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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Overview Details
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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.

Distance from countries capital city181 Active season months5-9
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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.

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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.
Active season months1-12
Nature trailNature watching
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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).

Active season months1-12
Nature trailNature watching
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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
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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.

Distance from countries capital city12 Active season months1-12
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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.

National park Distance from countries capital city50
Cross-country skiingBicycle trailNature trailNature watching
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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.

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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
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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.

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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.

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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.

Distance from countries capital city261
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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.
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Estonia

Piirissaar island

The island of 7.5 km2 in Lake Peipsi is largely inhabited by Russian-speaking Old Believers who have broadly retained their old traditions through time. Traditional trades are fishing and growing vegetables, mainly onion.
The entire island is a landscape protection area with a high number of protected bird and amphibian species and several rare plants.

Distance from countries capital city262 Active season months1-12
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
National park Active season months1-12
Boat tourNature trailNature watching
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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. 

Distance from countries capital city81
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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 .

Distance from countries capital city160
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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.
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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
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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.

Distance from countries capital city123
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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
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Estonia

Ancient Võhandu River valley

This is one of the most beautiful ancient river valleys in Estonia – 12 km long with nearly 40 revealed Devonian sandstone cliffs. Among these, the most important ones are Viira müür, Kalamatu müür, and Põdramüür.
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Estonia

Sõrve säär

Die Südspitze der Insel Saaremaa – eine aus Geröll in der Irbenstraße langgestreckte Landzunge. Militärbefestigungen, Leuchtturm (1960), Vogelbeobachtungsort.

Distance from countries capital city270