National parks in Estonia

Estonia's six national parks protect the diverse landscapes found in every corner of the country. Plan a visit to explore off-road and off-grid!

Visit Estonia

Untouched forests, hidden bog lakes, and long, winding coastlines

Estonia’s six national parks are some of the country’s most significant natural resources.

Though Estonia may not cover a lot of territory, each park has a unique identity. About an hour from Tallinn, Lahemaa National Park protects the rocky inlets of Estonia's northern shore. In Western Estonia, you’ll find coastal meadows and dozens of small islands and inlets — paddle from one island to another through shallow seawater and enjoy an incredible sunset from the slow-flowing river bed in Matsalu National Park. More than half of the area of Soomaa National Park consists of bogs and rivers surrounded by forest groves, colorful wooded meadows, and flooded plains.

A few hundred kilometers to the east, you can marvel at the large primeval forests of Alutaguse National Park in the north or the gently rolling landscape of Karula National Park in the south. The climate also varies by region — flowers bloom under a warm spring sun in Vilsandi National Park on the western tip of Saaremaa, while skiers hit the cross-country trails in the east.

Photo author: Jaan Roose

The subtle beauty of Estonian nature

Catch a few precious hours to reflect or lose all sense of time on a journey that will last a lifetime. Slow down and wonder at a wilder life.

Sustainable travel is a timeless tradition, not a trend.

The European Federation of Protected Areas (EUROPARC Federation) has recognized Lahemaa, Matsalu, and Soomaa National Parks for their development of sustainable nature tourism in their respective regions.

When you travel to one of these national parks, you will experience a deeper connection with Estonia's landscapes, local life, and wildlife. Take a deep breath of some of the cleanest air in the world, clear your mind, and listen to your heart as it begins to beat to the rhythm of nature.

Lahemaa National Park

Immerse yourself in Estonia's coastal cultural heritage and search for skipping stones along the rocky coast.

Photo author: Priidu Saart

Matsalu National Park

Located in West Estonia, this national park is a birdwatching paradise. Millions of migratory birds visit or nest there annually.

Photo author: Mati Kose

Soomaa National Park

Known for its "fifth season" floods, Soomaa National Park is home to extensive bogs surrounded by forests, rivers, flood meadows and wooded meadows.

Photo author: Sven Zacek

Photo author: Hans Markus Antson

Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve is the third largest nature reserve in Estonia.

Spend a night under the stars and awake to the sound of birdsong.

Alutaguse National Park

Estonia’s newest national park contrasts with its surroundings—wild nature alternates with villages, ancient burial sites, and former mining areas.

Photo author: Remo Savisaar

Vilsandi National Park

Located on the west coast of Saaremaa, this national park was set up to protect sensitive coastal and island habitats.

Photo author: Mati Kose

Karula National Park

The country's smallest national park protects a landscape of gently rolling hills not typically found elsewhere in Estonia.

Photo author: Mati Kose

Thanks to the compact size and effortless accessibility of Estonia's national parks, you can get lost in the wilderness...

...and then find yourself back in civilization in the blink of an eye.

If you venture out alone, the parks’ visitor centers are a helpful resource. You can visit in person before setting out for the day or plan your trip from home by visiting the RMK website.