In Estonian, Soomaa means Land of Bogs, which is exactly what you'll find in this huge national wetlands park about an hour's drive from Pärnu. Your main peat bogs mingled with rivers and forests make up a lush playground for wolves, brown bears and flying squirrels, as well as some rare bird species.
Your first stop should be the Visitor's Centre in Tõramaa, where you can get trail maps to guide you through the bogs and meadows. Day hiking is popular, but most locals will tell you that the best way to explore the park is by canoe. For that, see Soomaa.com listing.
Getting there: Located just 44km outside Pärnu, the easiest way to get there is by car. From Pärnu, drive in the Sindi-Tori direction and just follow the signs. The official visitor centre is located in the middle of the park at Kõrtsi-Tõramaa, Tipu village, Põhja-Sakala parish.
Your first stop should be the Visitor's Centre in Tõramaa, where you can get trail maps to guide you through the bogs and meadows. Day hiking is popular, but most locals will tell you that the best way to explore the park is by canoe. For that, see Soomaa.com listing.
Getting there: Located just 44km outside Pärnu, the easiest way to get there is by car. From Pärnu, drive in the Sindi-Tori direction and just follow the signs. The official visitor centre is located in the middle of the park at Kõrtsi-Tõramaa, Tipu village, Põhja-Sakala parish.
