Nature & Wildlife in Estonia

Nature sites
Estonia has a low population density and plenty of untouched nature. Three quarters of the territory is covered by forests and bogs. Our air is among the cleanest in the world, and the freedom to roam is codified in law. The natural diversity is emphasized by not four, but five seasons.

To describe Estonian land and nature, words like clean, quiet, calm, untouched, mystical and ancient, among plenty of others, could be used. Our nature tourism offer includes numerous products like hiking trails in bogs and mires, nature parks, birdwatching sites, bicycle tours and canoeing. Our numerous islands, coastal cliffs and population that honours the green way of living make Estonia a top notch destination for nature lovers.

Hiking & nature tours
Hiking in Estonia comes naturally to the locals who go to forests and bogs all year round to pick berries, mushrooms and go camping with friends and family.

Looking to feel one with the nature? Estonia’s majestic pine forests and ancient bogs are popular nature getaway destinations among the locals and international alike, suitable for beginners and skilled hiking enthusiasts. Estonian nature is also home for many different animals – here you might see for example a moose, a bear, a fox or a wild boar and listen to birds singing.

The most extensive long-distance hiking trail in Estonia is 820 km long, passing camp sites, huts and cottages, perfect for spending a quiet night under the Northern sky. In bogs you will find towers, where to catch a view of the horizon or have a nice picnic.

National parks and nature centres
Whether visiting Estonia for a weekend or longer, a visit to one of the national parks should be in every traveller’s TOP list.

The raw power of the forests and bog landscapes feeds the imagination. Here, hiking trails guide you into different landscapes, inviting you to swim or camp on your way.

Nature, culture and history are closely intertwined in the 6 diverse national parks of Estonia. Throughout the year, different tour companies organise trips and rent out necessary equipment from bog shoes to walking poles. And, of course, you are always welcome to venture out on your own – whether for a hike, picnic or a wild camping trip. The parks have nature centres with plenty of information at hand.

Lahemaa National Park
Lahemaa is the largest and oldest national park in Estonia, and one of Europe’s most important forest protection areas. Here you will find rocky and sandy coastal areas and alluvial plains winding along the peninsula. Forest, bog and coastal ecosystems exist side by side with geological, historic and architectural monuments. The forest paths provide easy access for picking berries and mushrooms.

Matsalu National Park
As an important bird feeding spot on the migration route between the Arctic and Western Europe, Matsalu is one of the most famous European bird watching sites and a real paradise for nature lovers.

Soomaa National Park
Soomaa is home to massive bogs but it has become most famous thanks to a local natural phenomenon. The phenomenon is called the fifth season and during this flood time, up to 17,500 hectares of lower forests, roads and yards can only be navigated by water. Yes, a perfect place for a canoe trip!

Vilsandi National Park
A heaven for seal and orchid lovers, Vilsandi is home to Estonia’s largest grey seal colony and to many seabirds. Fossil limestone terraces are waiting to be discovered, as is the most westernmost point of Estonia – Nootamaa Island.

Karula National Park
Karula is the smallest national park in the country, cherished for its unique domed landscape formed by glacial ice about 10,000 years ago. There are about 40 lakes hidden between the hills and domes, and a heritage landscape of meadows, marshy grounds and forest stands waiting to be explored.

Alutaguse National Park
The youngest of Estonia’s national parks is the largest coniferous forest and marsh area in the country. With more than half of the park consisting of vast bog areas and 42% of forested landscapes, Alutaguse is a sanctuary for wild birds and animals. Several mammals like the wolf, the Brown bear and the Eurasian lynx move between Estonia and Russia via Alutaguse migration routes.

Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve
Although not a national park, Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve is a home to grandiose landscapes where large forests and steep eskers alternate with swamps, plains and kames. The varied terrain and soil have created an almost magically alternating landscape that takes the visitor to the creme de la creme hiking terrain of Estonia.

We know you can feel it! It is time to find your favourite trail in the northern wilderness.

Parks & gardens
As soon as the snow is gone, Estonian parks and gardens welcome all the green thumbs to gather new ideas and inspiration, and also just enjoy nature’s atmosphere and get a glimpse of Estonian cultural history.

Estonia could easily be the world’s best garden tourism destination. Come and discover our variety of different gardens and parks and see how the plants thrive in the local climate. Or gather knowledge and ideas what could be done at your own garden at home.

But even if you’re lacking a deep interest for gardening, there’s no need to feel left out. An evening jog through a majestic park built by a historical royality or a picnic in a peaceful botanical garden offers an aesthetical or therapeutical experience even when you’re not able to name each flower surrounding you.

Zoos and farms
The nearest nature getaway is rarely ever more than half an hour away from any urban spot in Estonia. Pack your family and a camera and head to the local pet zoo or wildlife parks and farms to experience the diversity of Estonian wildlife.

While you can explore species of animal from all stretches of the globe at Tallinn Zoo, there’s a range of wildlife parks out in the country where you can catch a glimpse of the brown bear, lynx and deer right here in their natural habitat.

You can even jump in and learn about the life in the country, with many farms welcoming visitors of all ages to experience the rural lifestyle first hand.

Bird watching holidays
Whether you are a pro bird-watcher or simply want to take the most out of your nature holiday, bird-watching is perfect for your to-do list with over 380 species of birds spotted in Estonia annually.

Estonia’s indented coastline, numerous islands, forests, bogs and other diverse cultural landscapes are all great spots for bird-watching. The best time for bird-watching is during their migration when millions of birds fill the skies.

Birding season begins as early as in March. Spring migration culminates in mid-May and the bird observation season winds down by mid-June. The autumn migration tends to be more modest, but draws enthusiasts to Estonia in September and October as well. Thanks to the large forest areas and suitable habitats, six species of eagle can be seen in Estonia as well as 8 of 9 European woodpecker species.

Horseback riding
Novices and expert horse riders of all ages can jump on the saddle and trot through Estonia’s sandy forest paths, dunes and wild beaches.

Horse riding holiday is very much a thing to do during your nature holiday in Estonia, whether you are going for a sledge ride on a snowy winter morning or looking to catch the late summer sunset by the sea. Estonia’s nature and coastline offer an enjoyable experience where you will relax your mind. Stay overnight or take a day trip to the many horse farms and ranches for a riding lesson and guided rides.

Tori horse breed is known to be originally from Estonia and you can visit Tori Farm which is the oldest of its kind in Estonia. Also many horseriding competitions take place in Estonia. One of the biggest is Tallinn International Horse Show, which is usually in October.