Walk on the wild side in Estonia’s national parks

With their untouched forests, hidden bog lakes, and long, winding coastlines, Estonia’s six national parks are some of the country’s most significant natural resources. Thanks to their compact size and effortless accessibility, you can get lost in the wilderness — and then find yourself back in civilization in the blink of an eye.

Though Estonia may not cover a lot of territory, each park has a unique identity. In Western Estonia, you’ll find coastal and wooded 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. A few hundred kilometres to the east, you can marvel at large primeval forests, lake-rich peat bogs, marshlands, and a gently rolling landscape filled with the rich cultural heritage of Setomaa and the Old Believers. The climate also varies by region — flowers bloom under a warm spring sun in the west, while skiers hit the crosscountry trails in the east.

The European Federation of Protected Areas (EUROPARC Federation) has recognized three Estonian national parks (Lahemaa, Matsalu, and Soomaa) for the development of sustainable nature tourism in their respective regions.

Preserve the pristine wilderness of Estonia’s national parks by traveling with a local guide, who can enthrall you with tales of local life and lead you to the parks’ most remote corners.

Of course, you are always welcome to venture out on your own — go for a hike, plan a picnic, or spend a few nights sleeping under the stars. The parks’ nature centres are a helpful resource. You can visit in person before setting out for the day or plan your trip from home by visiting their pages online.