Soomaa National Park
Soomaa National Park is home to massive wetlands and is the most famous park thanks to a natural phenomenon called 'the fifth season.'
Soomaa National Park boasts extensive bogs surrounded by forests, rivers, flood-meadows and flower-filled wooded meadows, where one can enjoy the silence and beauty of untouched nature.
Soomaa is best known for its extra season. The fifth season, as it's called, occurs when water from the spring thaw or heavy rain floods fields, roads, forests, and farmland, making boats the most reliable form of transportation. During this flood time, up to 17,500 hectares of lower forests, roads, and yards can only be navigated by water. It's a perfect place for a canoe trip.
Soomaa has received a quality label from the European Union of Protected Areas (EUROPARC Federation), which recognizes the sustainable development of nature tourism in the region.
Source: Visit Estonia
During the Fifth Season boats are the primary form of transportation
Even though the area floods several times a year, residents have adapted rather than fled —homeowners always have boats at hand.
To experience the fifth season firsthand, join one of the many guided tours available in Soomaa National Park for an unforgettable experience.
Soomaa is charming all year round. Depending on the season, you can move around Soomaa by canoe or stand-up paddleboard, haabja or kick sled, skis or bikes, snowshoes or ice skates, on foot or on horseback.
Top recommendations for must-do activities in Soomaa:
Mart Vares
Sven Zacek
Hans Markus Antson
Ken Mürk
Romet Vaino
Mart VaresSource: Priidu Saart
Ice skating in Soomaa National Park
When the flooded water freezes in winter, it creates a magnificent skating rink, and you can get around on skates. This is a very unique experience you have to feel by yourself!
For more information abut Soomaa National Park and it's remarkable acivities go and visit Soomaa's official website: www.visitsoomaa.ee.
Did you know?
UNESCO listed Estonian wooden dugout canoe - haabjas on its Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2021, preserving Soomaa's ancient traditions.
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Last updated
22.04.2024