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Soomaa National Park, Eesti - Things to Do in Soomaa National Park

Things to Do in Soomaa National Park

Soomaa National Park, Eesti - Complete Travel Guide

Soomaa National Park in Estonia is a pristine wilderness area renowned for its vast raised bogs, ancient floodplains, and unique seasonal flooding phenomenon known as the 'fifth season.' This 390-square-kilometer protected area represents one of Europe's largest bog complexes, offering visitors an extraordinary opportunity to experience untouched wetland ecosystems. The park's name translates to 'land of bogs,' perfectly capturing its essence as a landscape shaped by millennia of peat formation and natural water cycles. The park's most distinctive feature is its annual spring flooding, when snowmelt and rain transform the landscape into a temporary inland sea, accessible only by traditional dugout canoes called 'haabjas.' Beyond the flooding season, Soomaa offers excellent hiking through boardwalk trails across sphagnum bogs, wildlife watching opportunities including brown bears, lynx, and numerous bird species, and a chance to experience one of Estonia's most serene and mystical natural environments.

Top Things to Do in Soomaa National Park

Bog Walking and Boardwalk Trails

Explore the park's extensive network of wooden boardwalks that wind through pristine raised bogs, offering close encounters with unique bog vegetation including carnivorous plants, colorful sphagnum mosses, and stunted pine trees. The trails provide safe passage across otherwise inaccessible terrain while protecting the fragile ecosystem.

Booking Tip: No booking required for self-guided walks, but guided bog walks cost around €15-25 per person. Visit during late spring to early autumn for best conditions, and wear waterproof footwear as boardwalks can be slippery.

Traditional Dugout Canoe Tours

Experience the park's famous 'fifth season' flooding by paddling traditional Estonian dugout canoes through flooded forests and meadows. These unique vessels, carved from single tree trunks, are the only way to navigate the seasonal floodwaters that transform the landscape each spring.

Booking Tip: Tours available March-May during flood season, costing €35-50 per person for 2-3 hours. Book with certified operators like RMK or local guides, and dress warmly with waterproof layers as spring weather can be unpredictable.

Wildlife Watching and Photography

The park serves as habitat for large mammals including brown bears, wolves, lynx, and elk, along with diverse birdlife such as golden eagles, cranes, and various bog-specialized species. Early morning and evening offer the best chances for wildlife encounters.

Booking Tip: Free for independent wildlife watching, but guided tours cost €40-60 per person. Visit during dawn or dusk hours, bring binoculars and telephoto lens, and consider staying overnight in nearby accommodations for multiple viewing opportunities.

Cultural Heritage Experiences

Learn about traditional bog farming, peat cutting, and local folklore through visits to heritage sites and demonstrations of traditional crafts. The park area has been inhabited for centuries, with locals developing unique ways to live alongside the challenging wetland environment.

Booking Tip: Cultural programs cost €20-30 per person and are best arranged through the RMK visitor center. Available year-round but most programs run during summer months. Contact visitor center in advance to arrange demonstrations.

Snowshoeing and Winter Activities

During winter months, the frozen bogs and forests become accessible for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing, offering a completely different perspective of the landscape. The snow-covered terrain reveals animal tracks and provides opportunities for winter photography.

Booking Tip: Snowshoe rentals available for €15-20 per day from local operators. Winter guided tours cost €30-40 per person. Best conditions December through March, but check weather conditions and daylight hours as winter days are very short.

Getting There

Soomaa National Park is located in southwestern Estonia, approximately 100 kilometers from Tallinn. The most convenient access is by rental car, taking about 1.5 hours via the A4 highway toward Pärnu, then following signs to Tori and the park. Public transportation is limited but possible via bus to Tori or Kõpu villages, followed by taxi or arranged pickup. The main visitor center is located in Tõramaa village, which serves as the primary entry point to the park.

Getting Around

A personal vehicle is essential for exploring Soomaa National Park, as public transportation within the park is non-existent. The park has several access points connected by rural roads, with parking areas at major trailheads and the visitor center. Most trails are accessible on foot via well-maintained boardwalks and paths. During flood season, certain areas are only accessible by canoe. Bicycles can be used on some trails during dry periods, but the terrain is primarily designed for walking.

Where to Stay

Tõramaa Village (near visitor center)
Kõpu Village
Tori Town
Pärnu (45 minutes away)
Viljandi (30 minutes away)
Rural guesthouses and farm stays

Food & Dining

Dining options within Soomaa National Park are extremely limited, with no restaurants or cafes inside the park boundaries. The visitor center may have basic snacks and beverages, but visitors should plan to bring their own food and drinks for day trips. The nearby towns of Tori and Kõpu have small local establishments and grocery stores. For more substantial dining options, Pärnu offers a full range of restaurants featuring Estonian cuisine and international options. Many visitors opt to pack picnic lunches and enjoy meals surrounded by the park's natural beauty.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Estonia

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When to Visit

The best time to visit Soomaa depends on desired activities. March through May offers the unique 'fifth season' flooding experience with dugout canoe tours, but weather can be cold and unpredictable. June through September provides the most comfortable conditions for bog walking, wildlife watching, and camping, with long daylight hours and accessible trails. Autumn (September-October) brings beautiful colors and fewer crowds, while winter (December-March) offers snowshoeing opportunities but very short days and harsh conditions.

Insider Tips

Bring insect repellent during summer months as bog environments can have intense mosquito and tick populations
The park's remote location means limited cell phone coverage, so inform someone of your plans and expected return time
Traditional bog shoes called 'bog boots' can be rented from some operators for walking on soft bog surfaces outside boardwalk areas

Explore Activities in Soomaa National Park