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.

Enjoy the silence and beauty of nature in Soomaa National Park.

Located in southwestern Estonia, Soomaa National Park is best known for its extra season. Known as the fifth season, this natural phenomenon occurs when water from the spring thaw or heavy rain floods fields, roads, forests, and farmland, making boats the most reliable form of transportation. During this time, up to 17,500 hectares of low-lying forests, roads, and meadows can only be navigated by water, making it a perfect place for a canoe trip.

Soomaa has received a quality label from the European Union of Protected Areas (EUROPARC Federation), which recognizes the sustainable development of nature tourism in the region.

Source: Visit Estonia

Residents of Soomaa have adapted to the floods rather than fled.

Homeowners always have boats on hand. During the fifth season, you can take a guided canoe trip and paddle through the trees and over the flooded meadows.

Soomaa National Park is charming all year round. Even when there are no floods, plenty of boardwalks and hiking trails take you through the park's bogs and wetlands. During the colder months, you can ice skate on frozen rivers or explore the forests by kicksled.

Source: Siim Verner Teder, Visit Viljandi

The fifth season — Paddling through time in Soomaa National Park

Ancient traditions and wild nature come together during the fifth season floods in southwest Estonia.

Wondering what to do in Soomaa National Park?

Scroll the gallery and pick your favorite adventure.

Canoe nature trip in Soomaa National Park

Mart Vares

Source: Mart Vares

Soomaa National park hiking trail in the morning

Sven Zacek

Source: Sven Zacek

Hans Markus Antson

Source: Hans Markus Antson

Ken Mürk

Source: Ken Mürk

man swimming in a bog lake in the early morning

Romet Vaino

Source: Romet Vaino

Mart Vares

Source: Mart Vares

Take a canoe, kayak, or paddleboard trip on one of Soomaa's four rivers.

This national park is one of the best places in Europe to see beavers in the wild.

Source: Priidu Saart

Ice skating in Soomaa National Park

When the floodwaters freeze in winter, it creates a magnificent skating rink, and you can get around on skates. Gliding through a frozen forest is an unforgettable feeling.