\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Matsalu National Park, south of Haapsalu, is a paradise for birdwatchers. Many of its sites are accessible by public transport. From Haapsalu, the easiest option is to take a local bus to the Puise Peninsula, a year-round birdwatching destination. During migration seasons, the narrow peninsula attracts large numbers of migrating songbirds, while summer specialties include species such as barred warblers and pied avocets. Next to the Puise bus stop is a low observation tower overlooking the peninsula and the sea. Before reaching the tip of the peninsula, visitors can stop at the P\u00f5gari coastal meadow, which hosts numerous waders and waterfowl during migration. In autumn, large flocks of cranes gather there.<\/p>\n Another easily accessible destination is the Keemu Bird Tower on the southern shore of Matsalu Bay. The bus terminates right next to the tower, making it easy to reach from Lihula. During migration seasons, visitors can observe thousands of geese, cranes and ducks on Matsalu Bay. Within walking distance is the village of Matsalu, which is also worth visiting. Buses can also be boarded at the Matsalu stop.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/strong>The Puise Peninsula can be reached from Haapsalu by bus 29, with a short transfer in Kiideva village. The bus stop near the tip of the peninsula is called <\/em>Puise nina. For P\u00f5gari Meadow, use the<\/em> P\u00f5gari-Sassi stop.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n Keemu can be reached from Lihula by buses L18 and L18-1. Lihula is served by numerous buses from Tallinn, Haapsalu, and P\u00e4rnu.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Toila Oru Park is among Estonia\u2019s most impressive parks. Its large and diverse landscape makes it an excellent destination year-round, although it is especially beautiful in summer and autumn. Visitors can enjoy a walk through the park and perhaps a picnic overlooking the scenic valley. It is also worth descending to the coast to see Toila\u2019s beautiful rocky shoreline.<\/p>\n Estonia\u2019s highest waterfall, Valaste, lies only about ten kilometres from Toila. Rising more than 30 metres, it is well worth seeing, as is the nearby Ontika Cliff, Estonia\u2019s highest limestone escarpment. A staircase leads from the waterfall down into the forest, where a nature trail continues to the shore. The short hike rewards visitors with impressive forest scenery and a rugged rocky coastline.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/strong>Toila Oru Park can be reached from J\u00f5hvi Bus Station by local bus 46. The stop is <\/em>Toila Oru park. Valaste Waterfall can be reached from J\u00f5hvi by bus 45. J\u00f5hvi itself is served several times daily by both trains and buses from Tallinn.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n The village of Kauksi on the northern shore of Lake Peipus is a beautiful destination featuring two nature trails. The Kauksi Stream Trail passes through an old pine forest and follows the stream\u2019s course. Views across Lake Peipus and Estonia\u2019s longest sandy beach are particularly impressive.<\/p>\n The Kauksi Dune Trail forms a longer circuit extending all the way to the Rannapungerja River. The northern shore of Lake Peipus offers excellent hiking infrastructure, including campsites and picnic areas. Kauksi is also home to the Alutaguse National Park Visitor Centre, where visitors can obtain maps and local hiking advice.<\/p>\n Between J\u00f5hvi and Kauksi lies the village of Iisaku. Its highest point, Iisaku Hill, features an observation tower offering views across Lake Peipus and the forests of Alutaguse. The tower is a short walk from the village centre.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/strong>Several buses operate daily between J\u00f5hvi and Kauksi. Long-distance buses travelling to Tartu also pass nearby.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n There is a saying in Estonia that every Estonian should visit Taevaskoda at least once in their lifetime. Located south of Tartu, Taevaskoda is certainly worth the journey. Its pale sandstone cliffs rise dramatically above the dark waters of the Ahja River.<\/p>\n Taevaskoda features two major sandstone outcrops: Great Taevaskoda and Small Taevaskoda. Both can be explored via a nature trail forming a circular route of several kilometres on both sides of the river. Along the trail are caves, old spruce forests and beautiful river landscapes. With some luck, visitors may even spot a kingfisher, the iconic bird associated with Taevaskoda.<\/p>\n Another remarkable destination is the Piusa Cave Complex, which can be reached on the same train line from Tartu. The caves were created through quartz sand mining for glass production. Today they are a popular visitor attraction where guests can learn about both the caves\u2019 history and the lives of bats. Thousands of bats from several species hibernate here each winter, making Piusa the largest bat wintering site in the Baltic region.<\/p>\n The cave complex is fascinating. Light-coloured vaulted chambers rise up to five metres high, creating the atmosphere of an underground cathedral. Although visitors can no longer venture deep inside, the caves can be viewed from a dedicated observation platform. A nature trail beginning near the visitor centre introduces the area\u2019s characteristic open pine forests.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/strong>Taevaskoda can be reached from Tartu Bus Station by bus 99D. Another option is to take a train from Tartu to <\/em>Taevaskoja station, followed by a 2.5-kilometre walk to the start of the nature trail.<\/em><\/p>\n Piusa can be reached directly by train from Tartu. The <\/em>Piusa station is located beside the Piusa Visitor Centre.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Tallinn has an excellent public transport network and offers easy access to nature directly from the city centre. One of the capital\u2019s finest natural destinations is the Paljassaare Peninsula. This coastal area is ideal for walking, birdwatching or simply enjoying the scenery. Birds can be observed from two separate observation towers. Notable species include penduline tits, bearded reedlings and common moorhens. During summer, Pikakari Beach on the peninsula is one of Tallinn\u2019s best swimming beaches. From the water\u2019s edge, visitors can admire Tallinn\u2019s constantly evolving skyline.<\/p>\n Other attractive nature destinations in Tallinn include Stroomi Beach, Kadriorg Park, the Pirita River Valley and P\u00e4\u00e4sk\u00fcla Bog.<\/p>\n A nature excursion from Tallinn can also include Aegna Island. Aegna is an ideal day-trip destination where visitors can see all the main attractions in a single day, including a 270-metre-long stone labyrinth.<\/p>\n More than 80 per cent of the island is covered by forest, which often surprises first-time visitors. The northern part of Aegna features beautiful pine forests and an excellent sandy beach. Three nature trails cross the island, passing a number of sites connected to military history.<\/p>\n How to get there: <\/strong>The ferry <\/em>Vegtind departs for Aegna Island from Patarei Harbour at the Linnahall pier. Tickets can be purchased in advance at sunlines.ee. The 14-kilometre sea journey takes only 30 minutes.<\/em><\/p>\n The Paljassaare Peninsula can be reached by bus 59 from Balti Jaam.<\/em><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Tallinn Bus Station is located approximately two kilometres from the city centre. Tickets can be purchased from station ticket machines and ticket offices, or online in advance at www.tpilet.ee<\/span><\/a><\/span>. Long-distance buses connect all parts of Estonia. Most coaches are modern and comfortable. For example, Lux Express buses feature entertainment screens for watching films. Bicycles can be transported free of charge on Lux Express services, but a space must be reserved in advance through the company\u2019s website.<\/p>\n Regional buses serving smaller towns and villages generally make more frequent stops. Journey planning information is available at peatus.ee. Services to nature destinations may be limited, so careful planning is recommended. Tickets can be purchased from the driver using cash, or paid with an \u00dchiskaart travel card or contactless bank card.<\/p>\n Trains provide convenient connections from Tallinn to destinations including Narva, Tartu, Rakvere and Viljandi. Modern trains feature toilets, comfortable seating and internet access. Bicycles are allowed on board, but between April and October a separate bicycle ticket must be purchased. It is advisable to check availability for bicycles on the Elron website before travelling. Tickets can be purchased online at www.elron.ee<\/span><\/a><\/span>, from ticket machines on board, or from conductors using contactless payment.<\/p>\n Tallinn\u2019s main railway station is called Balti Jaam.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/balticguide.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/kabli_f_mikko_virta-1024x683.jpg\")
Matsalu National Park<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/balticguide.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/paldiski_rong_f_mikko_virta-1024x576.jpg\")
Valaste Waterfall and Toila Oru Park<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/balticguide.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/ToilaOrupark-1024x625.jpg\")
Alutaguse National Park and the Northern Shore of Lake Peipus<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/balticguide.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/tbg_00_pic_taevaskoja_f_tatiana_metsala-1024x768.jpeg\")
Taevaskoda and the Piusa Caves<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/balticguide.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/BGprint_Aegna.jpg\")
Tallinn and Aegna Island<\/h2>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/balticguide.ee\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/naturetrain-1024x684.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nComfortable and Affordable Travel by Public Transport<\/h2>\n