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

Mohni sala (Mohni saar)

Igaunijas jūras ūdeņos ir saskaitīta 1521 sala! Salu sarakstā pēc platības (63 ha) ~ 2,5 km garā Mohni sala ieņem 38. vietu. Lai saudzētu salas trauslo veģetāciju (vietām nedaudz atgādina krūmainu tundru), tās vidusdaļā ir izveidotas koka laipas. Salas dienviddaļā atrodas sašaurinājums, kuru tāpat kā blakus esošo jūras krastu klāj viens no savdabīgākajiem Igaunijas akmeņu laukiem. Salas ziemeļos esošās Mohni bākas (Mohni tuletorn) celtniecība pabeigta 1871. g. un tās gaisma ir redzama 10 jūras jūdžu attālumā. Šī ir viena no skaistākajām Ziemeļigaunijas bākām! Līdz Mohni salai var nokļūt ar laivu (iepriekšēja pieteikšanās) no ~ 5 km attālās Vīnistu ostas (Viinistu sadam). Ar jūras laivu vai kajaku piemērotos apstākļos būs ~ 1h ilgs brauciens. Jārēķinās, ka uz salas nav pastāvīgo iedzīvotāju! Vīnistu ciemā apskatāms 2002. g. izveidotais Vīnistu mākslas muzejs (Viinistu kunstimuuseum). Apmeklētājus iespaidos ne tikai tā āriene, bet arī tapšanas vēsture. 

Distance from countries capital city76
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Estonia

Skizentrum Otepää

Das größte im Baltikum. Marathonloipe von Tartu, Wand der künstlichen Felsen und Trasse der Radmarathon. Skimuseum. Auf der Tehvandi-Sprungschanze ist ein Aussischtsplatform eingerichtet.

Distance from countries capital city225
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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.
Strict nature reserve Distance from countries capital city244
Nature trailNature watching
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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.

Distance from countries capital city267 Active season months1-12
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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.
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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.

National park Distance from countries capital city150 Active season months1-12
FishingCross-country skiingBoat tourNature trailNature trailNature watching
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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.

Distance from countries capital city175
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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

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 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

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.
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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

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

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

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.
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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.
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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

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.

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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

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

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.

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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.

Distance from countries capital city129
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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.

Distance from countries capital city273
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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

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.
Distance from countries capital city31
Nature watching
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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.

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Estonia

Metsamoori (Woods Crone) Family Park

This park is a network of farms in Kaika area where visitors can learn about healthy life styles and alternative medicine. Farms have programmes on using herbs and leech in therapies, on the magical worlds of bees and mushrooms, spells and meditation. In workshops you can learn to use weeds in cooking, make bread and herbal drugs. Individual travellers are welcome to explore the farm on their own.

Distance from countries capital city275 Active season months5-9
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Estonia

Keila waterfall

This is one of the loveliest waterfalls in Estonia – up to 6 m in height and 50 m in width. Recommended: The rapid Keila River has carved a cliffy canyon behind the waterfall, with a flow of water that falls down a major distance. It’s worth hiking through the Keila park to the shore of the Bay of Finland (~1 km), then returning along the other bank of the river.
Distance from countries capital city31
Nature trail
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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

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.

Distance from countries capital city175