Hiking in Estonia
Including Karula National Park, Lahemaa National Park (Viru Bog), and Soomaa National Park. On the map.
The vibe
Walking here feels like wandering through a quiet, moss-covered fairytale where the terrain is mostly flat and defined by vast, untouched bogs and dense pine forests. The best time to go is from late spring through early autumn, when the boardwalks are dry and the mosquitoes are manageable. It is a deeply DIY experience where you will often find yourself completely alone on the trail, relying on well-marked wooden paths that keep you from sinking into the marsh.
Karula National Park
Valga County
Aleksander Kaasik / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This region is characterized by its rolling moraine hills and numerous small lakes, offering a more varied topography than the coastal plains. The trails here wind through traditional cultural landscapes, dense forests, and open meadows, perfect for moderate day hikes.
Access. Accessible via regional roads from Võru or Valga; the park is best explored by car with trailheads marked near the visitor center.
Lahemaa National Park (Viru Bog)
Harju County
Abrget47j / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This iconic boardwalk trail winds through a pristine raised bog, offering a unique look at Estonia's diverse wetland ecosystem. The terrain is flat and accessible, featuring a wooden observation tower that provides panoramic views of the mossy, pine-dotted landscape.
Access. Located about an hour's drive east of Tallinn; accessible by car or public bus to the Loksa road junction.
Notes. The boardwalk can be slippery when wet; stay on the path to protect the fragile bog vegetation.
Soomaa National Park
Viljandi County
Jürgen Regel, Marian… / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
Known for its 'fifth season' flood, Soomaa offers a network of bog trails and forest paths that showcase the wild, untouched nature of the Estonian interior. Hikers can traverse the Riisa or Ingatsi study trails, which feature high-quality boardwalks through ancient peat bogs and swamp forests.
Access. Best reached by car from Pärnu or Viljandi; the park visitor center provides maps and current trail conditions.
Notes. Spring flooding can make some trails inaccessible; check the park website for seasonal updates.
Valaste Waterfall and Ontika Cliff
Ida-Viru County
Sirujs Enobs / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
This trail follows the edge of the dramatic Ontika limestone cliff, the highest in Estonia, and leads to the spectacular Valaste Waterfall. The path offers sweeping views of the Baltic Sea and the sheer geological layers of the cliff face.
Access. Located near Kohtla-Järve in northeastern Estonia; easily accessible by car from the main highway.
Notes. The stairs leading down to the base of the falls may be closed for maintenance; check local status.
Vilsandi National Park
Saare County
ErikAbner / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 4.0)
Located on the western coast, this park offers rugged coastal hiking through dunes, limestone shores, and bird-rich wetlands. The trails provide an intimate connection with the Baltic Sea, often leading hikers past historic lighthouses and secluded rocky beaches.
Access. Accessible via Saaremaa island; requires a ferry crossing from the mainland and a drive to the western coast of the island.
Notes. Some areas are restricted during bird nesting season; follow local signage carefully.