TOP 10 naturally relaxing places in Estonia

Autor elustilist | 30/08/2017 0 kommentaari

With a population density almost four times lower than the European average, Estonia offers plenty of quiet spaces for refuge from busy, everyday life. Walking along a bog trail while breathing crisp, clean air might be all it takes to rejuvenate you. And if it’s not, you’re never far from one Estonia’s famous spas. Unwind and reconnect with nature.

Suur and Väike Taevaskoda (Large and Small Heaven’s Hall)

The two Taevaskoda oucrops, on the banks of the ancient valley of the Ahja River, are one of the most frequently visited sites in southern Estonia. The sandstone outcrops and ancient river form the most beautiful part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve. Legends speak of caves and secret passageways and of demons and a mermaid with a golden comb. A walk from Saesaare dam to the outcrop at Small Heaven’s Hall (Väike Taevaskoda), spring Emaläte, cave Neitsikoobas and the outcrop at Large Heaven’s Hall (Suur Taevaskoda), which rises 22.5 metres above the river, is worth undertaking regardless of the season. The beautiful and exciting natural setting attracts hikers – it is a place that every Estonian visits at least once in their life! Read more.

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Flying club Keelutsoon

Flying club Keelutsoon primarily aims to promote paragliders, or paragliding and paramotoring, in Estonia. We offer tandem flights where the pilot takes a passenger along for an adventure in the air. We also train new pilots who want to learn to fly on their own. We definitely have the widest international experience among similar clubs. In 2015, for example, our pilots flew in 12 different countries. In addition, we offer hot air balloon rides. Read more.

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Ontika Limestone cliff

This is the location of Estonia’s highest limestone cliff, the Ontika cliff. Approximately 55 metres high – the cliffs are almost like a stone book, opening to the viewer to reveal the layers of its various eras. A nearby observation platform, built close to the Valaste cascase, is the best place to view the cliff. Visitors to the area are also able to take a hike along the coastal hiking trail to discover the limestone cliff’s unique forest. Did you know…?: The Ontika Limestone cliff is the highest section of the over-1,100 km-long Baltic limestone bank that starts on Sweden’s Island of Öland and ends in Russia near Lake Ladoga. The longest uninterrupted portion of the limestone cliff runs 23 straight kilometres, from the Village of Saka to the vicinity of Toila. Read more.

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Hiking trail in the Meenikunno bog

Cabins for hikers, an observation tower and a boardwalk attract many nature lovers to the Meenikunno bog. This is a beautiful recreation area. While walking down the boardwalk, you can see the most common bog plants: leather leaf, bog rosemary, crowberry, Marsh Labrador tea, and tussock cottongrass; at the edge of the bog, dwarf birches can also be found. There are also a number of different species of peat moss of various colours. The bravest ones can try bog water with an interesting taste from the overgrown ditch near the edge of the bog. Good to know: A new boardwalk has been constructed for the Meenikunno hiking trail extending from Päikeseloojangu forest cabin to Lake Suur Soojärv. The boardwalk is pram and wheelchair accessible. Read more.

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Ööbikuorg (Nightingale Valley) and Rõuge lakes

There are seven lakes at Rõuge primeval valley, which is 10 km long and 52 metres deep. The lakes are: Kahrila, Tõugjärv, Ratasjärv, Kaussjärv, Rõuge Suurjärv, Liinjärv, and Valgjärv. The lakes are connected by the River Rõuge or River Ajo, which starts from the valley Tindiorg. Tindiorg, Külmorg, Mõhkorg, Ööbikuorg, Tinopeetri, Hinni, Sikasoo, and Järveotsa are the tributary valleys of Rõuge primeval valley. Ööbikuorg (Nightingale Valley), which borders the ancient hillfort from the North, is the most well-known. The valley is 300 m long and 12–15 m deep. It got its name from the singing nightingales who stay there during the springs, when bird cherries bloom.  The Rõuge Nightingale Valley Centre is located at the edge of Ööbikuorg, and it provides information about nature, history, and climate changes. Read more.

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Panga Cliff

The Panga Cliff stands, stark in colour, at a maximum height of 21.3 m, and runs for about 2.5 km! A vast slate, as all cliffs of Saaremaa are, wall reaching straight up from the surrounding beach, the cliff impacts its environment in a interesting way. A couple of hundred meters away from the cliff, the sea experiences a steep slope – visible on stormy days when onlookers can watch a line of foamy waves develop. At the highest point of the cliff, there is an ancient sacrificial site where people used to sacrifice to the sea. Did you know…?: Panga Cliff is the highest Northern coastal cliff in Saaremaa and Muhu, and the highest point of Panga cliff used to be an ancient ritual site where people were sacrificed for the sea. Read more.

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Restaurant Ruhe

Restaurant Ruhe, opened in August 2013, is located a 30-minute drive away from Tallinn. The seaside fish restaurant offers dishes made from only the freshest fish and seafood. In preparing the dishes, both pure flavours as well as old fishermen’s tradition are held in high regard. The healthiness of the dishes is not forgotten either. A ruhe is a fishing boat carved from a tree trunk. It is also German for ‘tranquillity’  – this word characterises the feeling you get admiring the beautiful view of the sea at Ruhe. Families with children, adventurers on the seas as well as others romantics are welcome at Ruhe. Larger events can be held by prior agreement. Read more.

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RMK Rannametsa-Tolkuse Nature and Study Trail 

The dunes of Rannametsa have always been a popular place among hikers. A nature and study trail, as well as information boards have been built there to better introduce the Luitemaa Nature Reserve to visitors. The circular trail, which partly runs on a boardwalk, passes through the pine forest on the dunes and Tolkuse bog and leads to the largest bog-pool of the bog. The trail includes several points of interest, bog lakes, and rest spots. Next to the trail, there is an 18-metre-high observation tower on the highest dune in Estonia, Tornimägi, which provides a magnificent view of Tolkuse bog and Pärnu Bay. The nature trail is a perfect location for a family hike and for enjoying nature. Read more.

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Tõrvanina beach

Tõrvanina beach is the nearest sandy beach to Kärdla. An RMK campsite has been set up under the pine trees along the beach. Tõrvanina is famous for its white singing sands and a sandy seabed. You can also take the trip from Kärdla to Tõrvanina on foot along the 5.5-km-long hiking trail. Going into the water is at your own risk, as there are no official swimming areas, nor are there lifeguards. Read more.

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Emumägi hill

Emumägi hill is the highest point in the Pandivere uplands and indeed the highest point in northern Estonia. The top of the hill is home to a viewing tower which offers stunning views over the surrounding environment, with the Endla bogs and Alutaguse forests in the distance. In addition to the viewing tower there is also the famous ‘Emumemm’ wooden hut, the ‘house of the rising sun’, an old cemetery and camping and picnic sites. Did you know…? *Emumägi hill is 166.5 metres above sea level and 80 metres from foot to peak *According to legend, the hill was formed from earth dug out of the Peetla bog by the horse ridden by Kalevipoeg, the hero of the Estonian epic. Read more.

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Source: visitestonia.com