Discover wild and wonderful Estonia
| 6th March 2019
Perfect for nature lovers or those seeking exciting outdoors experiences, Estonia, the green jewel of Northern Europe is set to meet the growing demand for holidays that promote physical and mental wellbeing in 2019.
This year, the destination encourages holidaymakers to come and experience its incredible forest territory, teeming wildlife and quirky activities. From an abundance of picturesque lakes and rivers perfect for a midnight dip, mysterious bogs best explored on foot wearing specialist bog-shoes, giant adrenaline inducing ‘Kiik’s’ nestled among the green foliage, soothing smoke saunas to relax in after an exhilarating day and a diverse range of vibrant wildlife, including birds, seals, bears and wolves, Estonia is an outdoor playground waiting to be discovered.
Bog walking
One of the best ways to get acquainted with this country’s vibrant fauna and flora is to put on special bog-shoes and go and explore its bogs. They are very important in Estonian folklore as places of mystery, ancient tales and mythical creatures. Bogs cover a fifth of mainland Estonia and here visitors can spot rare species of birds and plants. The Viru bog, one of the most accessible bogs in the country, runs through the forest of Lahemaa National Park in Northern Estonia, and it is accessible for wheelchair users and families with prams, thanks to the overhead boardwalk.
Midnight swimming
Midsummer’s Day, 20th June 2019, known as Jaanipäev, will mark the beginning of Estonia’s ‘White Nights’, when summer days extend into the night. With the sun barely setting on Midsummer’s Eve, Estonia becomes the perfect destination for those wanting to experience a midnight dip. With over 3,700 km of Baltic coastline and a number of large lakes, Estonia has plenty of beaches to choose from to experience the sun and sand at night. Top picks include the thrill of swimming during ‘The Night of Ancient Bonfires’ along the Baltic coast, in the light on the beach in Pärnu, the main seaside city of the southern coast, the magical surroundings of Saareema island or at the beautiful Leigo Lake.
Bear-spotting
A two-hour drive from Tallinn, two watching hides deep within Alutaguse await nature lovers wishing to spend a couple of days in the wilderness. Tour operators, Natourest, organise specialised guides to take participants on a hike in the forest to spot bear tracks while giving information about the local flora and fauna. Other endemic animals such as raccoon dogs, elks, otters, roe deers and red foxes can also be spotted. After sunset, the group can retire to wooden cabins in the simple, yet comfortable and cosy watching hide whilst the guide scatters food outside to attract the bears.
Howling tours
There is something about wolves in the wild that instantly takes visitors to a fairy-tale-filled world. Around 200 wolves live in Estonian forests and have been inhabiting these lands for over 10,000 years. Even if extremely difficult to spot them, as nocturnal and shy creatures, local tour operators like Natourest offer visitors the opportunity to take part in ‘howling’ trips. Holidaymakers can embark on a magical night-time safari and, if the evening is particularly clear and there is no wind, they will hear them howl.
Natourest offers eight-day long ‘mammal tours’ during autumn in Alutaguse, Estonia’s largest forest area, covering most of its north-eastern part, with the opportunity to spot elks, brown bears, ringed seals and beavers.
Kiiking
Daredevils of all ages will love kiiking. Kiik means ‘swing’ in the local language and kiiking, one of Estonians’ favourite sports, involves standing on an enormous swing and pumping the whole body with the goal of rotating 360 degrees. It is not for the faint of heart, but it is a lot of fun. Participants need stamina and some physical strength, because the longer the arms of the swing, the harder it is to gain height. Suited for children and adults alike, with swings of different heights, kiiking can be practiced all over the country. Near Pärnu, one of the main cities of Estonia, the Seikle Vabaks team offers kiiking lessons for up to six people, from April to September.
Smoke Saunas
The smoke sauna tradition of Old Võromaa, so ancient and unique that it has made its way onto UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, forms an important part of everyday life in the Võro community and is another example of how the Estonian culture utilises nature for its beneficial, purifying properties. The rich aroma of burning wood is complemented by the hearty notes of the meat smoked in the sauna, birch boughs and sauna honey. The smoke saunas comprise a rich set of traditions including bathing customs and the skills involved in making bath whisks from oak or linden branches, carefully selected for their intricate healing properties. The saunas are usually built next to a pond, enticing bathers to go for a rejuvenating dip in the nearby waters.
EasyJet Holidays offers a 7-night stay from £696.49 based on two adults sharing a double or twin room with breakfast included, at Von Stackelbery Hotel Tallinn.
For more information on travelling to Estonia, visit www.visitestonia.com