Estonia is a small, coastal country located in the Northeast of Europe - only a short ferry trip away from Finland and Sweden. Known for its beautiful bogs and about half of the country is covered by forested land, and almost a quarter is protected by nature. As a result, Estonia has the 4th best air quality in the world and Estonians have a special connection to the outdoors. The country's wildlife includes lynxes, brown bears, wolves, foxes, rabbits, and deer. In the spring and autumn, birdwatching is an extremely popular pastime attracting people from all over the world.

Estonia is the only Baltic country with a deep-rooted and extensive island culture. Although most are uninhabited, Estonian islands tend to be rural, with some holding traces of their local Viking and medieval legacy. Estonia's islands used to be populated by Estonian Swedes, many of whom left the region during WWII, leaving behind a wealth of culture that's visible to this day.

Today, many Estonian islands have their own unique coastal cultures, with traditional singing, dancing, food, and dress. Expect to enjoy plenty of fish and seafood dishes.

Discover Estonia's national parks

Lahemaa National Park is the largest and oldest national park in Estonia and one of Europe's most important forest protection areas. Here you will find rocky and sandy coastal areas and sediment plains winding along the peninsula. Forest, wetland, and coastal ecosystems exist side-by-side with geological, historical, and architectural monuments. Extensive forest paths provide easy access for picking berries and mushrooms.

As an important feeding spot for birds migrating between the Arctic and Western Europe, Matsalu National Park is one of the most famous European bird-watching sites and a true paradise for nature lovers.

Soomaa National Park is home to massive wetlands, but it has become the most famous park thanks to a natural phenomenon called 'the fifth season.' During this flood time, up to 17,500 hectares of lower forests, roads, and yards can only be navigated by water. It's a perfect place for a canoe trip.

A haven for seal and orchid lovers, Vilsandi National Park is home to Estonia’s largest grey seal colony and many kinds of seabirds. Fossil limestone terraces wait to be discovered, along with the westernmost point of Estonia – Nootamaa Island.

Karula National Park is the smallest national park in the country, cherished for its unique domed landscape formed by glacial ice about 10,000 years ago. There are about 40 lakes hidden between the hills and domes, and a heritage landscape of meadows, marshy grounds and forest stands leaves plenty of space to explore.

The youngest of Estonia's national parks, Alutaguse National Park is the largest coniferous forest and marsh area in the country. With more than half of the park consisting of vast bog areas and 42% of forested landscapes, this park is a sanctuary for wild birds and animals. Several mammals, such as wolves, bears, and lynx, move between Estonia and Russia via Alutaguse's migration routes.