Soomaa National Park is one of Estonia’s most unique natural areas, best known for its fifth season – the large floods that transform the entire landscape each spring. It is a place where people and nature have learned to coexist, and where forests, bogs, rivers, and wooded meadows form a rich whole that offers visitors an exceptional nature experience at any time of the year.
In the vast bogs, quiet rivers, and untouched wilderness of Soomaa, you can experience something found nowhere else in Estonia. Here you can truly feel like you are at the edge of the world – far from city noise and everyday rush, surrounded by ancient nature.
Soomaa National Park is an ideal destination for those seeking peace, quiet, and authentic experiences. Here time slows down, your mind can rest, and nature tells its own story. Come discover the bogs, rivers, and forests; explore on bogshoes or by kayak; enjoy winter skating; and let yourself be enchanted by the wild beauty of Soomaa.
Our experienced local guides introduce you to Soomaa’s nature, plants, wildlife habitats, and cultural heritage. A guided tour is the best way to truly get to know the national park – you’ll gain insights you wouldn’t notice on your own and can enjoy nature in a safe and meaningful way.
In the vast bogs, quiet rivers, and untouched wilderness of Soomaa, you can experience something found nowhere else in Estonia. Here you can truly feel like you are at the edge of the world – far from city noise and everyday rush, surrounded by ancient nature.
Soomaa National Park is an ideal destination for those seeking peace, quiet, and authentic experiences. Here time slows down, your mind can rest, and nature tells its own story. Come discover the bogs, rivers, and forests; explore on bogshoes or by kayak; enjoy winter skating; and let yourself be enchanted by the wild beauty of Soomaa.
Our experienced local guides introduce you to Soomaa’s nature, plants, wildlife habitats, and cultural heritage. A guided tour is the best way to truly get to know the national park – you’ll gain insights you wouldn’t notice on your own and can enjoy nature in a safe and meaningful way.
Wild Swimming in bog lakes
Wild swimming in Soomaa’s bog lakes is a serene and refreshing way to experience the national park’s untouched nature. The dark, silky water—colored by natural peat—feels surprisingly soft on the skin, and the stillness of the surrounding landscape creates a sense of deep peace. Many bog lakes warm up quickly in summer, making them ideal for a quiet dip in crystal-clear, spring-fed pools. Floating on the mirror-like surface, surrounded by ancient pines and open sky, is one of Soomaa’s most magical and rejuvenating experiences.
Bogshoeing in the great bogs of Soomaa
The extensive bogs of Soomaa are perfect for exploration. A bogshoe hike takes you to places you couldn’t reach on foot – across bog pools, heather fields, and winding paths among stunted pine trees. Bogshoes make movement easy and gentle, and with a guide you’ll hear fascinating stories about bog plants, wildlife, and the history of the area.
- Day trip to Soomaa National Park with snowshoes and canoeing | Visit Estonia
- Seikle Vabaks bogshoeing hike to Toonoja bog island in the Soomaa National Park | Visit Estonia
- Seikle Vabaks bogshoeing and wild swimming in a bog lake | Visit Estonia
- Seikle Vabaks autumn bogshoe hike in Soomaa National Park and Pärnumaa's bogs to pick cranberries | Visit Estonia
- Seikle Vabaks bogshoe hike in Soomaa National Park | Visit Estonia
Kayaking and canoeing on the rivers
Soomaa’s many rivers – especially Navesti, Raudna, Lemmjõgi and Halliste – offer wonderful opportunities for peaceful paddling or a bit more adventurous water journeys. A kayaking or canoeing trip reveals a completely new perspective of Soomaa – moving along the border of water and forest, surrounded by silence and natural sounds.
Beaver tours
The quiet rivers and marshy floodplain landscape of the national park create ideal conditions for observing beavers and their activity. On a guided beaver-watching tour, we travel by kayak or canoe, allowing you to spot the work and habits of these industrious animals – such as dam building, feeding, or moving along the water’s edge. The best time for beaver watching is in spring and autumn, either in the evening or early morning, when beavers are especially active.
Winter tour skating
When the rivers and floodplains freeze in winter, Soomaa becomes one of Estonia’s most exciting natural ice-skating destinations. The natural ice fields offer a pure and authentic winter experience, where smooth gliding opens up entirely new views of bog forests and meadow landscapes.
Campfire Picnics and Catering in Soomaa National Park
We offer cozy campfire picnics for up to 15 people at the end of canoe, kayak, and bogshoe tours. At a suitable campfire site, we prepare warm tea, campfire soup, and dessert for you. In summer, we also serve refreshing craft lemonade, fresh local products, salads, and traditional Estonian flavors.
