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 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 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 Joaveski udenskritumi (Joaveski joastik) Krāčains Lobu upes (Loobu jõgi) posms pie Joaveski ciema, kur ~ 160 m garumā upes gultnē, tai šķērsojot Ziemeļigaunijas glintu, izveidojušās izmēros nelielas, tomēr ļoti ainaviskas un skaistas 0,5 – 1 m augstas ūdenskritumu kaskādes. 1898. g. šeit uzcēla hidroelektrostaciju, kuras atliekas ir redzamas upes labajā krastā. Iecienīta pavasara laivotāju treniņu 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 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 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 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 Pakri peninsula At the end of the Pakri peninsula is the most visually impressive shoreline cliff in the Baltic States – the Pakri cliff (Pakri pank), which is as much as 24 metres high. During cold winters, streams which flow from the layers of limestone cliffs form fantastic and unusual shapes of ice. 53 Services 53km - Distance from countries capital city Services - recreational Nature trail There’s a hiking trail which encircles the Pakri peninsula (26 km). You must not approach the face of the cliff, because rock collapses are possible.
	Estonia Putnu verosanas tornis Puises raga Puises ragā (Puise nina) ir uzcelts divstāvīgs atpūtas nams, kas apvienots ar putnu vērošanas torni. No tā paveras skats uz piekrasti, kas ir iecienīta migrējošo zosu atpūtas vieta. Šī ir privāta teritorija, kuras apskati vēlams saskaņot ar īpašnieku. 123 Services 123km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Terama taka (Tõramaa matkarada) Divarpus kilometrus gara taka (vienā virzienā) aizved līdz Hallistes palieņu pļavām, kur Hallistes upes labajā krastā ir uzcelts divstāvīgs koka skatu tornis. No tā paveras visaptverošs skats uz atjaunotajām (izcirsti krūmi) Hallistes palieņu pļavām. Pavasara palu laikā no torņa redzamā apkārtne un tornis atrodas ūdenī. Services
	Estonia Saka-Ontika-Toila-pank (cliff) This is a cliff with various levels. Known as the North Estonian cliff, it stretches all along the shore of the Bay of Rīga in Estonia, including some of the local islands. The most expressive part in geological and landscape terms is the Saka-Ontika-Toila cliff, which is around 22 km long and offers an unusual natural environment. The cliff is as much as 53 m high, and it has a fairly virginal forest along its slopes. The layers of clay, sandstone, limestone, etc., come from the Cambrian and Ordovician periods. The Valaste juga (Valaste waterfall) is 24 metres high. After a longer period of freezing temperatures, the waterfall has a particularly impressive appearance. Seasonal waterfalls (8-10 m) can be found near the villages of Ontika and Toila. Services Services - recreational Bicycle trail Bike from Saka to Taoil (20 km) along the road that is at the top of the cliffs. Nature trail Hike along the seashore during the season when trees are bare, moving from Saka to Toila (~22 km). Nature watching There is an impressive viewing platform at the Valaste waterfall.
	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 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 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. 267 1-12 Services 267km - 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 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! 257 Services 257km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Saaremaa Island The biggest sea island in Estonia. In translation - "Land of The Islands". A bridge, where cyclists can drive connects Saaremaa island to Muhu island . 160 Services 160km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia The Vooremaa field of drumlins This is the most visually impressive drumlin field in the Baltic States, and it is close to the village of Tabivere. The drumlins were established by ice glaciers, and they point in the direction in which the ice moved long ago. In terms of their appearance, the drumlins resemble loaf-shaped hillocks. From their “backs,” there are lovely views of the local landscape and the lakes that are around the area. The visitor centre is in the village of Äksi. Services Services - recreational Nature watching Viewing towers at the village of Raigastvere and near Lake Elistvere.
	Estonia The Panga cliffs The highest and most beautiful wall of cliffs on Saaremaa Island (up to 21 m high), stretching along some 3 km. During strong winds from the W or NW, a part of the cliff is washed by the waves of the sea. The open face of the cliff has limestone, marls and dolomite, and there is a wealth of fossils at the base of the cliff – corals, stromatoporids, etc. 230 Services 230km - Distance from countries capital city Services - recreational Nature trail Hike along the foot of the cliffs (watch for falling rocks) in one direction, and then along the top of the cliffs along the other (~6 km). Nature watching From the top of the cliff, you can see the Bay of Finland and the Tagaranna peninsula to the West.
	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. Services
	Estonia Naissaar island Naissaar is a small island near Tallinn which was exclusively used by the Soviet military from 1945 to 1993. Attractions on the island include walking trails, varied habitats, a narrow-gauge railway, fortifications from the early 20th C, and a Soviet naval mines factory. 12 1-12 Services 12km - Distance from countries capital city 1-12 Active season months
	Estonia Meenikunno swamp This is a highland swamp with several little lakes. At the SE of the area is a wooden trail. Services Services - recreational Nature trail Hike the circular Meenikunno hiking trail (~8 km). Nature watching There is a viewing toward at the S of the swamp.
	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 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. Services
	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 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). 230 Services 230km - Distance from countries capital city
	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. Services Services - recreational Bicycle trail Bike the route Rõuge-Nursi-Tindi-Rõuge (15 km). Nature trail The Vällamäe nature trail (2.2 km) is the highest trail in terms of elevation in the Baltic States. You may hike the wooden trail of the Hinni canyon and the hiking route of the Rõuge River valley (10 km), or the trail of Lake Kavadi (Kavadi järv) (4.5 km). Nature watching There are viewing towers at Suur Munamägi and on the eastern shore of Rõuge Suurjärv. For more information: www.haanjapark.ee (only in Estonian).
	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 Muuga Kabelikivi rock This is the second largest rock in the Baltic States in terms of size (728 m3). It is the only rock in the Baltic States with this form and size. It is 7 m high, 19 m long, 11 m wide, and 58 m in perimeter. Kabelikivi looks like a cliff that is halfway sunk into the earth. During the Ice Age, the rock “travelled” to this location from southern Finland. It is made of granite, and there are two other very impressive rocks alongside it. Services Services - recreational Nature watching
	Estonia Aegna Island An afforested island in the Gulf of Finland, approximately 14 km to the North of Tallinn. There is a network of small roads and trails on the island. Forests: Mostly 1.1, 1.2 and 4.2. Information: www.aegna.ee. A ferry boat to the island departs from the port at Pirita. Hike around the shore of the island, where you will find all kinds of environments – dunes, sandy areas, rocky areas and places with lots of reeds (~9 km). 1-12 Services 1-12 Active season months Services - recreational Nature trail Hike around the shore of the island, where you will find all kinds of environments – dunes, sandy areas, rocky areas and places with lots of reeds (~9 km). Nature watching