20.11.2025 | Nature

Six Trails Into Estonian Nature

Estonia has plenty of wonderful nature trails. Here we present six different routes that take the traveller into stunning landscapes—from seashores to river valleys, and forests as well as bogs.

Text and photos Mikko Virta

The Altja nature trail passes by old net sheds. From there you can admire the beautiful sea view and look out for birds on the bay.

Kauksioja Trail—the magnificent coastal pine forests of Lake Peipus

The trail running along the northern shore of Lake Peipus leads the traveller into a beautiful coastal pine forest rising on former sand dunes. Old scaly-bark pines, the open waters of Lake Peipus visible between the trees, and perfect natural tranquillity make the trail a wonderful whole. The nature experience is crowned by the Kauksioja stream, around which the trail forms a loop. This easy-to-walk trail is suitable for the whole family, and it can be started from the car park of the Alutaguse National Park Nature Centre.

3.6 km, easy to walk;
Sights: Estonia’s longest sandy beach, Lake Peipus, impressive coastal pine forest, Alutaguse Nature Centre.

Lake Peipus and Estonia’s longest sandy beach can be found along the Kauksioja trail.

Altja Nature Trail—maritime Lahemaa

The Altja trail in Lahemaa National Park starts from the village of the same name, near the Altja Tavern. At the beginning of the route you pass, among other things, the traditional thatched-roof net buildings, and the beautiful coastal scenery. The large glacial erratics characteristic of Lahemaa stand out in the landscape. From the shore, the trail dives into the depths of the forest, where coastal pines give way to spruce and mixed forest. In addition to nature, the Altja trail also introduces visitors to local history and fishing village traditions. On weekends it’s worth starting early, as the trail can become crowded later in the day.

3 km, circular route;
Sights: Altja Tavern and net buildings, beautiful coastal scenery, glacial erratics, coastal forest.

The Kabli nature trail is partly accessible. It leads through a beautiful coastal grove to the Kabli Bird Station.

Kabli Trail—coastal nature of the Gulf of Riga

The Kabli nature trail south of Pärnu begins in the yard of the nature centre. The accessible route leads through a coastal grove to the seashore, where a low viewing platform awaits. From there you can scan the Gulf of Riga’s coastline, an excellent birdwatching area. During migration seasons, waterbirds and waders can be observed along the coast. The wide wooden path guides the visitor through the forest to a coastal meadow, beside which stand a birdwatching tower and the Kabli Bird Station. It is worth climbing the tower to enjoy the coastal view from above. Along the trail are wooden cabinets containing information about the area’s nature, including birds and mammals. The return route to the starting point runs through the coastal forest. On the same visit, it is also worth stopping by the Kabli Nature Centre.

1.8 km, circular route. Partly accessible;
Sights: Kabli Nature Centre, bird station, and beautiful coastal nature.

From the Ingatsi trail’s tower opens an impressive view over the enormous Kuresoo.

Ingatsi Trail—the enchantment of the bog world

Located in the heart of Soomaa National Park, the Ingatsi trail leads travellers to the edge of a vast bog area. Kuresoo is one of Estonia’s largest bogs, covering an impressive 11,000 hectares. The boardwalk makes a small loop along the edge of the bog, passing several picturesque bog pools. In summer you can take a dip in them, as swimmers are provided with ladders. A good sense of the expanse of Kuresoo can be gained from the viewing tower located on the bog’s edge. One special feature of this bog is that you must climb up onto it—Kuresoo rises 6–8 metres above the surrounding landscape. In addition to the bog, the trail passes through various forest environments.

4.3 km, partly circular route;
During flooding, parts of the trail may be underwater;
Sights: Estonia’s largest bog, viewing tower, bog pools, various forest types.

The first floor of the Silmakari bird tower is wheelchair-accessible. From the tower you can look out over Käina Bay, one of Hiiumaa’s best birdwatching sites.

Orjaku Trail—in the middle of a bird paradise

The Orjaku nature trail on Hiiumaa is perfectly suited for the whole family. The easy and partly accessible route leads through reedbeds to the Silmakari birdwatching tower. If you wish, you can return along the meadow to the car park. If you still have energy, you can continue along the trail to a second tower. Information boards along the route introduce the nature of the reedbeds, the bay, and the meadow. Käina Bay is one of Estonia’s best bird wetlands, and from the tower you may see, in addition to hundreds of ducks and geese, great egrets, black-tailed godwits, and white-tailed eagles. The symbol bird of Käina is the beautiful avocet, of which dozens can sometimes be seen at once. On the same trip, it is also worth visiting the nearby Orjaku bird tower.

700 m–2 km, partly circular route;
The fine Silmakari bird tower offers views over the bay;
Sights: During migration, waterbirds and waders, beautiful coastal meadows.

The Taevaskoda sandstone wall is enchantingly beautiful.

Taevaskoda—deep spruce forests and sandstone walls

There is a saying in Estonia that every Estonian must visit Taevaskoda at least once in their life to see the famous sandstone cliff. So it is no wonder that the Taevaskoda trail is especially busy in summer. The famous natural sight is truly worth seeing. From the dark-flowing Ahja River rises a vertical, light-brown sandstone wall, showing layers of different shades. The nature trail passes both the Small and the Great Taevaskoda. Along the route you also encounter caves, springs, and magnificent deep spruce forest, making the three-kilometre effort worthwhile. The symbol bird of Taevaskoda is the kingfisher, of which you may catch a glimpse of brilliant blue if you are lucky.

Length: 3 km, circular route;
Many steep ascents and descents;
Sights: The Taevaskoda sandstone cliffs, caves, springs, the Ahja River.

Estonia’s nature trails

Estonia has hundreds of nature trails and routes. Most of them are maintained by RMK—the Estonian State Forest Management Centre. In winter, it’s best to check in advance whether the trail is maintained during the cold season. Estonia also has several long-distance hiking routes that cross the whole country.

Information about nature trails is available in Estonian and English on RMK’s website, which also includes detailed maps and hiking services;
Trails crossing all of Estonia;
Coastal hiking trail;
Forest hiking trail.