Best hiking trails for children

As soon as they are old enough to explore on their own two feet, kids are drawn to nature. Estonia is a perfect place for introducing the pleasures of hiking to your little ones. Follow clearly marked hiking trails that lead to exciting places, and let your little ones experience the joy of discovery!

Thousands of kilometers of hiking trails criss-cross Estonia. There is no shortage of trails to explore with your little ones, but we've put together a few of our favorites, plus additional attractions in the area.

North Estonia

West of Tallinn, you'll find the Keila-Joa Park nature trail. Locals love it here – the waterfalls, manor stairs, and suspension bridges turn the park into a real fairytale! No wonder newlyweds come here to take photographs and add their wedding locks. Keila-Joa is gorgeous in all seasons. During autumn, the entire area is awash in reds, oranges, and yellows. Wintertime brings chandeliers made of icicles and summer offers a delightful display from the waterfall and its cascading foam. Children love exploring the waterfall up close — take care as sometimes the rocks can be slippery. Keila-Joa Manor and the Schloss Fall Museum make for perfect additions if you need to take a break and grab something to eat at their cafe.

West Estonia

If you're already on holiday in Pärnu, take a day to explore Soomaa National Park. Riisa study trail is perfect for a family-friendly hike. The trail is rather wide, meaning that is accessible by wheelchair or with a stroller. The viewing tower offers a superb view of Soomaa's infamous wetlands! Older children might want to try a canoe trip down one of the park's many rivers, while younger kids will get a kick out of the friendly animals at the Tipi Nature School.

South Estonia

Locals believe that the nature in South Estonia is the prettiest in the entire country. Meandering rivers, sandstone outcrops and picturesque lakes add to the region's many charms. Taevaskoja hiking trail is a real gem. This is where you can see all the characteristics of the region in one place. The riverbank above the Ahja River Valley is golden, the walls are covered in pine tree roots, and the water line hides various caves. If you want to take your kids to a place guaranteed to get them hooked on nature (and off their phones), this is the perfect spot. If you're already in South Estonia, then make sure to stop by one of Tartu's many kid-friendly attractions, especially the AHHAA Science Centre.

Hiiumaa

When compared to the larger and more popular Saaremaa, Hiiumaa is a well-kept secret. The Orjaku study trail takes hikers through the reed beds of Käina Gulf, across long boardwalks, and to places where it's possible to see all sorts of interesting birds. Exploring forests with kids is best when the forest is not too wild. Boardwalks mean you'll get the children back to the car with dry feet and not completely covered in mud. The boardwalk takes you over wetlands, water, marshes – you'll feel like you're walking on water! Combine your hike with a visit to the Windtower Exprience Centre. The entire family will find something to like about the interactive exhibits, not to mention the Baltic's highest indoor climbing wall!

Circular hiking trails are the crème de la crème of day hikes. You don't need to worry about your return transport or walk back the exact same way. Circular hiking trails give you the chance to get to know the landscape of a particular area more closely than usual. And they come with the extra satisfaction of finishing your route exactly where you started!

Circular hiking trails are especially good for family hiking trips. You can leave your car at the beginning and the trail takes you right back to it at the end. Plus, you can find the right length for your little hikers; youngsters will enjoy hikes up to three kilometers while your teens might be able to manage a route of five kilometers or more. Whether you come out for a solo hike or a family trip, all you have to do is enjoy your time in nature.

Here are the best circular hiking trails in Estonia:

Estonian hiking trails are easily accessible by car, and some you can even reach by bus or train. Most have parking areas, a WC, and picnic tables. Some even have campfire spots, so you might want to pack along a bag of marshmallows for a sweet treat after the hike!