The best way to explore Lahemaa’s nature is to set aside enough time, pack comfortable hiking gear, and embark on discovering the local hiking and nature trails. Lahemaa’s trails vary in difficulty and character – from one-to-two-hour bog loops and the 45 km Oandu-Ikla hiking trail to a rocky kilometer leading to Purekkari Cape, the northernmost tip of mainland Estonia. The forests of Käsmu peninsula invite exploration both on foot and by bike. Lahemaa is also traversed by the E11 long-distance hiking trail, whose Baltic section is known as the Forest Hiking Trail, and which begins in the city of Scheveningen in the Netherlands and ends in Tallinn.
For Lahemaa’s hiking trails, we recommend bringing a guide, whom you can find here.
When venturing into nature, always ensure that your impact on the environment is limited to your presence. Sort any packaging and used napkins according to waste management rules. Keep the hiking trails in Lahemaa clean!
Lahemaa National Park Nature Trails:
Altja Nature and Cultural History Trail | 4.2 km
Beaver Trail | 1 km
Käsmu Nature and Cultural History Trail | 4.2 km
Majakivi-Pikanõmme Nature Trail | 7 km
Oandu Old-Growth Forest Trail | 4.7 km
Oandu Heritage Culture Trail | 3.4 km
Oandu Herbalist’s Trail | 1 km
Ojaäärse Forest Trail | 3.5 km
Sagadi-Oandu Forest Tales Trail | 5.6 km
Tsitre Trees Trail | 1 km
Viru Bog Nature Trail | 3.5 km
Hara Bay Coastal Nature Trail
Mohni Nature and Hiking Trail
Mähu Tip and Purekkari Cape Birdwatching Trails
Pähkneeme Dune Pine Forest and Seashore Trail
Võsu Local History Trails
Lahemaa National Park Hiking Trails:
Käsmu Cycling Trail | 11.6 km
Käsmu Hiking Trail | 15 km
Oandu-Võsu Hiking Trail | 9.5 km
Viewing Platforms:
Majakivi-Pikanõmme Nature Trail
Viru Bog
Birdwatching Towers:
Vihasoo Birdwatching Tower
Viinistu Birdwatching Towers
Lahemaa Hiking Centre, located in Loobu village, was established to promote a nature-friendly lifestyle and spending time in the nature.
The canoe hike takes place on River Valgejõgi, one of the most beautiful rivers in northern Estonia. The hike lasts 3–5 hours, depending on your wishes. On the river, we might see waterfowl, grey herons, or beaver hills and their traces. If we are lucky, we might see other wild animals on the shores, as well.
All participants will be given a canoe, a life jacket, and a paddle. Instruction will take place on the spot. After the canoe hike, you can spend some lovely time in the cosy fireplace hall and sauna in Hääde Mõtete Maja (House of Good Thoughts) or talk to your friends while sitting next to a campfire.
Come and put yourself and others to the test!
Come and enjoy the wild beauty of Lahemaa National Park, a hike in Viru Bog, and the picturesque Jägala Waterfall.
We will start our tour day by traveling from Tallinn to Lahemaa National Park, where we will take a trip to Viru Bog. The bog has been made accessible by a dedicated boardwalk, and the bog’s observation tower provides visitors with beautiful views of the bog. After a walk, we enjoy a refreshing coffee break and a local dessert.
On our way back to Tallinn, we stop by Jägala Waterfall for a photo. The largest waterfall in Estonia is a wonderful place to visit at any time of year, but it is most impressive in winter when the freezing water creates stunning ice art.
Lahemaa National Park was founded in 1971 for the preservation, research, and introduction of the North-Estonian nature and cultural heritage, biodiversity, landscapes, national culture, and conservative natural management. It protects historical and architectural monuments, and the ecosystems of forests, swamps, and beaches.
Lahemaa is one of the most important reserve forests in Europe.
The RMK Lahemaa information point is located at the Palmse Manor’s stable-carriage house at the RMK Lahemaa Visitor Centre, and it is possible to get information and publications about the National Park and the North-Estonian Recreation Area, visit an exhibition there, or watch a slide show about Lahemaa.
Lahemaa National Park was founded in 1971 and was designed to preserve, research, and introduce the nature, cultural heritage, biodiversity, landscapes, national culture, and nature conservation of Northern Estonia. Lahemaa is one of Europe’s most important forest protection areas.
The Oandu Nature Centre introduces the nature of Lahemaa National Park, as well as the opportunities it offers for exploring nature, as well as the use and cultivation of forests and timber throughout the ages.
From the courtyard of the nature centre, you can reach the Oandu nature trail and the Võsu-Oandu hiking trail. You can also use the connecting trails to reach Koprarada (Beaver Trail) and the Altja study trail.
MTÜ Tammistu lammas on lammaste ja lambakoerte kasvataja Lahemaal Juminda poolsaarel Tammistu külas. Lambad hooldavad poolsaare rannaniite ja koerad aitavad lammaste karjatamisel ja kaitsmisel.
Talu külastusel saad uusi teadmisi lammastest ja karjakoertest: kuidas lambakoerad töötavad ja ka ise koerajuhi ametit proovida. Milline on tegelikult lamba elu? Loomulikult saad paitada nii koeri kui ka lambaid. Lisaks on võimalus tellida giidiga tuur mööda rannaniite koos kohapärimuslugudega.
Lauge ja liivane Leesi rand asub Kolga lahe ääres ja on kauneim supelrand oma liivaluidetega. Tegemist on nn metsiku rannaga, kus on mõnus nautida privaatsemat rahulikku äraolemist. Luidete vahele võib end tuulisema ilmaga ära peita ja kui kõht tühjaks läheb, siis kõrval asuvast imeilusast Kolga-Aabla kalurikülast leiab armsa kodurestorani.
Kel on randa külastades isu millegi erilise järele, siis restoran MerMer pakub ahvatlevaid gurmeeroogasid! Enne minekut tee kindlasti broneering.
We offer you guided hikes in the Ohepalu bog. After a day in nature, you can enjoy a relaxing sauna.
In the summer, you can spend the night in a tent or a barn and sleep on hay. Our Õnnela Quest House, however, is open all year round.
Good to know: Linnumäe Nature Farm is a cotter’s hut located on the edge of the Ohepalu bog. Eight generations have lived there and there is still no electricity. The hut is the starting point of the hikes and a perfect location for a sauna.
If you enjoy a healthy lifestyle, beautiful nature, and refreshing water, you will surely find that we have the best recreation options for you.
We offer 1- and 2-day canoe hikes on River Valgejõgi.
After spending the day in the wild, you can enjoy a relaxing sauna. In the summer, you can spend the night in a tent or a barn and sleep on hay. Our Õnnela Guest House, however, is open all year round.
Good to know: Linnumäe Nature Farm is a cotter’s hut located on the edge of the Ohepalu bog. Eight generations have lived there and there is still no electricity. The hut is the starting point of the hikes and a perfect location for a sauna.
In Ohepalu bog, you can go on a snowshoe hike and pick a different route each time. Once you go a bit further, the bogs of Kõrvemaa will soon be in the walking distance as well.
Linnumäe Nature Farm has eight pairs of snowshoes for rent. You can go on a hike on your own or ask a guide to come with you, however you like. Our hiking trails are free for all!
If you want to go on the hike on your own, you can ask for maps from Ohepalu. If you wish to prepare for your trip more thoroughly, you can decide on the route beforehand and even order signposts to be installed on the crossroads.
On the route, you can see faraway forgotten and abandoned villages, known and unknown manors, and the eskers and small lakes of Kõrvemaa, which are all inaccessible by car.
If you wish, our guide can come with you on the hike. After a day in the nature, we offer you a relaxing sauna.
Good to know: Linnumäe Nature Farm is a cotter’s hut located on the edge of the Ohepalu bog. Eight generations have lived there and there is still no electricity. The hut is the starting point of the hikes and a perfect location for a sauna.
The beach is clean and equipped with changing cabins and a water tap. There are also beach volleyball and beach football fields. The beach has some climbing structures, benches, rubbish bins and a drop toilet.
Catering and shops are located in the heart of Loksa, about 1 km away.
Linna südamest, Valgejõe kaldalt jalakäijate silla juurest algav rada sobib nii jalutamiseks, suusatamiseks, kepikõnniks kui metsajooksuks. Sõltuvalt lumeoludest aetakse talvel suusarada sisse nii klassika- kui uisutehnikas sõitmiseks.
Parkmetsas on üleval korvpallikorvid. Paarisaja meetri kaugusel rannas asuvad rannavõrkpalli- ja rannajalgpalliväljakud.
A nature and heritage hike in Lahemaa National Park near Viru Bog along the picturesque banks of the Kalmeoja River and the ancient Pärlioja Gorge is a real treat for every nature lover. We will explore different habitats and discuss managing forest animals and protected species during the hike. We will also visit the “Munga Holes”, learn about the mysterious past of Kalme village and talk about what connects Count Stenbock’s family and the beautiful Pärlioja River.
We also offer a drink and delicious snacks on the hike.
The hike includes the service of a hiking guide, snacks, and a drink — minimum group size 10 people. The hike is also suitable for children!
Come and spend an active day exploring Lahemaa National Park!
Put your helmet on your head and humor in your pocket – here comes Lahemaa National Park! This 30 km bike tour with a nature guide is a delightful mix of movement, nature, and cultural heritage. Lahemaa is Estonia’s largest national park – here you can experience both the tranquility of the forest and the vastness of the sea in one day.
We start at Lahemaa Heritage House, then pedal to Muuksi Hillfort, where we stop and descend by rope to explore the spring. Next, Tsitre Beach and Manor await – stories, legends, and the endless “oh, I didn’t know!” feeling. At the end, we also peek at the wild garlic growing area.
During the hike, we will build a campfire and offer campfire tea made from plants collected in nature, along with warm soup for sustenance. The tour is suitable for both adults and children; well-behaved (and able to run) dogs are also welcome.
If you’re looking for a guided tour that is educational, exciting, and simply enjoyable, then book and come pedaling!
Talvine mets ei maga – ta lihtsalt tegutseb vaikselt. Loodusgiidiga jalgsimatkal “Metsaelu talvel” õpime lugema metsa nagu detektiivid: jäljerida lumes, näritud käbi, rähni töökoht, jänese “kiirtee” ja see üks salapärane lohk, mis paneb küsima: kas siin käis põder või lihtsalt väga enesekindel koer?
Matka käigus otsime ja tõlgendame loomade ning lindude tegevusjälgi, räägime talvisest toidulauast ja ellujäämisnippidest (ilma kangelastefilmi draamata), ning harjutame, kuidas looduses liikuda nii, et meie kohalolek oleks viisakas. Teeme mõnusa pausi: soe tee ja väike “vaikuse väljakutse” – 2 minutit tasa, et kuulda, kui palju metsal tegelikult öelda on.
Retk sobib peredele, täiskasvanutele ja sõpruskondadele/tiimidele. Tempo on rahulik ja kohandatav, fookus on elamusel ja oskusel pärast ise märgata: kes siit öösel läbi käis, kuhu ta läks ja miks. Riietu kihiti ja võta kindad.
Lõpus teeme väikese “jäljeviktoriini”: kes jättis selle märgi ja kuhu ta kiirustas? Valmistame ka lõkketoitu.
Jõulutunne sünnib metsas kiiremini kui kaubanduskeskuse eskalaatoril. Advendiajal ootab sind loodusgiidiga jõulumetsamatk, mis sobib nii perele, sõpruskonnale kui ka töökaaslastele. See on rahulik ja ehe viis jõuluajale hoo sisse saada, eemal saginast ja ekraanidest.
Matk algab Puhta vee teemapargis, kus enne ja pärast retke saab püstkojas lõkke ääres sooja teed nautida. Seejärel suundume riigimetsa, kus otsime sobivat jõulupuud (soovi korral ka RMK mobiiliäpi abil) ning viime metsaelanikele talvetoitu. Metsas ei kiirusta – liigume rahulikus tempos, teeme peatusi, kuulame talvemetsa hääli ja otsime loomajälgi.
Teekonna jooksul saad kätt proovida päriselt kasulikes oskustes: tikuta tuletegemine, lihtsa onni ehitamine ja lõkkel väikese eine valmistamine. Soovijatele saab elamust täiendada ka jõuluvana külaskäiguga. Matk sobib nii täiskasvanutele kui lastele ning koerad on rihma otsas teretulnud.
Loo jõuluelamus, mis toob inimesed kokku ja loob mälestusi, mis kestavad kauem kui kingipaber.
This is a hike where nature is not only observed with the eyes – we listen to what the forest has to say. A guide helps you notice sounds that would otherwise remain in the background: bird songs, the tone of the wind, the rhythm of footsteps, rustling and crunching… and sometimes that famous “snap,” upon which everyone whispers: “What was that?” (Mostly a branch. But sometimes not.)
During the hike, you learn to distinguish and analyze natural sounds, get acquainted with the animals and birds living in Estonian forests, and their habitats and activities. We practice mimicking simple bird and animal sounds and, if desired, craft sound instruments from natural objects. You also learn how to move in nature so that you listen to nature and not the other way around.
If desired, the hike takes place late in the evening or early in the morning, when the forest rehearses sounds and birds give a concert – without tickets. The journey is suitable for schoolchildren, families, and work teams who want to put screens on “mute” for a moment and truly experience nature.
The hike takes place on the trails of Lahemaa National Park and its surroundings.
Have you ever heard true silence in a bog? The bog walk at Koitjärve Bog takes you to views near the bog pools and through different development stages of the bog, where you wouldn’t want to go with regular boots. Koitjärve Bog is known for its quiet, spacious landscape, where the reflections of the pools, sparse pine forests, and open sky create an ideal place for slow wandering and feeling the rhythm of nature.
What do we do on the walk?
- Hike with bog shoes and learn how to walk in the bog so that nature remains a friend
- Stop by the bog pool and explore how bogs form and develop
- Look for traces of animal activity and learn to read the “signs” of the bog
- Examine peat moss and discuss whether peat is a renewable or non-renewable resource
- For the brave, there’s an opportunity for a quick dip in the bog pool if conditions are suitable
Break
We brew tea on site and eat – because everything somehow tastes better in the bog.
Suitable for:
Families, groups of friends, teams (and polite four-legged companions). The walk is family- and pet-friendly.
Tule loodusgiidist jahitargaga metsa ja vaata, kuidas mets päriselt toimib – ilma loenguväsimuseta ja ilma “vaata, ära puutu” režiimita. Siin saad Sa teada, kelle jäljed need teel on, kus on elupaigad, mida loomad söövad ja miks mõnikord on just jahimehed need, kes loodust hooldavad (jah, päriselt!).
Retkel teeme praktilisi ülesandeid: õpime tuvastama loomade tegevusjälgi, arutame keskkonnasõbralikke toimetusi, vaatame lähemalt karvkatte omadusi ja maitseme ka looduses kasulikke taimi. Mõnusalt õpetlik, natuke humoorikas ja üllatavalt “ahhaa!”-rohke.
Sobib peredele, sõpruskondadele, töökollektiividele ja kõigile, kes tahavad metsa mõista, mitte ainult läbida.
Kui tahad retke, kus telefon taskus igavleb ja silmad leiavad lõpuks päris elu üles – see on Sinu matk.
During the trip, we will explore Juminda or Pärispea peninsula in Lahemaa. Just as the local nature – special, rustic, and tough – the coastal language is also special. We will visit the people speaking the language and walk around the village, on a hiking trail, or another beautiful place.
About 100 people remain who still speak the Kuusalu dialect of this north-eastern coast. As we speak to a person fluent in the coastal language we will learn more about the language and the local life.