Lahemaa National Park is a sensation among visitors coming to Tallinn. In a country of only 1.3 million people, untouched nature is just a few steps away from the busy capital. Since the first companies began taking people to Lahemaa National Park and tourists started sharing their experiences on TripAdvisor, there were suddenly lines of people in front of Tallinn Tourist Information Centre, demanding day trips to Lahemaa, which during the peak season is most often sold out. Lahemaa National Park is gorgeous and a perfect opportunity to see nature, beautiful coasts, and lush bogs, and obtain a glimpse of Estonian history by visiting the romantic manors in the area. If you are looking for a day packed with an abundance of sights, then read no further and book a day trip. But if you were already at the national park or looking for something else, here are the best alternative tours from Tallinn. Warning! National parks in Estonia are not safari parks Watch out for what you expect from a “national park” — it is not a fenced area where bears and wolves are kept so tourists can take selfies with them. A national park in Estonia means an area protected for its ecological value and spectacular nature. Wolves, bears, beavers, foxes, and many other wild animals live in this wilderness. Still, they are excellent at minding their own business and typically stay far away from people, especially on popular tourist trails. So, where to go if you want to explore nature but also avoid tourists who already leave a large footprint on Lahemaa's ecology? Here are some ideas for you... 1. Escape to Prangli Island - Quiet, authentic and close to Tallinn Only 30 km from Tallinn, tiny Prangli Island feels like a world of its own. Home to
Lahemaa National Park is a sensation among visitors coming to Tallinn. In a country of only 1.3 million people, untouched nature is just a few steps away from the busy capital. Since the first companies began taking people to Lahemaa National Park and tourists started sharing their experiences on TripAdvisor, there were suddenly lines of
Even before you can see it, something tells you that you are getting close. You feel fresh but slightly damp and cold air touching your face. As you walk closer, you notice the mist and hear the gushing of water in the distance. Once you see it at last, the unstoppable flow and the heights take you aback for a moment. No wonder visiting waterfalls is one of the most popular destinations we look for when we travel. Although Estonia is a flat country, we have a massive limestone cliff that stretches from Russia through the entire Northern Estonian coast and even reaches some islands in Sweden. This massive structure is called the Baltic Klint. All the rivers that flow into the Baltic Sea from Northern Estonia make up to 8-meter drop over the cliff, creating beautiful waterfalls that charm the viewer. Here are seven waterfalls near Tallinn that are worth visiting - some well-known and others that require more patience and time to find. The waterfalls in Estonia are beautiful all year round! Especially in winter time, when they freeze and create gorgeous icicles. They are definitely worth passing by when you are on your way to do other winter activities. 1. Jägala Waterfall Jägala waterfall has become a 'must-do in Tallinn' sight. Only half an hour drive from Tallinn, the highest waterfall in Estonia, Jägala waterfall, is easily accessible and many pass by on their way to Lahemaa National Park. The waterfall is very near the parking lot and you can see it when standing on top of the limestone cliff, but it is also possible to get right in front of the waterfall. Jägala waterfall, as the other waterfalls near Tallinn, becomes especially beautiful in the winter when it either partially or completely freezes. There are several
Even before you can see it, something tells you that you are getting close. You feel fresh but slightly damp and cold air touching your face. As you walk closer, you notice the mist and hear the gushing of water in the distance. Once you see it at last, the unstoppable flow and the heights