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National Parks in Estonia
Over 10% of Estonia’s land territory is designated a protected area which includes nature reserves, landscape reserves and five national parks.
They are free and easy to access, unspoilt and offer numerous holiday accommodation options.
Karula National Park: Estonia’s smallest national park, well forested and with 38 lakes, home to many animals including moose, lynx, wild boar, red squirrels plus over 150 bird species.
Lahemaa National Park: Estonia’s largest and also closest to Tallinn, so ideal for a day trip. It is home to permanent communities of bear, wolf and lynx and edged by deserted beaches and small fishing villages.
Matsalu National Park: Includes Matsalu bay, the delta area of the Kasari River and 40 islands. It is a favourite of bird watchers as Matsalu is an important autumn stopover point for migrating birds. Easy to reach from Tallinn and Haapsalu.
Soomaa National Park: The “land of bogs” is Estonia’s second largest national park and a place to spot brown bears, golden eagles and rare orchids. Some years after the winter snow thaws the whole area floods and becomes the ideal place for a canoeing holiday.
Vilsandi National Park: Vilsandi contains 160 islands and is a very popular bird watching location and a place to watch grey seals give birth. It’s a great stop on your way to visit Saaremaa, Estonia’s largest island.
