Here you are, another handy collection of natural places with few people. This time, in Estonia: all objects are located inside or by the wonderful coastal town of Pärnu.
The watching tower is located in the preserved area established in 1958 to safeguard rare coastal meadows. Here you can watch the birds, admire the sea bay and see how “city cows” chew the reeds, from May to October.
Location: May Bird Watching Tower
This walking trail winds along the sea, lagoons and meadows of Pärnu. By following it, you can watch wild birds. The trail ends with a small observation tower which overlooks the sea and the surrounding area. The trail is 600 m long and is well-equipped for wheelchairs.
You can visit it free of charge at any time of the year
Map location: Ranna puiestee 9
The Pärnu Promenade created in 2006 stretches along the sea beach and is a great place for a romantic walk even during bad weather. In the evening, the promenade and the fountains are illuminated brightly, attracting vacationers and young people.
Location: 58.372944, 24.503479
The 8-meter high Vana-Pärnu observation tower is located on a water meadow, at the confluence of the Pärnu river into the sea. It is appealing at any time of the year: you can enjoy marvelous views of the pier, the mouth of the river or the sandy beach, as well as watch the birds in the reed beds, on the meadow or in the sea. The largest number of birds in these places is observed from April to October.
The distance from the parking lot to the tower is about 500 m; there is also a beach for swimming. The place is suitable for long walking or cycling.
Location: Vana-Pärnu linnuvaatlustorn
This 2-kilometer long pier on the left bank of the river has become a symbol of Pärnu. A boardwalk winds to it through a coastal park. Sometimes the pier gets completely under water, and at a low water season, the pillar tops of the old wooden pier, built earlier and rotten, become visible.
In total, there are two malls in Pärnu, both surrounded with legends and being a great place for vacationing couples in particular.
Location: Pärnu muul
The cave is hiding among the steep cliffs near the Pärnu River in the small town of Tori. It emerged due to the influence of spring waters and reached 32 meters by bottom; the locals also called it the “road to hell”. In 1974, the entrance to the cave collapsed, and now one can only see its remnants.
Location: 58.483543, 24.816702
You can visit it at any time of the year free of charge
People come to Sooma National Park to walk through wooded meadows and intact swamps, and see the highest bog in Estonia.
You can reach it by following the 4.3 km long Ingatsi boardwalk. The trail winds through the forest, the Kuresoo bog and small lakes. On the way, you can admire the views from the observation tower.
Location: Ingatsi opperada
At the beginning of the Öördi nature trail in Soomaa National Park, you will find a forest hut and a cozy place for bonfire and relaxation. The trail leads to Lake Öördi, the only onle in the park that has remained a clean lake in a swampy area where one can go swimming. In autumn, these lands are perfect for cranberry picking.
Address: Soomaa Rahvuspark 35, Viljandi Maakond
Läti recreation area represents an observation tower and a picnic area with a table, roofed benches and a fireplace. The observation tower overlooks the floodplain meadow of Läti, which is part of Soomaa National Park that gets almost completely covered by water during the melting of snow or heavy rains. Due to the fact that the local soil cannot absorb large amounts of moisture at once, a high level of water remains for several weeks. Floods boost the amount of nutrients in the lands, that’s why in the summertime, the meadows get covered by plenty of flowers and herbs.
Address: Soomaa metskond 57, Tipu küla, Põhja-Sakala vald, Viljandi maakond
The meadow is open to visitors all year round free of charge
Material prepared by Juliana Iljina (Facebook: Places to travel in Baltic States; Instagram: jusjka)
