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
N/A
Estonia

Aegna Island

This is an entirely forested island in the Bay of Finland, ~14 km from Tallinn. A network of small pathways covers the entire island. Recommended hike along the seashore of the island, which will offer dunes, as well as a coastline that is sandy in some parts, rocky in others, and covered with reeds in still others (~9 km). A ferry boat will take you to the island from the Pirita port.
N/A
Estonia

Harilaidas pussala (Harilaid)

Sāmsalas ziemeļrietumu daļā jūrā iestiepjas iespaidīgā Tagameizas pussala (Tagamõisa poolsaar). Tās ziemeļrietumu daļā meklējama mazāka – ap 5 km garā Harilaidas pussala (Harilaid). Pussalas vidusdaļā viļņojas Lajalepas ezers (Laialepa järv) - bijušais jūras līcis, kas zemes garozai ceļoties, kļuvis par iekšēju ūdenstilpi. Arī pati Harilaida (igauniski „laid” nozīmē „saliņa”) vairāk nekā trīs gadsimtus atpakaļ bijusi sala. Harilaidu iecienījuši ne tikai migrējošie putni, bet arī roņi, kurus piesaista vientuļi līči un akmeņainās sēres. Harilaidu var apmeklēt tikai ar kājām vai ar divriteni, bet spēkrati ir jāatstāj autostāvlaukumā. No tā ~ 1 km attālumā atrodas vieta, kur pēc 17. gs. radies Harilaidas savienojums ar Sāmsalu. Šeit paveras nepierasti klaja un akmeņaina ainava. Pārējā Harilaidas daļa ir apmežota pirms ~ 40 gadiem. Kopumā būs jāveic ~ 10 km garš pārgājiens.

Distance from countries capital city273
N/A
Estonia

Ancient Ajha River valley

This ancient river valley stretches from Koorvere to the Otteni Windmill, and there are nearly 40 revealed sandstone cliffs from the Devonian age. Two of them, Väike and Suur Taevaskoja (the latter is 22 m high) are popular tourist destinations.
N/A
Estonia

Stein Tammispea

Die Größe dieses Feldsteins ist eindrucksvoll, obwohl er nach dem Volumen (262 m3) nur der 16. größte Feldstein Estlands ist. Die Länge beträgt 10,7 m, Breite – 6,5 m, Umfang – 27,8 m.

Distance from countries capital city70
N/A
Estonia

The Haanja Nature Park

This park was set up to protect the landscape and cultural environment of the Haanja highland. At the central part of the park are the two highest hills in the Baltic States – Suur Munamägi, which stands 318 m above sea level, and Vällamägi, which is 304 m above sea level. The ancient Rõuge River valley (Rõuge ürgorg) is found in the western part of the park. It is 7.5 km long and up to 60 m deep. The valley dates back to the Ice Age, and it has seven lakes, including the deepest one (38 m) in Estonia – Lake Rõuge Suurjärv.
N/A
Estonia

Keila waterfall

This is one of the loveliest waterfalls in Estonia – up to 6 m in height and 50 m in width. Recommended: The rapid Keila River has carved a cliffy canyon behind the waterfall, with a flow of water that falls down a major distance. It’s worth hiking through the Keila park to the shore of the Bay of Finland (~1 km), then returning along the other bank of the river.
Distance from countries capital city31
Nature trail
N/A
Estonia

Leti tornis (Läti torn)

Jēsū – Kepu ceļa malā pie Leti (Läti) ciema ir izveidots autostāvlaukums ar putnu vērošanas torni, no kura paveras skats uz Hallistes upes palieņu pļavām un tuvējā ciema apkārtni. Stipru palu laikā arī no šī torņa redzamā apkārtne (izņemot ceļus) var atrasties zem ūdens. Laba putnu vērošanas vieta. Läti tulkojumā no igauņu valodas nozīmē Latvija.

N/A
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.

Distance from countries capital city204 Active season months1-12
N/A
Estonia

Koiva heritage culture trail

The 60 km cross-border cycling trail along the Koiva/Gauja River in Estonia and Latvia was completed in 2010. The trail begins at Tellingumäe car park, start and finish points of the trail and the border crossing site are supplied with resting areas and information boards with maps. Signposts are located at crossroads where there may be confusion for cyclists; attractions near the main route are also signposted. Information boards are provided in Estonian, Latvian and English. Tellingumäe car park is also a starting point for an 18-km cycling route.

Distance from countries capital city267 Active season months1-12
N/A
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.
N/A
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.

Distance from countries capital city70 Active season months1-12
N/A
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.
N/A
Estonia

Lemmje pargajienu taka (Lemmjõe matkarada)

Taka, kas izveidota Lemmjegi (Lemmjõgi) un Raudnas (Raudna jõgi) satekas vietā, iepazīstina ar palieņu pļavām un veciem pārmitriem mežiem, kas ir vieni no lielākajiem Igaunijā. Takas sākumā dominē atklātas lauku ainavas. Viens no 4,9 km garās lokveida takas apskates objektiem ir Lemjē dižozols. Mitrā laikā noderēs ūdensizturīgi apavi.

Distance from countries capital city155
N/A
Estonia

Mejekoses pargajienu taka (Meiekose matkarada)

~ 3 – 5 km gara taka, kas ved pa veco ceļu gar Tēramā upes (Tõramaa jõgi) kreiso krastu. Takas malās izvietoti interaktīvi elementi bērniem, kas palīdz labāk uztvert dabā notiekošo. Taku ieskauj mitrie meži un palieņu pļavas, kas palu laikā atrodas zem ūdens. Tēramā (Tõramaa) ciemā apkārtnē atrastas cilvēka darbības pēdas jau no akmens laikmeta.

Distance from countries capital city149
N/A
Estonia

Moorpfad Viru

Ein 3,5 km langer Pfad quert den Viru Moos in Richtung Süd–Nord. Von einem Holzaussichtsturm eröffnet sich einen Blick auf eine typische Hochmoorlandschaft mit einigen Seen, Aushöhlungen und morastigen Stellen.

Distance from countries capital city56
N/A
Estonia

Bebru taka (Koprarada)

Divus kilometrus garās lokveida takas sākums ir meklējams pie Somā nacionālā parka apmeklētāju centra (atklāts 2000. gadā) – Tēramā ciemā. Tā ved gar Mardu strauta (Mardu oja) krastu, kur krustām šķērsām ir sakrituši bebru nogāztie koki, radot diezgan juceklīgu skatu. Apmeklētāju centrā var iegūt nepieciešamo informāciju, noskatīties videofilmu un nacionālajam parkam veltītu ekspozīciju.

Distance from countries capital city171
N/A
Estonia

Erdi taka (Öördi rada)

1,2 km gara taka, kas pa purvainu mežu aizved līdz Ērdi purvam (Öördi raba) un tā austrumu daļā esošajam Ērdi ezeram (Öördi järv), pie kura izveidota atpūtas un peldvieta.

N/A
Estonia

Theme park of Gothamites

The theme park of wise men of Gotham (Kilpla) is located in Müüsleri village; the park’s attractions arise from legends told in Germany some 400 years ago. Gothamites are funny characters famous for their irrational, impractical and foolish actions. Fun-packed tours and activities are on offer along with craft workshops, themed souvenirs, catering (groups should book in advance), and grounds for pitching tents.

Distance from countries capital city107 Active season months1-12
N/A
Estonia

Pärimusmatkad/Heritage Tours

The company provides wildlife tours – seal watching, walking, cycling or skiing trips, rubber boat trips to Vilsandi and other islands, orchid trips, and trips to learn about culture and life of the manors, towns and villages, crafts and seafaring. Miku forest park in Vilsandi National Park is where visitors can learn about and try various forestry jobs.
The Vilsandi NP centre is in Loona Manor along with a guesthouse and café-restaurant (www.loonamanor.ee).

Distance from countries capital city200 Active season months1-12
N/A
Estonia

Tuhala Karst area, Witch’s well

One of the largest karst areas in Estonia is found here. The unique Witch’s well is one of the most interesting parts of this area. During spring floods (not every year, and for only a short period of time), the well erupts with underground river waters to create an unusually powerful karst stream that can pump out as much as 100 litres per hour.
N/A
Estonia

Jägala waterfall

This is one of the greatest waterfalls in the Baltic States – 8 m high and up to 70 m wide. It is most impressive in the spring and after strong rains. The waterfall and its ~300 m canyon emerged from the limestone of the Ordovician Period. You may spot some fossils there. When the water is low, courageous people try to ford the river both above and below the waterfall. The limestone and the falling water have established a unique “tunnel” there.
Distance from countries capital city31
Nature watching
N/A
Estonia

Anhöhe Otepää

One of the three highlands of Southern Estonia with scenic hills and beautiful sights. In its center lies the bay-rich Lake Pühajärv (translating from Estonian - Holy Lake).

Distance from countries capital city230
N/A
Estonia

Viking village

A unique theme park on the River Pirita evokes interest in ancient Vikings. Facilities include: stronghold, chamber of spells, smithy, Viking boat and dugout canoe trips, shows and battles with ancient weapons, a catapult, archery, axe throwing, cave and smoke saunas, trout fishing, accommodation, catering etc.

Local lifestyle Distance from countries capital city30 Active season months1-12
N/A
Estonia

Tuhala Nature Centre and Nõiakaev

Tuhala region has settlements of about 3000 years of age. There are 11 ancient settlement sites, 30 cult stones, 3 burial sites, 4 sacred groves, etc. Tuhala Landscape Reserve has a unique natural feature - the Nõiakaev (Witch´s Well) which “boils” up water during floods at 100 l/s, and 5 mightiest energy columns of the country.
Tuhala karst area features a 2.5 km hiking trail, suitable for family trips, walking, cycling or driving.

Distance from countries capital city32 Active season months1-12
N/A
Estonia

Torna kalns (Tornimägi)

Karulas augstienes augstākais reljefa punkts (137 m.vjl.), kas virs tuvākās apkārtnes paceļas par ~ 60 m. Torņa kalnā ir uzbūvēts skatu tornis ar ļoti plašu apkārtskatu. Uz tā platformas ir novietoti panorāmas fotoattēli, kuros atzīmēti zīmīgākie plašākā apkaimē redzamie objekti – apdzīvotas vietas, pilskalni, baznīcu torņi u.c. Turpat izveidota atpūtas vieta un meklējams Rebases ainavu takas sākums.

Distance from countries capital city260
N/A
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.
N/A
Estonia

Reimann Retked

The company runs wildlife tours: rafting in early spring, kayaking in summer (with beaver watching upon request), bog and snowshoeing round the year, kick-sledging in winter. Our experienced guides tell exciting stories of wildlife and history.

Distance from countries capital city34 Active season months1-12
N/A
Estonia

Kusnemmes pussala (Kuusnõmme poolsaar)

Ap 6 km garā pussala ir vieta, kur jānokļūst tiem, kas grasās doties vienā no neparastākajiem pārgājieniem pāri jūras šaurumam. Cauri Kūsnemmes pussalai līdz tās ziemeļu daļai iet šaurs un ļoti līkumains grants ceļš (ar garāku tūristu autobusu jābrauc lēni un uzmanīgi), kura galā izveidots autostāvlaukums, neliels namiņš, kur patverties lietus un vēja laikā, kā arī informācijas stends. Turpat redzamas divas Padomju armijas „KRAZ” tipa automašīnas. Lai sasniegtu robežkontroles posteni, Padomju robežsargi brauca pa jūru un mazajām saliņām, kas kā pērļu virtene savieno Kūsnemmes pussalas galu ar Vilsandi salas  dienviddaļu. Turpat divas desmitgades pēc Igaunijas neatkarības atjaunošanas „KRAZ” automašīnu kravas kastēs vasaras laikā uz Vilsandi vizināja tūristus, taču spēkrati savu mūžu ir nokalpojuši un unikālais piedāvājums vairs nav spēkā! Ko darīt? Pa mazajām saliņām uz Vilsandi var doties ar kājām. To var īstenot tikai siltā laikā, kad nav gaidāms stiprs vējš un ir zināma laika prognoze vismaz divām tuvākajām dienām. Kā sava veida orientieris var kalpot augstsprieguma elektrolīnija. Kopumā ir jārēķinās arī ar 1 h 40 – 2 h ilgu un ~ 4 km garu gājienu. Dziļākā vieta (ja ietur pareizo „kursu”) atrodas pārgājiena sākumdaļā, kur starp saliņām izveidots laivu ceļš - ~ 1 m dziļa vieta atkarībā no vēja virziena un ūdens līmeņa. Zināmu priekšstatu par maršrutu sniegs redzamā ainava, kas paveras no skatu torņa. Kaut arī šis maršruts tiek reklamēts dažādos informatīvajos materiālos, atbildību par tā veikšanu uzņemas katrs pats!

Distance from countries capital city257
N/A
Estonia

The blue streams of Saula

Three little lakes can be found on the left bank of the Pirita River with many erupting “eyes” of streams, each with its own colour (bluish-green, white, dark). This puts together various colour combinations. These are often known as the most beautiful streams in Estonia. Some pump out as much as 20-30 litres of water per hour. It is said that the waters are good medical resources, particularly for the eyes. There are improvements in the area of tourists.
N/A
Estonia

Skats uz Vaikas salam (Vaika saared)

No Vilsandi bākas un tai tuvākās apkaimes ir labi saskatāmas leģendārās Vaikas salas. Tām ir piešķirts rezervāta statuss, tādēļ salas var apskatīt tikai no attāluma. Mazākā no saliņām - Kullipank ir tikai pārdesmit metrus diametrā. Tā ir jūras ūdeņu izrobots zemas un asas dolomīta klints fragments, kas klāts ar oļiem, nelieliem laukakmeņiem un kādu atsevišķi stāvošu lakstaugu. Domājams, ka vētru laikā tā pazūd zem jūras ūdens. Savukārt, Alumine Vaigas – Apakšējā Vaikas sala ir lielākā no sešām salām. Šīs salas diametrs ir ~ 150 m un tā paceļas vismaz kādus divus metrus virs jūras līmeņa. Uz salas ir bagātīga veģetācija un pat kāds zems krūms salas centrā. Redzami arī metru augsti atsegumi. Uz salas vēl joprojām atrodas 20. gs. sākumā celto „putnu māju” paliekas, kas bija domātas ligzdojošo putnu piesaistīšanai.