Discover Soomaa National Park, also known as the Estonian Wilderness Capital, with a local guide. This day trip includes a 7km canoe journey down the Raudna River, a 3km hike through the Lemmjõgi floodplain forest, and a 4km walk across the Kuresoo peat bog.
This 8-hour day trip begins at 9 am with a pick-up from your hotel or guesthouse in Pärnu or the Soomaa region. The drive to Soomaa National Park takes less than an hour. Upon arrival, you’ll receive life-jackets and paddles, and then embark on a canoe trip on the Raudna River. The rivers flowing through Soomaa National Park significantly shape the local landscapes. When rainwater or meltwater runs off the Sakala Upland, the rivers in Soomaa, which flow on flat terrain, cannot accommodate all the water at once and overflow their usual channels. This exceptionally high water level, accompanied by flooding, is known as the ‘fifth season’ in Soomaa.
We will pass beautiful floodplain meadows and within the first hour reach Lemmjõgi Forest, where many traces of beaver activity can be seen. At the confluence of the Raudna and Lemmjõgi rivers, we will take the canoes ashore and go for our first walk of the day. The forest trail runs along the riverbanks and is often covered with floodplain forest. Broad-leaved trees such as elms, oaks, lindens, ashes, maples, and European white elms grow in this alluvial forest, which are becoming increasingly rare in Estonia.
After another hour of canoeing, it will be time for a picnic lunch. Then we will go for a walk to Kuresoo Bog, the largest bog (11,000 ha) in Estonia, which is almost untouched by human activity. It features large open areas that serve as ideal resting sites for passing geese and cranes. In the southern part of the bog, which we will explore, is the highest and steepest bog slope documented in Estonia, reaching up to 8 meters. The best way to enjoy the views of this natural phenomenon is on the Ingatsi study trail.
Around 4 pm, we will drive back to Pärnu, arriving at your hotel around 5 pm.
Points of Interest
- Wilderness Experiences in Soomaa National Park
- Kuusekäära sild
- Lemmjõe keelemetsa õpperada
- Ingatsi õpperada
- English speaking guide service
- Pickup and drop-off from your hotel or guesthouse
- Canoe trip on the river
- Walking on the forest trail and bog trail
- Picnic lunch
- Drinks
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
- A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.