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6. MATSALU NATIONAL PARK The best way to visit this park is with a canoe or boat; you will meet sea eagles, beavers, and perhaps even a swimming deer.
7. KIHNU ISLAND You will see women dressed in traditional folk clothing at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the lighthouse that was
3. KÕPU LIGHTHOUSE The world’s third oldest that is still in use was built in 1531. The lighthouse is open daily to visitors.
4. OSMUSSAAR ISLAND Many would say that this is Estonia’s most unique island. In summer, the meadows are filled with beautiful orchids in bloom.
5. BICYCLE TOURS From Tallinn you can ride west towards Haapsalu along the 60km-long bike path. The path starts at Riisipere. Visit the tiny islands of Vormsi and Kihnu by bike as well.
10. CAMPING Camping in tents on campsites is free, or
9. HIKE ACROSS ESTONIA The 370km hike begins on the beaches of the Gulf of Finland in Lahemaa and ends at the Latvian border in Pikla. For more information visit: www.rmk.ee
8. CANOEING The rivers at Soomaa National Park are perfect for a paddling adventure. The river dams seem even bigger from the canoe. You will also find great rivers for paddling in Southern Estonia and in Lahemaa National Park.
just opened to visitors again this spring. You might even see a seal or two on your way over to the island.
Gulf of Riga
The island also offers visitors fascinating history, birds, and geology.
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13. PIUSA CAVES These sandstone caves stretch on for hundreds of meters underground. The best
12. TAMME LAURI OAK Estonia’s widest and oldest tree measures eight metres around. This 700-year-old tree has seen many events throughout Estonian history and even offered a hiding place for Forest Brothers.
11. STORKS Driving around Estonia you may have noticed gigantic nests atop telephone poles. There are many stork nests in Southern Estonia, as well as on the islands of Saaremaa and Hiiumaa.
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15. BEAR WATCHING Find huts in Eastern Estonia to watch and photograph bears. You might even see a wolf from time to time.
14. RIVER CRUISE ON THE EMAJÕGI RIVER A trip on this historic barge will take you back 500 years. The voyage starts in Tartu and finishes at Lake Peipsi.
way to see them is with a guided tour. In autumn, the caves offer hibernation for thousands of bats.
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rent a summer cabin. For more information and maps visit www.rmk.ee
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For more information visit: www.visitestonia.com
16. ONTIKA CLIFF AND VALASTE WATERFALL One of Estonia’s most beautiful natural sights is the Ontika limestone cliff and the highest waterfall (30.5 m) in the Baltics.
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2. ANGLA WINDMILLS These restored windmills are certainly worth a visit. Step back in time 100 years to see what life was like on the island of Saaremaa.
1. VILSANDI NATIONAL PARK Marine wildlife at every turn: seals, sea birds, and some of the most beautiful orchids in the north.
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TEKSTI TEXT MIKKO VIRTA, ILLUSTRATION EVE JAANSOO
Summer Nature Destinations in Estonia
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