Top nature tour destinations in Estonia
Hire a guide or go alone, but don't skip South and West Estonia. From islands and lakes to bogs—here are the top spots to immerse yourself in nature.
Listen to the forest's whispers and wade into fresh, clean waters.
Head south to Lake Võrtsjärv, then west to the coast and the islands — explore these wild landscapes any time of year.
Estonian culture is deeply rooted in nature, like the tallest, widest, and oldest of trees. About half of Estonia's territory is covered in forest, meaning there are about 2 million hectares of pine, birch, and spruce. The bogs attract visitors year-round with their sense of otherworldly magic. And the siren song of the sea calls to sailors and tourists alike, pulling them towards the hundreds of islands scattered off the coast of West Estonia.
Pack along a warm woolen sweater with intricate local patterns and a pair of trusty walking shoes, and take a tour of Estonian nature.
Looking for a unique way to experience Lake Võrtsjärv?
Try relaxing on a raft sauna!
Lake Võrtsjärv
Fishing villages and adventures on ancient waterways
Lake Võrtsjärv, part of the Natura 2000 nature and bird protection area, is home to diverse plant and fish species and a popular tourism destination. The area of the lake with a thousand faces offers possibilities for active holidays, a visit to the lake museum, a chance to try oven-warm smoked bream from local fishermen, or a sailboat ride on the water.
What to do on Lake Võrtsjärv
- Cycle around the entire lake, making a loop of nearly 140 km.
- Rent a canoe and paddle around the lake.
- Nearby there are over one hundred kilometers of hiking trails in Elva and the Hellenurme watermill offers insight into the region's cultural heritage.
Soomaa National Park
Home to Estonia's fifth season
The fifth season is a time of great floods in Soomaa National Park — you will only realize the great impact of the floods in shaping the surrounding nature after visiting the area. Over 185 different species of birds have made their homes here, and you may also run into a lynx, wolf, or brown bear.
Springtime is particularly peculiar in Soomaa National Park. The snow melts, causing a flood in the national park. Known as the fifth season, this is the perfect time for canoeing along temporary waterways and through villagers' front yards. Local people are well prepared for the floods and anticipate their arrival like a visit from a rich relative.
The fifth season is also known for romance, as local myths say this is when two old-time lovers meet: the river spirit and the bog spirit. According to these legends, the river and the wetlands are home to their many sons and daughters, wandering in the forests or hiding in the water.
What to do in Soomaa National Park
- You can take canoe trips with the guide from Soomaa.com during fifth-season floods.
- Go on a night-time canoe trip and look for beavers.
- Get lost on purpose on a hike through a mystical bog.
- Try a winter hike with snowshoes in Soomaa or a skating trip on the frozen river for an unforgettable experience.
The Romantic Coastline of West Estonia
Kihnu Island and 635 km of junipers and sandy beaches
The Romantic Coastline runs along the coastline around Pärnu Bay, through the juniper fields of Varbla to the Estonian-Latvian national border in Ikla. You can explore the coastline of the Baltic Sea and its hidden beaches, or your soul might instead be called inland towards deep, mysterious forests and bogs.
Pärnu makes for an ideal base to explore this area of Estonia. Even within the city, you can get your nature fix by strolling along the coastal meadow trail on one end of the beach or going for a bike ride along the river.
What to do along the Romantic Coastline
- Take a walk along isolated beaches and pass through idyllic fishing villages and rural landscapes, starting from Kabli Beach and Visitor Center.
- Visit Matsi Beach for the most beautiful sunsets.
- Hike in a deserted bog, on coastal meadows, alive with flocks of birds, and through sand dunes and pine forests.
- Visit Kihnu Island, with its unique cultural and natural landscape, and take a fascinating island tour.
- Take a guided kayaking trip to Manija or Sorgu island.
- Rent a bike and follow the Kihnu Travel Wheel route on Kihnu Island.
Photo author: Priidu Saart
Matsalu National Park
A birdwatcher's paradise along coastal flood meadows
Matsalu National Park has been listed on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance since 1976. In addition to birds, it also protects semi-natural communities characteristic of western Estonia as well as the cultural heritage of the Väinameri Sea.
In spring and autumn, Estonia's national parks host large flocks of migratory birds, which have inspired a range of folk songs and sayings. A wise way of telling the change in weather is to carefully observe the movement of migratory birds. Once the storks leave, expect cooling weather; geese fleeing means frost is near, while the swans' departure is to be followed by snow. The Estonian national bird, the swallow, is the most accurate weatherman out there. Before the arrival of dark clouds, you can tell the rain is coming if you see swallows flying suspiciously close to the ground.
Haapsalu is the city closest to Matsalu National Park; it has its own natural attractions, including beaches and a seaside promenade. Even the local spas take advantage of what nature has to offer, as they use medicinal mud from Haapsalu Bay in many of their treatments.
Matsalu National Park is one of the country's best spots for birdwatching.
Plan a trip in spring or autumn at the height of the seasonal migration.
What to do in Matsalu National Park
- See one of Europe’s largest flood-meadows, the 4,000 ha Kasari floodplain meadow.
- Climb the Kloostri observation tower, visit the Haeska birdwatching tower, and Puise Nina farm and birdwatching tower.
- Botany enthusiasts can find numerous orchids among the oak and hazel trees that grow in these species-rich wooded meadows.
- Take a guided kayak tour through Matsalu National Park.
- During the winter, take a kicksled out on the frozen bay.
Photo author: Martti Volt
Muhu Island
Ancient fishing villages and islets
The traditions of Muhu Island derive from the cargo and merchants passing through, as well as war parties, fortune seekers, and workers. This is a place where time stands still because nature and traditions have remained largely unchanged. Coastal folk culture has endured from ancient times to the present, welcoming visitors seeking refuge from the rat race. Explore the Muhu and take in the authentic village ambiance and serene landscape.
What to do on Muhu Island
- Learn about the farm architecture and landscape at the Koguva fishing village and Muhu Museum.
- Visit Muhu Adventure Park and nature trail.
- Hike along the northern coast, cliffs, and islets of Muhu.
- Organize a guided SUP trip to watch the sunset.
Time moves at a slower pace on Muhu Island.
Pack a picnic to refuel along the way.
Vilsandi National Park
Protected habitat for seals and orchids
Estonia’s most western inhabited island, Vilsandi, forms the centre of a national park where you can find seals, waterbirds, and orchids. Two-thirds of the national park is water, with over 150 islands, islets, and reefs.
What to do in Vilsandi National Park
- Vilsandi is the home of one of the biggest grey seal rookeries in Estonia and a resting spot for thousands of waterbirds.
- Over 30 species of orchids grow in the area — look for them on Vilsandi’s hiking trails or hike to Vilsandi on foot.
- Geology enthusiasts can examine limestone outcrops rich in fossils and petrified corals.
- The Harilaid hiking trail leads to the Kiipsaare lighthouse.
- Create a custom birdwatching tour during the spring or fall migrations.
- Join a tour to search for Steller's Eider and other seabirds.
Vilsandi National Park is about as far off-the-beaten-track as you can go.
Enjoy the solitude on Saaremaa's most western shore.
Hiiumaa
Lighthouses in a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
The island of Hiiumaa, with its untouched nature and relaxed island lifestyle, has been part of the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere Program for nearly 30 years. Hard-working islanders have earned special recognition for managing to live in harmony with nature and preserve their special traditions.
Photo author: Tatiana Metsala
What to do on Hiiumaa
- Visit historic Kõpu, Tahkuna, and Ristna lighthouses and enjoy a 360-degree view of the surrounding landscape.
- Discover deep forests with a guide on a military nature hike in Tahkuna or on inland hiking trails.
- Go biking through the juniper fields of Kassari and the Sääretirp Cape and observe birds at Orjaku.
- Take a guided kayak tour through the islets of Hiiumaa.
Enjoy nature from horseback or explore the islets off the Sarve Peninsula.
Orjaku Harbor on Hiiumaa
Rent a boat or bring your own to explore the waters around the island.
Nature is only a heartbeat away.
Day trips from Tallinn for outdoor enthusiasts
You don't have to look far for outdoor adventures in Estonia. In fact, you don't even have to leave the capital. You can go kayaking in Tallinn Bay, look for flocks of migrating birds from the observation tower in Paljasaare, hike through the forests and bogs of Pääsküla Raba, and swim near the pine trees of Pirita.
As Estonia is quite compact, you can escape to the wilds for the day and return to Tallinn in time for dinner. There are waterfalls, bogs, and even a national park, all about an hour from the city, making them ideal day-trip destinations.
If you want to spend time outdoors, breathing in Estonia's exceptionally clean air, but would rather not rough it, visit a golf course or grab a Frisbee and try your hand at disc golf.
Photo author: Priidu Saart
Suggested four-day itineraries through Estonia's top natural attractions
Looking for more places to explore? These routes cover Estonia from the Baltic klint in the north to the hills in the south.
Why should you make the time for an Estonian nature tour?
Dr. Simon Bell, a professor at the Estonian University of Life Sciences, has studied the effects of nature on health for many years. He acknowledges a clear link but can only theorize when asked why.
"We have the evidence that being closer to nature makes us more relaxed, based on the physiological factors, i.e., things we can measure. So, we know it works, but we don't really know how," said Bell.
Humans can live quite out of touch with the natural world. We often become detached from nature and from our place within its delicate balance.
"Sometimes it's very important for us as humans to feel small, to feel part of something that's so much bigger than ourselves and our busy lives," said Bell. "Being at one with nature, with the universe, is humbling and ultimately relaxing."
Photo author: Priidu Saart, Visit Pärnu
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Last updated
29.12.2025