16.11.2021 | Nature

Pääskula Bog – Experience the Peace and Mystery of Estonian Bogs without Leaving Tallinn

Text and photos Mark Taylor

Did you know that around 22% of Estonia is covered with bogs, fens and wetlands? This creates truly unique wetland landscapes that are rarely seen anywhere else in the world. That are not just incredibly important habitats for plants and wildlife, but important places of peace and mystery in Estonian Folklore.

If you are in Tallinn for just a few days, you may think that heading out of the city to one of the well-known bogs such as Viru Raba is just not possible with the time you have. However, Pääskula Bog (known locally as Pääskula Raba) is within Tallinn City borders.

At Pääskula Bog, there are a number of different routes through and across the bog, the most popular of which is the 4km red route which is mostly on wooden boardwalks across the bog and includes a wooden observation tower.

All of the routes are very popular with locals, so don’t be surprised to see dog walkers, families, and runners on the various routes – especially at the weekend.

Although Pääskula Bog is not the best example of a bog in Estonia and information boards are in Estonian. It is a peaceful and mysterious place (especially if the low fog rolls in) that gives you a good understanding of the nature that awaits outside the city.

If you are travelling there after rain or on colder and icy days, we recommend wearing sturdy shoes or boots, because the wooden boardwalks can get very slippy.

You can get close to Pääskula Raba on both the number 5 (Manniku entrance) and number 18 buses (Hiiu entrance) from the city centre. However, it is probably best to go there by Taxi (about 15 minutes and 5-7 euros from the city centre) because this will save you a lot of time and an extra walk.

To start planning your trip…