Overview

Lahemaa National Park 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 sediment plains winding along the peninsula. Forest, wetland, and coastal ecosystems exist side-by-side with geological, historical, and architectural monuments. Extensive forest paths provide easy access for picking berries and mushrooms.

As an important feeding spot for birds migrating between the Arctic and Western Europe, Matsalu National Park is one of the most famous European bird-watching sites and a true paradise for nature lovers.

Soomaa National Park is home to massive wetlands, but it has become the most famous park thanks to a natural phenomenon called 'the fifth season.' During this flood time, up to 17,500 hectares of lower forests, roads, and yards can only be navigated by water. It's a perfect place for a canoe trip.

A haven for seal and orchid lovers, Vilsandi National Park is home to Estonia’s largest grey seal colony and many kinds of seabirds. Fossil limestone terraces wait to be discovered, along with the westernmost point of Estonia – Nootamaa Island.

Karula National Park 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 leaves plenty of space to explore.

The youngest of Estonia's national parks, Alutaguse National Park 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, this park is a sanctuary for wild birds and animals. Several mammals, such as wolves, bears, and lynx, move between Estonia and Russia via Alutaguse's migration routes.



Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1 | Tallinn

Arrive in Tallinn where the airport is located in close vicinity to the city centre. Make your way to your hotel.

Estonia's UNESCO world heritage capital Tallinn was granted city rights in the 13th century by the King of Denmark. Since then, the streets of Tallinn have seen many world powers, from the Danes and Swedes to Germans, and tsarist and Soviet Russia. Tallinn's Old Town is filled with medieval houses and alleyways and is still protected by the remnants of the city wall. The wealth of architecture in Tallinn means that there are many legends and stories to explore. In addition to the city's medieval core, newly revamped districts such as Noblessner, Telliskivi, and Rotermann offer cool architecture, hip cafes and vibrant street art.

The newly opened hotel, Nunne Boutique Hotel, in the heart of the Old Town is your base in Tallinn. Here you are moments away from iconic landmarks, lush parks and vibrant marketplaces. Tallinn Old Town is a UNESCO World Heritage delight and one of the best preserved medieval Old Town’s in Europe. Explore the Town Hall Square, the vibrant heart of the city since the 13th Century. Visit St. Olaf’s Church, once considered the tallest building in the world and enjoy a 360 degree view from the church tower. Explore the town on foot and relax in one of the cosy cafés where you can sample local delicacies.

Stay 3 nights at the Nunne Boutique Hotel.

Day 4 | Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park

Pick up your hire car and head east along the coast road to Lahemaa National Park.

ÖÖD Hötels Laheranna is located in the beautiful pine forest next to Ihasalu bay, where the relaxing surroundings blend with the sandy beach and skyline to provide a thoroughly relaxing experience. Your stay is in an Estonian mirror house immersed in the forest. Wake up in the midst of the night to the sounds of bird song or in summer enjoy the long white nights.

Jõelähtme district is filled with hiking trails, beaches, and landmarks such as the Jägala Waterfall, Estonia’s highest waterfall. Visit Viru bog for bog hiking and bog swimming. The area has been made accessible with a specially constructed boardwalk and observation tower, which gives visitors an up close and rare view of nature in this unique wetland.

Head to Vihasoo coastal meadow, the most bird-populated area of Lahemaa National Park. There, you will see the islands of the Gulf of Eru, which are the nesting area for 26 species of birds and a stopping place for migratory birds which you can view from the 7m high tower.

Overnight ÖÖD Hötels Laheranna.

Day 5 | Laheranna to Vihula

Explore the region and beautiful untouched beaches of the west coast with a stay at Vihula Manor. The Manor was built during the era of the von Schuberts, between 1820 and 1880. It has since been fully restored and renovated, and now houses a fine restaurant and luxury spa hotel. The Manor is set alongside the Mustoja River in the Lahemaa National Park only 4 km from the Baltic Sea.

Lahemaa National Park is home to the best that Estonian nature has to offer including lush native forests, wetlands stretching to the horizon, and both rocky and sandy beaches.

Many of the park’s winding roads have been in use since ancient times but there is little human activity except for small villages here and there. Marvel at the giant boulders along the coast, Lahemaa has the largest deposit of erratic boulders in Europe.

Home to many wild animals, look out for moose, wild boar, bears, and lynx as well as a large variety of bird species. In the valley between Oandu and Altja, beavers are busy at work.

Perhaps stop for lunch at MICHELIN restaurant Mere 38 for some Estonia flavours. Afterwards, discover the cultural heritage of Estonia's coastal areas. Quaint fishing villages such as Käsmu, Altja, and Viinistu tell the story of Estonians at sea — check out restored net sheds and centuries-old farmhouses. The Soviet Union also left its mark on Lahemaa — remains of former military facilities can still be found there today.

Stay 2 nights at Vihula Manor Country Club & Spa.

Day 7 | Depart

Return to Tallinn airport where you will drop off your hire car and fly home.

Why we love it

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All images courtesy of ©Priidu Saart, Remo Savisaar, Mati Kose, T Tuul, Mariann Liimal, Jarek Joepera