5th Season Canoeing Self-guided Trip
Soomaa is best known for its extra season. In Soomaa National Park, the early spring floods render up to 17,500 hectares of lower forests, roads and meadows only navigatable by water. The floods start when one of the local rivers overflows its banks, ushering in an otherworldly fifth season and a magical way to immerse yourself in nature. Especially in a canoe!
This deluge is something akin to a 'fifth season' - when canoes can be paddled along roads, through forests and sometimes even in yards.
One of a kind experience!
Pape tour
Embark on a guided boat trip on Lake Pape to explore its intricate channels, encountering diverse bird species, fish, and learning about local history and traditions. Following the boat trip, enjoy a hike in the nature park to observe and learn about the lives of wild horses and aurochs.
Million Star Hotel Latgale - a Night to Remember!
Experience eco-friendly bungalows perched on Viļaka Lake pontoons, complete with spacious beds, adaptable seating, electricity, and bio-toilets. Additional amenities include a crockery set and tea kettle. Choose between the Classic roof bungalow with a vinyl record player for lakeside tranquillity or the Glass roof bungalow, offering stargazing through a telescope. Rent e-bikes, SUP boards, boats, bicycles, or enjoy the sauna during your stay.
Nature escape at Muuski Glamping
In Veclaicene, a Latvian parish next to Estonia's border, we offer a tranquil nature retreat, highlighted by its serene lakes and the quiet ambiance ideal for a vacation. In close proximity, visitors can explore the small towns of the southern regions of Estonia. The accommodation includes 16 sq.m. Safari tents equipped with quality bed linens, towels, and heated mattresses to ensure a comfortable stay. Guests can spend their evenings in a Safari tent overlooking the meadow, soak in an authentic heated outdoor bath, enjoy a meal in the kitchen or around the campfire, with all necessary cookware and utensils provided. There is a pond for swimming on hot summer days.
Additionally, there is a service house available with multiple showers and toilets, and a washing machine for guests convenience. For those interested in exploring the beautiful landscape, bicycles are available at no extra cost.
Authentic Bathing Experience - Nature Resort Jagala Juga
This is the world where the best traditions of bath complexes, past and future, fire, water, earth, and air come together to help you relax and rejuvenate, gaining health. In the forest spa, the aromas of herbs unfold, filling your body with phytoncides and essential oils, imparting their energy.
An experienced bath master will take care of you, guiding you through an aroma ritual, steaming with oak branches followed by contrast, cleansing procedures in the hammam, and a relaxing massage to the sounds of nature and a gong. Immerse yourself in an atmosphere of tranquility and peace, leaving behind daily worries.
Aroma Workshop on Nature
Immerse yourself in natural scents with our aroma workshop. Explore essential oils and craft your own unique blends, discovering the benefits of aromatherapy while creating a personalized fragrance to cherish. Ideal year-round, the workshop gains extra charm in winter with exclusive seasonal Christmas aromas. It's perfect for families and groups, offering a fun and educational experience for all ages.
Bring comfortable clothing and water. All materials for creating your custom blends are provided.
Bog shoe hikes
In the region of North-Kõrvemaa our trips trace the secrets of the swamps as we travel through Kõnnu Suursoo and Koitjärve bogs, it's known for its attractive landscape and a lot of lakes. The bog-shoes can be used in Estonian bogs throughout the year!
Cuckoos and orchids
In Estonia, 38 blooming species of orchids have been counted. Estonia is famous as an orchid paradise. In Estonian, many common names of the orchid plants include the word ‘kägu’ (cuckoo), indicating that the best time to go looking for orchids is when the cuckoo is singing.
Eurasian Lynx – Scheduled Tour
During different periods, Estonia has been the country with the highest lynx population density and the local individuals are one of the largest in the world. Its’ main prey – Roe Deer, is doing better year after and so is the local lynx population. Right now, an estimated 550-600 Eurasian Lynx inhabit the forests of Estonia, and one of the best areas to spot them is Lahemaa National Park in the northeastern part of the country.
March is the mating season for the main target of this tour but a great time to look for the lynx is autumn when the temperatures have dropped and mammals have become more active again. The species spectrum is very similar to early spring.
Although this tour concentrates on the Eurasian Lynx, we will most likely also meet other mammals sharing the same habitats, such as Elk, Roe Deer, Snow Hare, Pine Marten, and Raccoon Dogs, just to name the main ones. Daytime will be used for resting and looking for bird specialties, such as the forest grouse and woodpeckers. If the snow conditions are suitable, we would also go lynx-tracking. Evening excursions will give us also the chance to spot several species of owls, such as the Ural Owl and Pygmy Owl.
Looking for the lynx will be done with thermal imagery binoculars and we start usually an hour/half an hour before sunset. Usually, we look until late in the evening or sometimes even until the first hours of the new day depending on our success and level of tiredness.
Scheduled trips:
20/10/2024 - 25/10/2024
03/03/2025 - 08/03/2025
11/03/2025 - 16/03/2025
18/10/2025 - 23/10/2025
E-Bike Salacgrīva
We will start the journey at "Tači," where we'll visit all 3 Neģu (lamprey) dune sites along Salaca. We'll pass by Salacgrīva's attractions and then head to Kuiviži pier and harbor. If the sea is calm, we'll ride along the coastline for 3-4km, exploring several interesting off-the-beaten-path spots and trails. Returning via the well-known "Three Bridges Route," we'll conclude at "Tači." The route is designed to enjoy and appreciate the benefits of e-bikes, offering diverse road surfaces and various levels of trail complexity.
Snowshoe hike in Viru Bog in Lahemaa National Park
Snowshoes help you get to where the boardwalk does not take you!
Viru bog is located 50 kilometres from Tallinn. There is a beautiful pine forest, bog pools, and an observation tower. We will go on an adventure between the bog pools and basically walk on water. We will also pick berries if they are in season. The tour guide will talk about the bog plants, animals, local heritage, and why bogs are important ecosystems.
Latgale Sauna Ceremony & SPA rituals
Experience ultimate relaxation with our Latgale sauna ceremony. This ancient ritual, guided by an experienced sauna master, includes a tea ritual on the sauna terrace, steaming with brooms, and a soothing hand oil mask. Conclude with a refreshing walk through the garden to the main shower. Available year-round, the sauna is particularly enchanting in autumn and winter, but delightful in summer. Bring a swimsuit and sauna slippers; we provide bath towels and bathrobes.
Enhance your relaxation with our 3-hour spa rituals, featuring luxurious treatments such as body scrubs, massages, wraps, and facial procedures using premium Thalac cosmetics.
SUP adventure in Riga canal
Enjoy SUP adventure in a very center of Riga. We will guide you trough Riga canal, to see canal lights, mystical lanterns and historical and illuminated buildings. You are very welcome to bring your own lights or lamps to brighten it up even more.
Following the adventure, we'll treat ourselves with the best eclairs in Riga from Raunas dārzs (Raunas garden) and savor homemade mulled wine from us - Boards You.
Our paddleboards are really steady, so you'll feel safe and comfortable in the calm canal waters. You'll get a new view of Riga's center, starting at the passenger port and ending at the lively Origo shopping center. Come and have a great time with us!
Early Spring Birding Tour
Join one of the most popular tours among UK birders, allowing you to combine sightings of wintering Steller’s Eiders with breeding Woodpeckers, Owls and Grouse in just one short holiday. Our 6-day birding focused holiday in West-Estonia takes place from mid-March until the second week of April, the best time to visit. Our professional guides will take you on a tour to Leidissoo Nature Reserve to search for the Ural and Eurasian Pygmy Owls, followed by birding on Saaremaa Island, where we can spot the endangered Steller´s Eider. Our last leg of the trip will take us to the western taiga forests in Soomaa National Park, known for its woodpeckers, including Three-toed, Grey-headed, White-backed and Black. We may also spot the elusive Hazel Grouse and Capercaillies in Soomaa.
Estonian sauna & massage retreat
Enjoy the peace and quietness of Soomaa National Park. Start your day with a refreshing walk in the bog or forest trails. In the evening experience an Estonian sauna ritual with a sauna master and relaxing massage, all together about 3 hours. Later have a rest in a unique, cozy room in Soomaa Holiday Village. In the morning don’t forget to have a quick dip in the river to start a perfect day.
Serum Masterclass in the Old Wooden Manor
The Serum Masterclass begins with a sensory journey, where you'll connect with our array of ingredients, selecting those that resonate most. We'll guide you through each component's benefits, ensuring an informed choice for your personalized serum from our 50+ essential oils. This mindful selection process is complemented by soothing music, candlelight, and local herbal tea. You'll depart with a 30 ml serum, elegantly packaged in a charming box with cards, fragrant silk paper, and dried flowers, offering 2-3 months of skincare. The Masterclass concludes with a serene walk to Crane Hill, boasting stunning crane flock views. Our aim is a tranquil, introspective experience, leaving you refreshed, grounded, and deeply in touch with your inner self.
Walking self-guided tour in Baltics
During this self-guided trip you will visit the most beautiful natural landscapes and cities of the Baltic States. It is an active trip in which you spend a lot of time hiking in the fresh air. Discover and experience the oldest and largest national parks – Lahemaa in Estonia and Gauja in Latvia, the West Estonian archipelago, vast peat bogs, taiga forests and the Curonian Spit. You will also visit the most important sights in the Baltic States, such as the medieval city center of Tallinn, the Art Nouveau district of Riga and the Nordic baroque churches of Vilnius.
Every day tour includes a major highlight, such as a longer hike or a city tour. Afterwards, according to your wishes, there is the possibility of further sightseeing, going hiking or simply enjoying the surroundings in peace.
For this tour, we will provide you with a tablet PC, that has GPS, internet, and our tour app, which shows you the way to many sights, walking trails, restaurants, cafes and provides tips and information.
8-Day Self-Guided Hike in Gauja National Park
Embark on an adventure along an 8-day self-guided hiking trail through Latvia's awe-inspiring Gauja National Park. This journey harmonises natural wonders and cultural exploration, ensuring an incredibly memorable experience.
SPA Retreat at complex Pazust Priedēs
Unwind in a peaceful, nature-filled retreat designed to refresh both body and mind. Relax in the sauna or outdoor hot tub, and let the soothing sound of the Gong calm your thoughts. Enjoy natural essential oils made from local ingredients, or join a yoga session in summer. Afterward, rest in Brazilian-style hammocks under the birch trees or explore the surroundings by bicycle. Each holiday home offers a cosy stay with meditative books, calming scents, and thoughtful details for deep relaxation. Spend a night here and reconnect with yourself in harmony with nature.
Biking adventure in Western Estonia, possible to continue to Latvia
Life moves at a different pace here. Explore Hiiumaa, Saaremaa and the western reaches of Estonia with this 10 day self guided tour. Sights include Sääre tirp (the mythical bridge to Saaremaa), Angla windmills, Kaali meteorite crater, Haapsalu, Kärdla, Kuressaare and Estonia’s summer capital Pärnu. Quiet and flat roads.
This tour can be modified according to your needs – some days can be cut into half, you can have rest days in between or stay more than one night in some places. Just let us know how many days you have and how much you would like to cycle per day and we will come out with an itinerary for your needs.
Evening canoe trip on the river Ahja
Experience the picturesque and primeval nature of the River Ahja on a guided canoe trip during a summer evening in South Estonia. As you pass the stunning sandstone cliffs at Taevaskoja , time seems to stand still during the long, lush Nordic twilight. No experience is necessary for our guided canoe trips. Life jackets are provided to all participants, regardless of their swimming ability. The instructors will also provide a safety briefing before the journey begins.
Your experienced instructors will share their knowledge about the local area, its flora, fauna, and the river's history. You'll gain insights into the ecological importance of this pristine natural environment while enjoying your adventure.
Mushrooming in Vicinity of Riga
Join a professional mycologist on a mushroom-picking tour, blending the fascinating world of fungi. Latvia, known for its vibrant mushroom-gathering culture, sees many people with baskets full of mushrooms along country roads in autumn. The tour is perfect for those who enjoy forests, wildlife, and have an interest in mushrooms and their various methods of preparation. The most popular edible mushrooms include various Boletus and Chanterelles. During the tour, you'll forage for species like Chanterelles, Russulas, and various Boletus, Birch Boletes, Aspen Bolete and others. During the tour the guide will also show you some rare and interesting species which are neither edible nor poisonous; some of them could be used in different ways, for example for dyeing wool in various colours. During the tour you will spend 2-3 hours picking mushrooms, then sort your finds with the guide.
The tour can be also provided in German.
Diversity of Peipsima
Join self-guided Peipsimaa trip, part of the Forest Trail, for a unique insight into the Lake Peipus area. Experience villages where houses and churches line the main street, and small harbors buzz with fishing boats. See wooden houses in various colors, and enjoy views of the vast Lake Peipus. Visit local cafés and shops, and get a feel for the local culture and way of life. This tour offers a chance to see and appreciate the region’s nature and the lifestyle of its residents.
Birds Migration
Estonia is located on the migration route for millions of passerines flying through central Estonia as well as over 50 million waterfowl and shorebirds flying along the north-western coast. More than 330 species have been identified in Estonia, of which more than 220 are breeding birds. In 1999, Estonia held the European record for the highest number of species seen in a day - unbelievable 189.
Possible to see some:
Tens of thousands of Cranes in Matsalu, Yellow-browed Warbler, White-tailed Eagles, Golden Eagles, White-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Lesser Spotted Woodpecker, Grey-headed Woodpecker, White-fronted Geese and Bean Geese
Peak autumn migration of songbirds, waders and waterfowls
Goshawk, Peregrine Falcon, Black Grouse, Yellow-browed Warbler (probably), Lapland Bunting, Nutcracker, Crested Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Bearded Tit