called North Estonian "glint" (from Estonian language). Estonia has its own "Land of Inlets" - the Lahemaa region with its national park, the "Land of Islands" - the Saaremaa island and the Monzund archipelago. The Matsalu bay is one of the most significant rest stops for birds during their migration. In Estonia there is one of the most prominent impact craters in Europe, there are the greatest waterfalls and boulders in the Baltics, the Munamagi hill - the highest spot in the Baltics, the Lake Peipus - the 5th largest lake in Europe, - with long-standing fishing traditions, and the great variety of nature from West to East, from North to South.

Act responsibly - follow the Green advice!

Overview	Details
1-30 / 107 1 2 3 4 Next
	Estonia Domberg Tartu Vom 19. Jh. ist der Domberg ein offentlicher Park mit Pfaden, Gehwegen, Brücken (Engelsbrücke, Teufelsbrücke) und den Denkmälern für die Wissenschaftler der Tartu Universität. Hier befinden sich die Domkirche, das Anatomicum, das Observatorium u.a. interessante Objekte. 185 Services 185km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Kidevas (Kiideva) putnu verosanas platformas Pirmā ir uzcelta uz vienstāvīgā apmeklētāju centra jumta. No tās paveras plašs skats uz Kīdevas ciemu, ostu un niedrēm apaugušo Matsalu līča ziemeļdaļu. Austrumos no šīs atrodas vēl viena - divstāvīga putnu vērošanas platforma. No Kīdevas līdz Puisei gar Matsalu līča var doties pārgājienā pa 5 km garo dabas taku. To izejot, novēroto putnu sugu klāsts noteikti būs lielāks! Services
	Estonia The Karula National Park This park is in a region of hillocks in the Karula highlands, and Lake Ähijärve is at its centre. The park offers a cultural environment of small farms, and it was set up to protect the unique cupola-shaped hillocks of the area. Main attractions: Scenic Lake Ähijärv (176ha), Rebasemõisa Tornimägi hill (137.8 m above sea level), undulating landscapes. 280 Services 280km - Distance from countries capital city Services - recreational Fishing Bicycle trail Bike the route Ähijärve-Peräjärve-Kolski-Rebasemõisa-Kaika-Ähijärve (26 km). Nature trail Hike the Ähijärve nature trail (3.5 km), the Rebase landscape trail (7 km), or the Peräjärve nature trail (4 km). Nature watching There are viewing towers on Tornimägi hill and at Mäekonnu. The visitor centre is in the village of Ähijärve. For more information: www.karularahvuspark.ee (available in English).
	Estonia Hjupasares pargajienu taka (Hüpassaare matkarada) Iepazīstina ar Somā nacionālā parka lielākā purva – Kureso (Kuresoo) ziemeļaustrumu daļu, kur redzamas purva ezeriņu un lāmu ainavas. Takas sākumā atrodas igauņu komponista, ērģelnieka un folkloras vācēja Marta Sāra (Mart Saar) (1882. – 1963.) dzimtās mājas. To apkaimē pļavas apsaimnieko aitas. Lokveida takas garums ir 4,2 km. 169 Services 169km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Kap Juminda Der weiteste Nordpunkt der Juminda Halbinsel mit einer Raketen-Attrappe der Sowjetarmee, der alten Grabstätten, dem Juminda-Leuchtturm und einem Denkmal für die Opfern des Zweiten Weltkriegs. 69 Services 69km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Penije tornis (Penijõe torn) Lai nokļūtu līdz šim tornim, ir jāveic apmēram 20 – 30 min ilgs pārgājiens pa dabas taku no Penijē muižas gar Penijegi (Penijõgi) kreiso krastu. Te redzami bebru darbi un to celtās zaru mājas. No torņa paveras skats uz Kazari deltu, kas dabā izpaužas kā monolīts un nepārskatāms niedrājs. To vairākās daļās sadala Kazari un mazāka izmēra upītes. Katrai deltas daļai ir savs vēsturiskais nosaukums: no torņa pa kreisi no Penijegi redzama Lihula meri (Lihulas „jūra”), bet tās labajā pusē - Kloostri meri (Klostri „jūra”). Putnu vērotāji var iziet garāku (7 km) dabas takas loku, kas ved pa palieņu pļavām. Jārēķinās, ka pavasaros būs nepieciešami piemēroti apavi! Pļavas ierobežotās platībās apsaimnieko mājdzīvnieki, tādēļ neaizmirstiet aizvērt vārtiņus aiz sevis un netraucējiet to ikdienas gaitas! No maršruta nav atļauts novirzīties, lai netraucētu putnus. Services
	Estonia Ehijervs (Ähijärv) Karulas nacionālā parka lielākais ezers - 2,8 km garš, līdz 1 km plats. Ezera ziemeļaustrumu krastā atrodas parka apmeklētāju centrs. 5,5 m dziļais ezers ir gan zivīm, gan nostāstiem bagāta vieta. Ezera un tuvākās apkārtnes iepazīšanas nolūkā ir izveidota 3,5 km garā Ehijerva taka (Ähijärve teerada). Tās sākums atrodas pie iepriekš minētā apmeklētāju centra, kur izveidota atpūtas vieta un atraktīvs bērnu spēļu laukums. Taka sākumā ved gar ezera krastu, nelieliem mitrājiem un meža ceļiem, kas izmantoti iepriekšējos gadsimtos. Services
	Estonia Luitemaa In Estonian, Luitemaa means ‘the land of dunes’. It is the seashore territory of the Gulf of Pärnu, 13 km between Vöiste and Häädemeeste with shallow waters, vast coastal meadows, the highest dune range in Estonia and the Tolkuse Mire (Tolkuse raba). The Tolkuse mire trail (~2.2 km) and watching tower are available for dune and mire sightseeing tours. Situated in Luitemaa Nature Reserve. Services Services - recreational Nature trail Nature watching
	Estonia Saleveres Salumegi kalns (Salevere Salumägi) Litorīnas jūras laikā (pirms ~ 6000 gadiem) Saleveres Salumegi kalns bija sala, bet mūsdienās tas kā izteikta kāple (īpaši - ziemeļu pusē) paceļas virs Piejūras līdzenuma. Salumegi ziemeļu pusē slejas 4 - 5 metrus augsts kaļķakmens atsegums – silūra perioda (> 400 mlj. gadu) koraļļu rifa paliekas, kuru noskalojuši Litorīnas jūras viļņi. Atseguma piekājē izplūst Acu avots, kam piedēvē dziednieciskas īpašības. Salumegi apskates nolūkos izveidota lokveida taka (1,5 km). No kalna augšas paveras labs skats uz Matsalu līci. Šeit atradies arī sens pilskalns. 132 Services 132km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Trips aboard kaleships Kale is a traditional wooden sailing ship for trawling nets on Lake Võrtsjärv, but its graceful appearance with two triangular sails often inspired pleasure trips too. Võrtsjärve Foundation supported the building of the ship Paula, completed in 2005 and Liisu in 2009. Trips aboard a kaleship are a genuinely memorable experience. When booked in advance a sailing trip may include eating fish soup and freshly smoked fish. 181 5-9 Services 181km - Distance from countries capital city 5-9 Active season months
	Estonia Neri akmeni (Näärikivid) Trīs lielāka izmēra laukakmeņi – aizsargājami dabas pieminekļi, kas atrodas Matsalu līča krastā starp Sāstnas (Saastna) un Metskjulas (Metsküla) ciemiem. Tuvējā ceļa malā ir izvietots informācijas stends un norādes, bet līdz akmeņiem var nokļūt pa iezīmētu taku. Pēc kāda tautas nostāsta, lielas vētras laikā, kas notikusi Jaungada naktī, lielais akmens sašķēlies trīs daļās. No tā arī cēlies vietvārds. Apkārtnē redzamās pļavas ir nozīmīga daudzu augu sugu dzīves vide un svarīga putnu ligzdošanas un atpūtas vieta. Šī iemesla dēļ taku drīkst apmeklēt tikai no 1. jūlija līdz septembra beigām. Akmeņi ir arī labi redzami no minētā ceļa. Tie ar ledāju atceļojuši no Turku (Somija) apkārtnes. 129 Services 129km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Vilsandi sala (Vilsandi saar) Vilsandi nacionālā parka „sirds” un divpadsmitā lielākā Igaunijas sala (garums - 6 km, platums – 2 km). Tā ir ļoti „jauna” sala, kas sākusi veidoties pirms ~ 2000 gadiem zemes garozas celšanās rezultātā, savienojoties divām salām, kas noticis pirms ~ 350 gadiem. Cilvēki salu sāka apdzīvot 18. gs. un to galvenā nodarbe bija zvejniecība, kuģu būve, nelielā apjomā – lauksaimniecība. Līdz 2. pasaules karam te bija ap 200 iedzīvotāju, kuri vēlāk salu bija spiesti pamest PRSR pierobežas režīma zonas dēļ. Nozīmīgu Vilsandi daļu aizņem mežs un kadiķu lauki. To visā garumā šķērso grantēts - zemes ceļš ar atzariem uz jūras krastu. Salu ar kājām var izstaigāt vairāku stundu laikā, iepazīstot vietējo apbūvi (daļa arī mūsdienās celtas ēkas) un Tolli sētu, kur pēc nostāstiem dzīvojis nīderlandiešu jūras braucējs Johans Dolls, kā arī vējdzirnavas. Noteikti ir jāaiziet līdz salas rietumu krastam, kur atrodas Vilsandi bāka un bākas uzrauga saimniecības ēkas. No šejienes ir labi redzamas Vaikas salas. Šodien uz salas pastāvīgi (visa gada garumā) dzīvo tikai trīs cilvēki. Services
	Estonia Piirissaar island The island of 7.5 km2 in Lake Peipsi is largely inhabited by Russian-speaking Old Believers who have broadly retained their old traditions through time. Traditional trades are fishing and growing vegetables, mainly onion. The entire island is a landscape protection area with a high number of protected bird and amphibian species and several rare plants. 262 1-12 Services 262km - Distance from countries capital city 1-12 Active season months
	Estonia Kihnu island Cultural space of Kihnu (www.kultuuriruum.ee) is incorporated in the UNESCO list of Masterpieces of Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity, and is a quaint mix of old and modern. The local history museum displays tools, clothes, handicraft and furniture. Metsamaa Heritage Farm is a traditional farmstead which shows household tools and utensils, national costumes and handicraft. Kihnurand company runs guided tours on the island (www.kihnurand.ee). 180 1-12 Services 180km - Distance from countries capital city 1-12 Active season months
	Estonia Mekonnu skatu tornis (Mäekonnu vaatetorn) Viens no diviem nacionālā parka skatu torņiem, kas atrodas ~ 1,5 km ziemeļos no Ehijerva ezera (Ähijärv). Tornis ir veiksmīgi „nomaskēts” nelielā priežu pudurī, tādēļ tas „nebojā” izcilo dabas un kultūrainavu, kas paveras no tā skatu platformas. Pie autostāvlaukuma ir izveidota labiekārtota atpūtas vieta. Services
	Estonia Tartu-Piirissaare This is a quick boat ride from Tartu down the Emajõgi River to Piirissaare Island in Lake Peipsi (Peipsi järv). Along the lower reaches of the river are major wetlands which are of enormous importance for birds. Services Services - recreational Boat tour Take the ship from Tartu to Piirissaare (65 km) and just enjoy the landscapes along the banks of the river. Nature watching There is a viewing tower on Piirissaare Island. For more information: www.visittartu.com (available in English).
	Estonia The sandstone cliffs of Kallaste This is one of the few places in the Baltic States where one can find Devonian period sandstone cliffs featuring abrasion caves, arches, etc. The cliffs are on the shores of Lake Peipsi (Peipsi järv), near Kallaste, and they are between two and four (in some cases – nine) metres high, stretching for a distance of around one km. Services Services - recreational Nature trail Hike along the shores of the lake to and from the cliffs (3 km). Nature watching There is a viewing tower which offers a good look at Lake Peipsi and the shoreline. For more information: www.kallaste.ee (only in Estonian).
	Estonia Skizentrum Otepää Das größte im Baltikum. Marathonloipe von Tartu, Wand der künstlichen Felsen und Trasse der Radmarathon. Skimuseum. Auf der Tehvandi-Sprungschanze ist ein Aussischtsplatform eingerichtet. 225 Services 225km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Turisalu cliff This cliff is made of sandstone (its lower part) and limestone (the upper part). It is up to 30 m high, and it is part of the Northern Estonian set of cliffs along the shore of the Bay of Finland. This is a popular tourism destination and viewing location. Recommended Hike along the bottom of the cliff (a rocky beach) in one direction, and then along the top of the cliff to get back (~2 km). From the top of the cliff, you can see a broad segment of the shoreline territory, all the way to Tallinn. 30 Services 30km - Distance from countries capital city Services - recreational Nature trail Nature watching
	Estonia Kostivere karst field This is one of Estonia’s most beautiful karst fields, covering 125 hectares which feature different karst processes – subterranean streams, the dry Jõelähtme River bed, karst streams, funnels, ditches, caves, cliffs, a unique rock “mushroom,” etc. During the spring, the field is flooded, but at other times of the year, its contents are easily visible. Services Services - recreational Nature watching
	Estonia The Rock of Jana - Toma The Rock of Jana - Toma is claiming itself to be the highest (almost 8 m) rock in The Baltic. It is located in Kasispea village. 72 Services 72km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia The Lahemaa National Park This is the first national park in Estonia and the Baltic States. Perfect for a day trip out from Tallinn for a hiking trip and nature watching. It was established in 1971 to protect the area that is along the Bay of Finland – the shoreline, forests, swamps, meadow biotopes, species, natural monuments, rocks, waterfalls, cliffs and cultural monuments such as ancient cemeteries, castle hills, baronial estates, fishing villages, etc. 50 Services 50km - Distance from countries capital city Services - recreational Cross-country skiing For cross-country skiers, the Käsmu peninsula is perfect during the season. Bicycle trail For bikers, there’s the Käsmu peninsula (~10 km), the route Loksa-Pärispea-Viinistu-Kasispea on the Pärispea peninsula (here you will find the highest rock in the Baltic States – the Jaani-Tooma rock (kivi, 7.8 metres high). Nature trail You can hike a wooden train over the Viru swamp (Viru raba, 3.5 km), another trail on the Käsmu peninsula (~15 km), and the Pikanõmme-Majakivi trail (4.5 km), along which you will find the third largest rock in the Baltic States – the so-called House Rock (Majakivi), which has a size of 584 m³. We also suggest the informational Altja trail (3 km). Nature watching There are viewing towers in the Viru raba swamp and along the Piaknõmme-Majakivi trail. There is a visitor centre at Palmse.
	Estonia Lahemaa Hiking Centre The Centre promotes sustainable lifestyle and the great outdoors, there you can plant trees and make and install nest boxes. Canoeing, bog walks, bow and crossbow shooting ranges are available for the more adventurous. There is a log house for functions and accommodation and a sauna with a hot tub. 70 1-12 Services 70km - Distance from countries capital city 1-12 Active season months
	Estonia Pakri islands There are two islands here – Suur Pakri (Great Pakri) and Väike Pakri (Small Pakri). They are 3 km to the West of Paldiski. During Soviet times, the islands were used for target practice by the Soviet air force, which is seen in the many craters and spent munitions that can be found on the island even today. The island is mostly covered with scrappy areas of juniper, but the limestone cliffs at the northern and north-eastern end of the island are quite impressive – as much as 6 m in height. Services Services - recreational Nature trail Hike along the eastern and northern shore of Väike Pakri, cross the “dam” which links the two islands, and then hike along the northern shore of Suur Pakri (20-25 km in all). You can get to the islands by motorboat from the ports at Paldiski or Kurkse.
	Estonia Naisaar This is a forested island in the Bay of Finland which is the 6th largest Estonian island and is found 14 km to the N of Tallinn. Two decades ago it was a closed zone, because the Soviet Union had a highly secretive manufacturing plant for maritime mines here. Services Services - recreational Bicycle trail a route around the entire perimeter of the island (~20 km). A ferry boat will take you to the island from the Pirita port. Nature trail There is a hiking route along the southern part of Naisaar Island (13 km), as well as a military route (10 km), a central route (11 km) Nature watching
	Estonia Mohni sala (Mohni saar) Igaunijas jūras ūdeņos ir saskaitīta 1521 sala! Salu sarakstā pēc platības (63 ha) ~ 2,5 km garā Mohni sala ieņem 38. vietu. Lai saudzētu salas trauslo veģetāciju (vietām nedaudz atgādina krūmainu tundru), tās vidusdaļā ir izveidotas koka laipas. Salas dienviddaļā atrodas sašaurinājums, kuru tāpat kā blakus esošo jūras krastu klāj viens no savdabīgākajiem Igaunijas akmeņu laukiem. Salas ziemeļos esošās Mohni bākas (Mohni tuletorn) celtniecība pabeigta 1871. g. un tās gaisma ir redzama 10 jūras jūdžu attālumā. Šī ir viena no skaistākajām Ziemeļigaunijas bākām! Līdz Mohni salai var nokļūt ar laivu (iepriekšēja pieteikšanās) no ~ 5 km attālās Vīnistu ostas (Viinistu sadam). Ar jūras laivu vai kajaku piemērotos apstākļos būs ~ 1h ilgs brauciens. Jārēķinās, ka uz salas nav pastāvīgo iedzīvotāju! Vīnistu ciemā apskatāms 2002. g. izveidotais Vīnistu mākslas muzejs (Viinistu kunstimuuseum). Apmeklētājus iespaidos ne tikai tā āriene, bet arī tapšanas vēsture. 76 Services 76km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Kaali meteorite craters This is actually a group of nine craters, and some of them are as much as 100 m in diameter and 16 m in depth. This is the most visually expressive meteorite crater in the Baltic States and, indeed, in all of Europe. Remnants of the meteorite – some 2.5 kg in all – yielded iron and nickel. It is thought that this pan-Baltic natural catastrophe occurred 2,600 to 4,000 years ago. Kaali Visitor Centre comprises the meteoritics and limestone museum, a conference hall and a hotel.The museum exhibits genuine meteorite pieces amongst other items. The hotel has all modern conveniences, tasty food is provided at Kaali Tavern nearby. 204 1-12 Services 204km - Distance from countries capital city 1-12 Active season months
	Estonia The Ilumetsa meteor craters There are three craters here, and the biggest one, known locally as Põrguhaud, or Grave of Hell, has a diameter of 80 m and a depth of up to 12 m. There are barriers around the crater that are several metres high. The other two craters are hard to spot. The craters around 6,000 years old. No scraps of the supposed meteorite have been found, however, and so the origins of the craters cannot be confirmed with certainty. Services Services - recreational Nature trail The trail to the Põrguhaud crater is around 700 metres in length. For more information: http://www.ut.ee/BGGM/vaatamis/ilumetsa.html (only in Estonian).
	Estonia Gas mixture Gas mixture is the main raw material for Estonia’s energy and chemical industries, and it is extracted in our day from open quarries or underground shafts. This layer was established during the Ordovician Period between 450 and 480 million years ago, and it is made up of the remnants of plants and animals from that age. In the Kohtla-Nõmme suburb, there is a shaft which can be toured in the company of a guide who will tell you that this is the only layer of its kind in the Baltic States. He will tell you about how the gas mixture has been extracted over the course of history. Services Services - recreational Nature watching In the village of Kiviõli, in turn, you can climb an old hill of slag from the gas mixture (Vana tuhamägi). This will open up a view of one of Estonia’s most interesting landscapes. For more information: www.kivioli.ee (available in English).
	Estonia The Matsalu National Park This is one of the most popular bird-watching locations in Estonia, and during spring and autumn migration there are a great many different kinds of birds resting and feeding in the meadows and shallow coastal waters of the Bay of Matsalu and the Kasari River. 1-12 Services 1-12 Active season months Services - recreational Boat tour Boating on the Bay of Matsalu and the Kasari River can be organised. Nature trail The Kiideva-Puise hiking trial (5 km), the Penijõe trail (3 km), the Salevere information trail (1.5 km). Nature watching Bird-watching is possible throughout the park, especially on the shorelines, in wetland meadows and heaths. There are bird-watching towers or platforms at Puise, Kiideva, Haeska, Rannajõe, Kasari jõgi, Penijõe, Suitsu and Keemu. The visitor centre is in the village of Matsalu. For more information: www.matsalu.ee (available in English).