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 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. 155 Services 155km - Distance from countries capital city
	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 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 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 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 Soomaa National Park The word “Soomaa” means “land of the swamps” in Estonian. There are several major swamps in this area, along with rivers, lowland meadows, wetland forests, and other biotopes that are of key importance in terms of the diversity of species. Major floods occur here in the spring, which is known by locals as the “fifth season''. The fifth season is the best time to explore the landscape of Soomaa. 150 1-12 Services 150km - Distance from countries capital city 1-12 Active season months Services - recreational Fishing Cross-country skiing During the winter, there is cross-country skiing and hikes across frozen swamps. The visitor centre is in Tõramaa. For more information: www.soomaa.com (available in English). Boat tour Canoeing is possible on flooded territories and down the rivers of the park. Nature trail Walking tours in the park Nature trail Hike the area in the presence of a guide, go “bog-shoeing”, hike the Riisa swamp trail (5 km, with watching tower), the Ignatsi trail (4.5 km, with watching tower), the Beaver information trail (3 km), the Tõramaa trail (2.5 km, with watching tower), and other trails and routes in the park. Nature watching You can go on a beaver safari and look for other animals in the company of a guide.
	Estonia Kemu skatu tornis (Keemu vaatetorn) Meklējams Matsalu līča dienvidu krastā pie Kēmu ostas (Keemu sadam). Blakus sešus metrus augstajam metāla – koka tornim uzcelts neliels apmeklētāju centrs. Tāpat kā no Haeskas torņa, arī no šī paveras viena no izcilākajām Matsalu līča un tā piekrastes ainavām. Laba putnu vērošanas vieta migrāciju laikā. 129 Services 129km - Distance from countries capital city
	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 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 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 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 Klostri (Kloostri) skatu tornis Metāla tornis Kazari upes kreisajā krastā, ~ 5 km attālumā no Matsalu līča. No torņa redzamās Kazari deltas palieņu pļavas atrodas tikai 0,3 – 1 m augstumā virs jūras līmeņa, tādēļ pavasara palos un stipru vētru (īpaši rietumvēju) laikā ūdens appludina milzīgu teritoriju. Uzskata, ka platības ziņā šīs ir vienas no lielākajām Eiropas palieņu pļavām, kas ir nozīmīga dažādu tārtiņveidīgo putnu sugu ligzdošanas, dzērvju un zosveidīgo putnu atpūtas un barošanās vieta. Ir pagājis laiks, kad zemnieki Matsalu pļavās ganīja govis un pļāva sienu, tādēļ šobrīd pļavu apsaimniekošanu veic nacionālā parka administrācija. Services
	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
	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 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 Ignatsi pargajienu taka (Ignatsi matkarada) Taka iesākumā ved pa mežu ieskautu bijušo šaursliežu dzelzceļa līniju, pa kuru pagājušā gadsimta vidū izveda kokmateriālus. Tās tālākā daļa izmet nelielu loku pa Suistna purvu (Suistna raba), kur uzcelts skatu tornis ar izcilu sūnu purva ainavu ar nelieliem ezeriņiem. Takas garums vienā virzienā ir 4,5 km. Services
	Estonia Kassari The Kassari Island is the fifth largest Estonian island, and it is found to the South of the Hiiumaa Island. There are two dams between the two islands, and a road for motor vehicles has been installed atop them. 150 Services 150km - Distance from countries capital city Services - recreational Bicycle trail Bike the route Käina-Orjaku-Kassari-Esiküla-Käina (22 km). Nature trail The Orjaku nature trail (up to 2 km); the Sääre tirp – a 3-km hike along a rocky path on the southern end of the Kassari Island; Nature watching Birdwatchers will enjoy the Bay of Käina, where a colony of great cormorants and other water birds can be found. There is a bird-watching tower at Orjaku, as well as a viewing platform at the Bay of Vemla (Vaemla laht).
	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 Risas purva taka (Riisa rabarada) Izcila lokveida taka (4,5 km), kuras lielākā daļa (koka laipas) ved pa Rīsas purvu (Riisa raba). No takas un divstāvīgā koka skatu torņa ir vērojami purva ezeriņi, lāmas, un purvaini meži. Ja nacionālā parka apskati sāk no ziemeļu puses, tad šī taka ir labs ceļojuma iesākums! Services
	Estonia Osmussaar This is a “peripheral” island in the Bay of Finland, 9 km from the Dirhami port. The special fact about this island is that it offers fields of juniper, a rocky and grassy seashore that is around 2 km long, and limestone cliffs that are a few metres high along the northern and the eastern shores of the island. These are designated with the words Osmussaare pank. 1-12 Services 1-12 Active season months Services - recreational Nature trail Hike around the island (~12 km) and across it (9 km back and forth). Nature watching There are lovely views and landscapes near the Osmussaare lighthouse. You can get to the island by motorboat from the Dirhami port.
	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 Moor Tolkuse Durch das höchste Dünen-Massiv Estlands und den Moor führt der Lehr-Wanderweg. Blick vom Aussichtsturm bis auf die Insel Kihnu. 175 Services 175km - 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 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 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 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 Meteoriten-kraterfeld von Kaali Eins der eindrücksvollen Meteoritenkraterfelder Europas. Der Hauptkrater ist 22 m tief, Durchmesser – 110 m. Der ungefähre Zeitraum des Meteoriteneinschlags liegt ung. 7500-Jahre zurück. 205 Services 205km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Skatu platforma Puises ciema Puises „centrā” uz vienstāvu koka mājiņas jumta izveidota skatu platforma. No tās paveras laba ainava uz ciemu, ostu un piekrastes kadiķu laukiem. 121 Services 121km - Distance from countries capital city
	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 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