The Lemmjõgi forest is an old floodplain forest. These types of forests are rare in Estonia and have disappeared from Europe. The trail begins at the Kildu-Tõramaa road near the Kuusekäära Farm, goes along the floodplain meadow by River Raudna, then continues on the shore through the floodplain forest to the place Rivers Raudna and Lemmjõgi meet and fascinating oaks grow. The trail heads back along the shore of River Lemmjõgi.
The Meiekose study trail winds along the banks of the Raudna and Tõramaa Rivers before reaching the meadows at the mouth of the Tõramaa River, which forms part of the heritage landscape of Soomaa National Park. At the Tõramaa end of the trail at the mouth of the Tõramaa River is an ancient village where you can see the huts, saunas and other aspects of the daily lives of Stone Age people. The 2.8-kilometre trail also boasts other sights: a wide variety of plants, some beautiful oxbows, gnarled oak trees and old farms. There are a number of rest points along the trail where you can make fires and camp. The Meiekose hiking trail ends approximately 2 km from its starting point on the Riisa-Tõramaa road.
The 3 km Ingatsi nature study trail starts at Karuskose before winding its way through the forest to Kuresoo bog, which, at 8 metres, is Europe's highest bog. The viewing platform offers beautiful views over the bog landscape, including the surrounding Toonoja forests. The boardwalk then continues on around picturesque pools, meandering through the bog before directing walkers back the way they came. The full hike takes at least 1.5 hours. The trail has a number of rest areas in which you can rest your legs and take a dip in the refreshing waters.
What do you know about beavers and their habits? Beaver is an enthusiastic rodent and known for its excellent dam building skills.
Starting from the Soomaa National Park Visitor Centre, the Beaver Trail introducing the habits of beavers takes you through the woods to see a number of beaver lodges and dams.
With plenty of evidence of beaver activity throughout the entire trail, it won't be long until you'll find chopped down trees and all sorts of den construction before finishing the trail surrounded by a variety of native plants.
Come and enjoy an adventure with friends and family!
This adventurous day in Soomaa National Park is a combination of a bog-shoe hike and canoeing.
An experienced guide leads you through the forest to Estonia's biggest bog –Kuresoo. A pair of special bog-shoes will help you in crossing parts of the bog you would otherwise be unable to, offering an unforgettable experience. The bog-shoes keep your head above water and protect the landscape at the same time! After a lunch in the great outdoors, we continue on with a relaxing canoe trip along the national park's rivers.
The best way to make the most of the white summer nights is to go hiking! Night canoe trip is an exotic way of spending warm summer nights. Things look different in the dark, and sometimes we can't see everything, but only hear it - or imagine it! Night trips are led by experienced local tour guides and the trip takes place on a calm Raudna River (3 hours). The trip takes us to beaver habitat and if we are lucky we might get a chance to observe beavers in their natural environment. The language of the trip is English!
NB! Transfers from Pärnu are also available for an extra fee.
Everyone who heads out on one of these hikes in Soomaa National Park is given a pair of bog shoes and will be led by a local guide, who will provide instructions and tell interesting stories about the area. You will get to experience the thrill of walking in places that would otherwise be inaccessible.
Interesting to know: bog shoes have been around for a long time – they were first used by our ancestors for moving around in the bogs.
The hikes last from 2 to 5 hours. The price depends on the size of the group.
NB! We do not organise hikes during the period in spring when birds are nesting.
Every Estonian loves cranberries. A local nature guide will introduce the wonderful bogs with numerous bog pools, soft hollows, and secret streams. We will give each participant snowshoes, which will make moving in the bogs easier.
Fun fact: Estonians use cranberries to make juice and as a cure for diseases. The first cultivated cranberries were grown in Estonia, one of the varieties is named ‘Kuresoo’ (Crane Bog).
