The best way to explore the nature of Lahemaa is to find enough time and comfortable hiking equipment and take on the discovery of the local hiking and study trails. The hiking trails in Lahemaa have varying difficulty levels and are diverse – there are hour-long bog trails, a 45 km Oandu-Ikla hiking trail, and even a rocky kilometer to the northernmost point of mainland Estonia, Purekkari Peninsula. The forests of the Käsmu peninsula invite you to explore on foot or by bike. Lahemaa is also crossed by the long-distance hiking trail E11, which is called the Forest Hiking Trail in the Baltic States and starts in the city of Scheveningen in the Netherlands and ends in Tallinn.
We also recommend bringing a guide with you on the hiking trails in Lahemaa, whom you can find here.
When going into nature, always make sure that the burden you bring with you is limited to your presence. Sort packaging and used napkins according to waste management rules. Keep the hiking trails in Lahemaa clean!
Lahemaa National Park study trails:
Altja loodus- ja kultuurilooline rada | 4,2 km
Koprarada | 1 km
Käsmu loodus- ja kultuurilooline rada | 4,2 km
Majakivi-Pikanõmme õpperada | 7 km
Oandu loodusmetsarada | 4,7 km
Oandu pärandkultuurirada | 3,4 km
Oandu taimetarga rada | 1 km
Ojaäärse metsarada | 3,5 km
Sagadi-Oandu metsajuttude rada | 5,6 km
Tsitre Puude rada | 1km
Viru raba õpperada | 3,5 km
Hara lahe rannalooduse rada
Mohni õppe- ja matkarada
Mähu otsa ja Purekkari neeme linnuvaatlusrajad
Pähkneeme luitemänniku ja mereranna rada
Võsu koduloorada
Lahemaa National Park hiking trails:
Käsmu jalgrattarada | 11,6 km
Käsmu matkarada | 15 km
Oandu-Võsu matkarada | 9,5 km
Observation towers:
Majakivi-Pikanõmme õpperada
Viru raba
Bird watch towers:
Vihasoo linnuvaatlustorn
Viinistu linnuvaatlustornid
The large oak is located on a hillock, close to the Tülivere brook. The giant tree features a unique gap similar to an arched door where a person can enter, almost without having to bend down. The dim interior of the tree’s cavity is the size of a tiny chamber, allowing two adults to stand up within.
The oak is located on private land, so it can only be visited during the daytime.
The 27 km-long Järvi-Aegviidu hiking trail showcases the beauty and charm of Kõrvemaa's nature. The trail is open all year round and is accessible from the Aegviidu Visitor Center.
The hiking trail has boardwalks for 3 km and partially overlaps with the Paukjärve and Jussi nature trails. The 2-3 day journey includes several camping areas, campfire sites, bogs, and lakes where you can swim. The trail is marked with red dots on the trees.
If you are looking for a peaceful and scenic place to hike, camp, or enjoy nature, the Järvi-Aegviidu hiking trail is a great choice!
Located in Oandu and part of the Lahemaa National Park, this 1 km long ‘beaver trail’ takes around half an hour to complete.
Passing through the Altja River valley, it provides hikers an opportunity to witness a diversity of plant and animal life, and to spy on the beaver activity of the valley too including the dams they build, the riverbank dens, and the trees whose trunks they gnaw through.
This trail is a great place to visit in Lahemaa National Park for those seeking a break from a long journey.
Good to know:
- Start the hike with a visit to the exhibitions of the Oandu visitor centre. This way, you can get acquainted with the trail beforehand.
- Test your knowledge on the trail in a playful way with the smart game 'Walking in the primeval forest'.
Käsmu itself is one of Estonia's most beautiful seaside villages, and the local museum provides an excellent overview of its maritime history.
The tip of Juminda Peninsula, or Juminda Cape, located in Lahemaa National Park, is interesting because the tip of the cape continues under the sea. The cape continues with a "chain" of large rocks, which actually move in the event of a large wave. It does not get very deep. A wonderful beach awaits you at the end of the peninsula.
You can also see a memorial erected at the tip of the cape to the ships and people who died in the Battle of Juminda in World War II. The memorial is built with empty mines.
Right at the tip of the cape is the Juminda camping area, which has campfire sites. Nearby is Juminda Lighthouse and a hiking trail.
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.
Võsu, in Lahemaa National Park, is home to one of the most popular sandy beaches among holidaymakers in the region. The beach has its own lifeguards, changing cabins, a toilet, and a shower. Energetic sun-lovers can play various ball games or work out in the outdoor gym. Children can swing and play at the nearby playground.
For older children, there is a pump track for roller skates and BMX lovers.
During the summer season, you can also buy soft drinks and snacks on the beach. The nearest restaurants and shops are located in the small town of Võsu, a few hundred metres from the beach.
Wireless internet is also available on the beach.
Lahemaa National Park is known for its bogs and there, the hike will take place in Viru bog which is rich in bog pools. The hike is perfect for those who want the ultimate bogshoeing experience without having to put in a huge amount of time or effort.
The price applies to groups of at least 12 people. For a smaller group, contact us and find out the price!
An evening kayak ride from Valkla beach to Pedassaari is a nice way to end the day. Pedassaar is the highest island in the Gulf of Kolga with beautiful sandy beaches and pine forests.
On the island, we will examine the traces of the sea that is forcing its way there, admire the forest, take a look on the other islands and boulders in the sea, and watch the sunset. Whether the sunset is visible or not depends on the weather, but the playful colours of the sunset can be seen in the western sky with cloudy weather as well.
Did you know...? *Käsmu boasts the largest concentration of stones and boulders of any place in Estonia
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.
Viru Bog, one of the most accessible bogs in Estonia, passes through the forest and bog landscapes characteristic of Lahemaa National Park. The trail is 3.5 km and the lap is 6 km long. The study trail introduces the bog's flora, former sand dunes, eskers, and heath forest. There is a boardwalk with an observation tower in the middle of it.
The trail is marked and there are signposts.
Good to know: the boardwalk leading to the observation tower (1,400 meters) is accessible to wheelchair users and families with strollers. The entrance to the first viewing platform was also designed with accessibility in mind.
To preserve the flora and soil, only walk on the boardwalk. Not suitable for cyclists.
Here you will see the hills and lakes forged by the hero of the Estonian epic, Kalevipoeg!
The Neeruti landscape protection area hiking trail is located 3 km to the south of Kadrina just off the Rakvere-Pärnu road.
The nature trail measures 14 km in total, which you can cover as 3.3 km, 6.9 km or 9 km hikes. Traversing the trail will take you through natural areas dating back 10,000 years. It starts at Kuresöödi and then turns off towards Pariis before circling back to the starting point. The trail is famous for natural sites described in the national epic 'Kalevipoeg', written by F. R. Kreutzwald - who was born close by in Jõepere.