Soomaa National Park

Why should I visit?
Founded in 1933, Estonia's Soomaa National Park is best known for having five unique seasons. The fifth season being the high-water season. Located in Transitional Estonia, the Soomaa National Park was established to protect the many large raised bogs, flood plains, forests and meandering rivers. The land inside the park is mostly covered with large mires and is divided only by the four rivers (Navesti, Halliste, Raudna and Lemmjogi) of the Parnu River Basin. Only after visiting this region can an outsider truly understand the so called "fifth season" and the importance the flooding rivers play in developing the area's natural beauty.

What can you do here?
The fifth season (coined by the locals) gives way to majestic flooding in the Soomaa National Park. The floods are essential for the continued development of the park's ancient bogs. An absolute must to visit is the Kuresoo Bog, one of the best surviving large bogs in all of Estonia. Almost 200 species call the bog home and its effect on the area is unparalleled. In the winter there are snowshoe tours over the bogs and frozen rivers, while in the other seasons nighttime canoe tours are available. There is even a beaver safari available for outdoorsmen. Local accommodations are plentiful in Vijandy and a "must do" is to eat traditional Estonian food served at Sookolli Soogituba (Ogre's Dining Room).

What makes Soomaa National Park special?
It is an ecosystem like no other. Surrounding the massive maze of bouncing bogs are magnificent meadows and forests. In June, the meadows are filled with Siberian Iris' and their radiant blue color. For wildlife enthusiasts, the region is home to over 185 different types of birds such as cranes and the Ural owl. In addition, carnivorous animals such as lynx, wolves and brown bears roam the lands. The Soomaa also has played a key role in Estonia's history by sheltering many antagonists and freedom fighters. Some of the more famous Estonians to call the area home have been C.R. Jakobson, L. Koidula and M. Saar.