Lahemaa National Park was the first national park to be established by the former Soviet Union in 1971. It is the largest national park in Estonia and one of the largest in Europe, and has been deliberately kept in a natural, almost wild state, avoiding any kind of invasive maintenance.
Various species of animals live freely within the park, some of which are very rare and protected, including storks and other migratory birds, moose, deer, wolves, bears and lynxes.
Lahemaa, which means “land of bays” in Estonian, is a must-see destination for all nature and animal lovers, but it is also worth a visit, even if only for a day, for anyone passing through Tallinn.
LAHEMAA: 9 THINGS YOU MUST SEE
1. Jägala Waterfall
The Jägala Waterfalls are not located within the park itself, but just outside it: coming from Tallinn, you will come across them shortly before reaching the park. In reality, those expecting a spectacular waterfall, as we usually imagine one, will be disappointed: the height is only eight metres, which is considerable only when compared to the completely flat terrain of Estonia. However, they are quite wide, over 60 metres, and have the unique characteristic of not being clear but yellow/rust-coloured, due to the river passing through peat-rich marshes. In the colder months, the waterfall turns into an ice sculpture, ideal for climbing.
2. The Viru Bog
The Viru Bog is a vast area of acid peat, forming an unusual, fascinating and evocative natural landscape, one of the most beautiful in the whole of Lahemaa Park. It is an expanse of small lakes alternating with muddy areas, where the high acidity of the water has allowed the development of all those plants that thrive in this type of marshy habitat, especially rosemary, moss and small evergreens. To get a closer look at the atmosphere of the marsh, the best thing to do is to follow the guided trail, which consists of a long series of wooden walkways. The walk may be a little precarious due to the wet and unstable ground, but it allows you to perceive the nuances of colour, the distinctive smells and the incessant movement of the mud. As is often the case in ancient peat bogs, several bog mummies have been found here, very well-preserved human bodies, usually suicides or victims of murder, executions or sacrifices.
3. Käsmu Peninsula
Käsmu is an ancient village dating back to the 15th century with an important seafaring tradition thanks to the presence of a school for sea captains that was active until the 1930s. In the past, every family living in Käsmu had at least one sailor. Today, travellers passing through Lahemaa National Park can stop at Käsmu beach and learn about the history and traditions of the village by visiting the small maritime museum. The entire Käsmu peninsula can be explored on foot along a picturesque walk that connects the sea to the forest, passing through ancient ruins, pine forests and even a lake, until you reach Saartneem (Devil’s Island). Along the trail, about 6 km from the village of Käsmu, you will come across a large expanse of erratic boulders: these are huge blocks of rock dating back to the Ice Age, around which fantastic stories and legends have developed.
4. Oandu Nature Trail
Oandu Nature Trail The Oandu Nature Trail is a trekking route about 5 kilometres long, consisting of a wooden walkway that winds through the green forest. It is the ideal walk for nature lovers: in addition to a series of educational information panels, the tracks left by the animals that live freely in the park are clearly visible along the route. However, the route is one-way only, so if you are travelling by car, you will need to park at the starting point and walk the trail in both directions. Alternatively, you can return by bus from Altja, the fishing village, but be sure to check the timetable in advance as buses are quite infrequent.
5. The Beaver Trail
The Beaver Trail is another trekking route suitable for everyone, very short and very easy, which runs along a small stream. It gets its name because the luckiest visitors sometimes manage to see beavers at work, and their dams are always visible. It is about one kilometre long and follows a circular route, ending at the starting point, making it ideal for those travelling by car.
6. Altja Fishing Village
At the end of the trekking route that starts from Oandu, you arrive at Altja, a picturesque and ancient fishing village. The village of Altja consists of a group of small, charming wooden houses that give the impression of being in another era. It is the best place to spend a few hours in peace and quiet and enjoy the best Estonian specialities offered by the traditional restaurant Altja Kõrts.
7. ThePalmse Manor
The Palmse Manor is an old post station that has had several owners until the establishment of Lahemaa National Park. The heart of the estate is the beautiful 18th-century Baroque manor, which is open to the public and surrounded by a large park with ponds and an orchard. The former carriage house of the Palmse Manor now offers hotel services.
8. Loksa and Võsu
Loksa and Võsu are the two largest populated areas within Lahemaa National Park, although in reality there are only a few thousand inhabitants. Loksa dates back to the late 19th century and overlooks a small bay, while Võsu is located a short distance away. Both towns are very popular during the summer months, especially Võsu, which has a large, crowded beach that is very noisy throughout the summer.
9. Viinistu
Viinistu is a tiny village located at the top of the Pärispea peninsula. It would be virtually unknown if it weren’t for its magnificent and surprising art museum, created by collector Jaan Manitski. The museum houses an ever-changing collection of works of art dedicated to the greatest Estonian artists, both classical and contemporary, which is a must-see for connoisseurs but also very enjoyable for everyone else. There is also a small hotel next to the museum.
