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.

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	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 Luitemaa The word “Luitemaa” means “land of the dunes” in Estoninan. This coastline territory stretches for 13 km between Vöiste and Häädemeste with shallow waters, large coastal plains, Estonia’s highest dunes, and the Tokuse swamp (Tokuse raba). There are lots of birds here. Services Services - recreational Nature trail The Tolkuse swamp trail (~2.2 km). Nature watching A viewing tower at Tornimäagi. Bird-watching from towers at Pikla, Piirumi, Raanametsa and Pulgoja.
	Estonia The Otepää Nature Park This park is found in the Otepää highlands and offers an outstanding example of how the terrain of a protected natural territory can be used for recreation, sports and active leisure. The infrastructure of the park is perfect for such activities and is of a high level of quality. Services Services - recreational Cross-country skiing During the winter, you can ski the 63-km Tartu marathon trail, which crosses the park. Bicycle trail Bike around Lake Pühajärv from the centre of Otepää (~20 km), or ride from Otepää to Kääriku (11 km). Nature trail Hike around Lake Pühajärv (12 km), hike the Kekkose hiking route (14 km), or hike the Murrumetsa hiking trail (3.5 km). Bike around Lake Pühajärv from the centre of Otepää (~20 km), or ride from Otepää to Kääriku (11 km). Nature watching There are viewing towers at Harimägi and in the hills of Kuutsemägi, near the Otepää ski jump, at Väike Munamägi, and near the Otepää castle hill. For more information: www.otepaaloodus.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).
	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 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). 200 1-12 Services 200km - Distance from countries capital city 1-12 Active season months
	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. Services Services - recreational Nature watching
	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 The Viidumäe Reserve This reserve dates back to Lake Ancilus, which was one of the original elements of what is now the Baltic Sea. The lake’s ancient shores feature wetlands, forests and flora which are all protected by the reserve. 244 Services 244km - Distance from countries capital city Services - recreational Nature trail The Viidumäe educational trail (1.2 km), the Audaku hiking trial (2.8 km). Nature watching There is a viewing tower on Mount Viidumägi with a broad view of the western end of the Saaremaa Island. It’s worth visiting the visitor centre at Audaku.
	Estonia Halbinsel Käsmu Eine von Nadelbaumwäldern bedeckte Halbinsel. Malerisches Käsmu Steinfeld, Matsikivi Stein, Vana Jüri Stein u.a. Bei passenden Bedingungen kann man sich auf einer steinernen Landzunge bis zur 0,5 km entfernt liegenden Insel Saartneem schleppen. 81 Services 81km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Haeskas putnu verosanas tornis (Haeska linnutorn) Pamatīgs trīsstāvu koka tornis, no kura atklājas viens no labākajiem Matsalu līča un tā apkaimes palieņu pļavu skatiem, kuras apsaimnieko mājlopi, veidodami piemērotu vidi dažādām putnu un augu sugām. Laba migrējošo zosveidīgo putnu vērošanas vieta. Tā kā tornis ietilpst Tūlingu (Tuulingu) saimniecības teritorijā – spēkrats ir jāatstāj netālu esošajā autostāvlaukumā, bet suņi jāved piesieti kakla siksnā. Services
	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 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 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 Abruka Island This is the 11th largest Estonian island, and its central section is covered by a broadleaf forest (linden, oak, elm and other trees) that is more than 100 years old. Along the shores, the Abruka Island has meadows and small areas of wetlands. Only the northern part of the island is populated. Few tourists come to call, which means that the island is relatively untouched by humankind. Services Services - recreational Nature trail Hike across the island or along its NE shoreline (7 km). For more information: www.abruka.ee (available in English). Nature watching
	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. 149 Services 149km - 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 Sõrve säär Die Südspitze der Insel Saaremaa – eine aus Geröll in der Irbenstraße langgestreckte Landzunge. Militärbefestigungen, Leuchtturm (1960), Vogelbeobachtungsort. 270 Services 270km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Eldas klints (Elda pank) un pussala Nacionālā parka dienvidrietumdaļā jūrā iestiepjas Eldas pussala – skaists un ļoti omaļš ar kadiķu mežu (alvāriem) noaudzis zemes pleķītis ar interesantu jūras krastu, kur atsedzas silūra perioda nogulumieži. No pussalas gala, kurā slejas vecs Padomju armijas robežsargu tornis (apmeklējumam bīstams!), paveras visaptverošs skats uz Vilsandi salu (atpazīstama pēc bākas), Lonalaidas salu (Loonalaid) – otru lielāko Vilsandi arhipelāgā, Salavu (Salava) un citām mazākām saliņām. Dabas mīļotāji var uzmeklēt Eldas klinti (Elda pank) – ~ 2 m augstu un 0,4 km garu atsegumu, kura piekājē var atrast interesantas ūdens izskalotas fosilijas. 261 Services 261km - Distance from countries capital city
	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. 31 Services 31km - Distance from countries capital city Services - recreational Nature watching
	Estonia Insel Hiiumaa Die zweitgrößte Insel Estlands mit breiter Waldung, Sand- und Steinstränden und einem der ältesten Leuchttürme Europas. 132 Services 132km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia The Endla Reserve This reserve was set up to protect local swamps and surrounding wetlands. Please note that before you can visit the reserve, you must register with the local administration and visitor centre in the village of Tooma. Services Services - recreational Nature trail The Endla swamp trail (~2 km) with a viewing tower, and the Endla stream trail (6 km). Please note that before you can visit the reserve, you must register with the local administration and visitor centre in the village of Tooma. For more information: www.endlakaitseala.ee (available in English).
	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 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 Felsen Pakri Die mächtigste Steilküste im Baltikum (bis zu 24 m hoch). In den kalten Winter werden hier phantastische Gletscherstürze entstanden. Pakri Leuchtturm. 50 Services 50km - Distance from countries capital city
	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. 107 1-12 Services 107km - Distance from countries capital city 1-12 Active season months
	Estonia Paunas taka (Pauna rada) Kultūrvēsturiska taka (garums ~ 2 km) Tipu (Tipu) ciemā, kas iepazīstina ar vairākiem interesantiem objektiem: veco skolu (1931. g.), Hallistes upi, pirti un Paunas saimniecību, kurā dzimis viens no Igaunijas nacionālās kustības līderiem Villems Reimans (1861. – 1917.). Services
	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 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. Services Services - recreational Boat tour Boating from Koorvere to Suur Taevaskoja (~15 km). Sadly, one third of the river is taken up by the reservoir of the local hydroelectric power plant. Nature trail The Taevaskoja hiking trail (3 km).
	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. Services