Estonia National Parks - Complete List

DESCRIPTION:
Alutaguse National Park is Estonia's newest national park, established to protect the region's large forest and bog landscapes. The park features extensive mire systems, old-growth forests, and is home to several endangered species including the flying squirrel. It represents one of the largest remaining wilderness areas in Estonia.

DESCRIPTION:
Karula National Park is Estonia's smallest national park, characterized by its hilly landscape and numerous lakes. The park preserves traditional agricultural landscapes and cultural heritage of the region. It features a mosaic of forests, farmlands, and wetlands that support diverse wildlife.

DESCRIPTION:
Lahemaa National Park is Estonia's first and largest national park, featuring a diverse coastal landscape with peninsulas, bays, and forests. The park preserves both natural and cultural heritage, including historic manor houses and fishing villages. It contains extensive areas of forest, wetlands, and distinctive boulder fields along the Baltic coast.

DESCRIPTION:
Matsalu National Park is one of Europe's most important wetland bird areas and a major stopover for migratory birds. The park encompasses Matsalu Bay, the surrounding reed beds, coastal meadows, and wooded meadows. It is internationally recognized as a vital habitat for waterfowl and wading birds.

DESCRIPTION:
Soomaa National Park is famous for its vast bogs, floodplain grasslands, and seasonal floods known as the Fifth Season. The park protects one of the largest intact peat bog systems in Europe. It offers unique experiences including bog walking and traditional dugout canoe trips.

DESCRIPTION:
Vilsandi National Park is Estonia's westernmost national park, consisting of more than 150 islands and islets in the Baltic Sea. The park is crucial for protecting marine and coastal ecosystems, including important bird nesting sites. It features unique limestone formations and rich marine biodiversity.