3 reasons to come to Estonia for bogshoeing

Estonia is rich in nature, it always has been. The roots of Estonian people are in nature, it is where they draw energy and strength from, so it should come as no surprise that they tend to escape to nature every chance they get. There are no high mountains in Estonia, however, there are plenty of smooth marshes and bogs. Estonians even have a saying: all Estonian roads lead to the bog. Into the bogland they go, to free their mind and find their soul! 

While the word may have various meanings, a bog in Estonia is the oldest local organic landscape, reaching in some cases up to 10,000 years of age. Originating from the Ice Age and forming for thousands of years, bogs have been a source of food, refuge, and more recently – holidaying. The water in bog lakes is extremely pure - bog water has low mineral content and a very high concentration of organic matter. A bog is also a stomping ground for Estonian wild animals, including foxes and rabbits, as well as moose, deer, wolves, badgers, and lizards. Bogs are top destinations for birdwatching. Keep in mind that you will be entering their home so tread carefully and respectfully. 

Estonian folklore is full of stories regarding bogs – such as the lighting phenomenon called virvatuled, also knows as fairy lights. This can usually be observed at night in wetlands, especially in marshes and bogs.

1. Bogshoeing – the most nature-friendly form of hiking

Bogshoeing is pretty unique to Estonia, and it is the most fun and nature-friendly form of hiking in Estonia. Bogshoes are racket-shaped footwear you put on your feet in order to help you walk on soft surfaces. Since bog soil is soft and wet, you would most likely sink into it if you were to walk on foot. Bogshoes help you move across the surface of the bog without damaging it. In wintertime, bog shoes (or snowshoes) help you walk on snow.

In the old days, bogshoes were made from leather or woven from wicker, modern bogshoes are made from durable plastic with non-skid teeth attached underneath. Maximum convenience! Step right ahead, because bogshoes allow you to go where no boardwalk can take you and lead you to places you could never reach on foot. What makes it especially great is that bogshoeing does not require any special knowledge or skills. It is simple and suitable for people of all ages who can move around by foot.

Why should I go for a hike in a bog at all? Because it is a place where peace and quiet, and untouched wilderness still prevails. Have you every stood in the middle of a bog and heard... nothing? Exactly. No cars, people, bells and whistles surrounding you. 

2. Beauty and charm

Autumn and winter are said to be the best time for bogshoeing, however, just like every season is different, bogshoeing can also offer fun experiences during each time of year. Come in the winter and admire frozen bog lakes and discover animal tracks in the snow. Come in the summer to search for cloudberries and bathe in bog lakes. Come in the autumn and enjoy vibrant colours and pick cranberries. You will surely experience something special if you come bogshoeing during sunrise on an early morning. At that time, the bog landscape acquires a particularly magic and enchanting aura – bog lakes are steaming and thousands of spiderwebs are covered in dew drops. Once the sun rises, they magically disappear. No, it is not a fairy tale, it is completely true!

3. Trust yourself in the care of your hiking guide

You can also rent bogshoes and go to the bog on your own, but it would be best to go with an experienced hiking guide. They will provide you with bogshoes and take you to the most exciting places. They can also tell you great stories of bygone days, bog monsters, and legends, as well as share knowledge of bog flora and fauna. Hiking guides can draw your attention to places you might just walk by on your own. Since the air in the bog is always clean and the water always fresh, you should not be surprised if your hiking guide makes you tea from bog water. A fire is often set up after a couple of hours of hiking and hikers are offered a refreshing meal. What could be better?

Please remember that although bogshoeing can be done all year round, the period from April 23 to June 23 is the time of snowshoe peace.

Service providers:

• Seikle Vabaks bog shoe hike in Tolkuse bog
• Bogshoe hike in Rubina bog in Mulgimaa
• Bogshoeing in Lahemaa National Park
• Bogshoeing and snowshoeing in Meenikunno bog
• Bog-shoeing in northern Kõrvemaa
• Soomaa.com guided bog shoe hike in Soomaa National Park
• Themed hikes to little known bogs of Rapla County
• A safari and bogshoe hike in Kakerdaja bog