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 Ancient Piusa River valley and Piusa cave The area of the ancient Piusa River valley that is between the villages of Vana-Vastseliina and Ignasõ is around 15 km long, features some substantial rapids, and offers a view of beautiful Devonian period cliffs. The largest, Härma müür, is 43 metres high and is the highest sandstone cliff in Estonia. There are caves from old mines in the village of Piusa. A small part of the mines, which have tunnels that are more than 10 km long in all, has been tured into a local museum. Services Services - recreational Boat tour Boat from Vana-Vastseliina to Ignasõ (1 day, extreme boating, only during flood season). For more information: www.piusa.ee (available in English). Nature trail Hike down the river valley along its entire length (~20 km).
	Estonia Kap Tahkuna Der weiteste Nordpunkt der Insel Hiiumaa. Der höchste Leuchtturm Estlands aus Roheisen (1873 – 1875) und das Denkmal zur Errinerung an die bei dem Unglück des Schiffes ‘Estonia” Umgekommenen. 175 Services 175km - Distance from countries capital city
	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. 260 Services 260km - Distance from countries capital city
	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 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. 273 Services 273km - Distance from countries capital city
	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 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 Nemmeveski udenskritums (Nõmmeveski juga) No vairākiem parka ūdenskritumiem noteikti ir jāapmeklē divi. 1,2 m augstais vienpakāpes Nemmeveski ir izveidojies uz Valgejegi upes (Valgejõgi), vietā kur tā šķērso Ziemeļigaunijas glintu. Šeit Valgejegi atgādina krāčainu (īpaši – pavasaros) kalnu upi, kas plūst pa vairākus metrus augstu klinšu ieskautu kanjonu. Palu laikā šo upes posmu ir iecienījuši ekstrēmie ūdenssporta veidu cienītāji. Pie ūdenskrituma un tālāk pa upi lejup redzamas ap 1920. g. celtās hidroelektrostacijas konstrukciju paliekas. Services
	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 Oksas (Oksa) taka Bijušā piecstāvīgā metāla skatu torņa apkaimē plešas Lemmjegi upes palieņu pļavas. Netālu atrodas kādreizējā Oksas kroga (Oksa kõrts) vieta, kur saglabājies iespaidīgs manteļskurstenis. Apkaimes apskatei izveidota 0,8 km gara koka laipu taka. 175 Services 175km - Distance from countries capital city
	Estonia Rannaje putnu verosanas tornis (Rannajõe linnutorn) Divstāvīgs skatu tornis pie Laikjula (Laiküla) – Hāpsalu ceļa, no kuras paveras plaša ainava uz Matsalu līcī ietekošo upīšu palieņu pļavām. Te var vērot migrējošās dzērves un zosis, bet pavasaros varbūt laimēsies redzēt vai dzirdēt ķikutu Gallinago media. Viens no retajiem torņiem, kas ir pielāgots cilvēkiem ar īpašām vajadzībām. Services
	Estonia The Vilsandi National Park The national park was established to protect the 100 or so small islands that make up the archipelago of the local area. The largest island, the Vilsandi Island, is 6 km long and up to 2 km wide. You can rent a boat to get there, or, during appropriate conditions, you can walk across the sea and the small islands from the southern end of the Kuusnõmme peninsula. 255 Services 255km - Distance from countries capital city Services - recreational Boat tour Boat along the islands of the archipelago, but keep in mind that the Vaika Island and the Nootamaa Island are nature reserves which are closed to visitors. Nature trail Hike the route Loona-Kuusnõmme (8 km), hike around the Vilsandi Island (~12-15 km), hike the Harilaid peninsula (~10 km). Nature watching Bird-watching from the southern end of the Vilssandi Island – the nearby Vaika Island is closed to visitors. There is a viewing tower on the N end of the Kuusnõmme peninsula. The visitor centre of the park is found at the Loona estate (Loona mõis).
	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 Kuranidu macibu taka (Kuuraniidu õpperada) 1,7 km gara lokveida taka, kas iepazīstina ar dažādiem meža biotopiem, to iemītniekiem un meža apsaimniekošanas pamatprincipiem. Apmeklētāju ērtības nolūkā ir izveidotas koka laipas un neliels skatu tornis. 159 Services 159km - Distance from countries capital city
	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 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 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 The Letipea Ehalkivi rock This is the largest rock in the Baltic States and, according to some sources, in all of the segment of Northern Europe which was affected by the last Ice Age. Its size is 930 m3! The rock is 7.5 m high, 16.5 m long and 14 m high, with a circumference of 48.5 m. The rock resembles a huge pebble from a distance, and it is on the sandy and rocky beach. Depending on the season, it can be out in the water. The Ice Age carried the rock to its current location from the southern shore of Finland. It is made of pegmatite. Services Services - recreational Nature watching
	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 Suitsu tornis (Suitsu torn) Suitsu tornis celts 1979. g. kā pirmais Matsalu rezervāta metāla tornis. To atjaunoja 1998. g. Torņa augstums ir 21 m, tādēļ no tā paveras izcila dabas un kultūrainava uz Kazari deltas niedrājiem un blakus esošo Suitsu upi (Suitsu jõgi), kuras krastā ir uzceltas vairākas zvejnieku laivu būdas. Services
	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 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 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 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 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. 30 1-12 Services 30km - Distance from countries capital city 1-12 Active season months
	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 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 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 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.