Estonia walks

In Pärnu County, in south-western Estonia, this nature trail winds its way along a boardwalk through one of the country’s most unique landscapes. It first climbs a pine-covered sand dune – one of the highest in the country – where a tall wooden tower offers sweeping views over the Tolkuse bog and its mosaic of pools. The circular route then heads into the heart of the marsh, to a viewing platform situated on the edge of the largest pool, before returning through a damp birch forest.

On Estonia’s west coast, Haapsalu’s wooden houses and promenades stretch along the edge of a shallow bay; this former seaside resort was once prized for its therapeutic mud. This circular walk takes in the main sights. You’ll first reach the medieval bishop’s castle and its cathedral, then head to the seafront and its wooden viewing platforms overlooking the bay. You then walk along vast coastal meadows where, in spring, huge flocks of migratory geese gather, before skirting the bay along its tranquil shores, from where the picture-postcard view of the castle rising above the water comes into view. The return journey takes you past the historic railway station and its railway museum, renowned for its very long covered wooden platform. An ideal getaway combining heritage, the seaside and birdwatching.

To the west of Tallinn, on the banks of the River Keila and very close to the Gulf of Finland, Keila-Joa Manor Park unfolds its paths and lawns beneath tall trees. This circular walk first takes you to the foot of Keila Juga Waterfall, one of Estonia’s widest waterfalls, which can be viewed from both banks via a series of footbridges. It then crosses the park and its stone-lined canal, winds its way up the wooded valley to the ruins of Meremõisa Manor, before reaching the Benckendorff Chapel-Mausoleum, nestled in a pine forest on Kabelimägi Hill. An ideal walk combining the power of a waterfall with the charm of a park steeped in history.

This route, easily accessible from Tallinn by public transport, allows you to visit a beautiful peat bog that is ultimately not very frequented. The description draws attention to the deterioration of part of the route and allows you to avoid it. Trying to force your way through would certainly be very dangerous. This is an easy hike if you follow this description, but it cannot be done without walking through water up to your calves for a few hundred metres.

This gentle walk brings you along marsh/bogs visiting the peaceful Suur Suujärv lake where you can do some birdwatching. You will mainly walk on boardwalks until reaching an observation tower to get a view of the treetops and flatlands. This walk is part of the locally known Meenikunno matkarada walk. The best is to get two cars, one at the start and one at the end.

This short but interesting walk brings you to an actual meteorite crater called Põrguhaud or “Grave of hell". On the way learn about some local stories and beliefs illustrated by carved wood.