Latvian Sauna Ritual
Enjoy Latvian sauna ritual in a specialised wellness resort in Vidzeme region, central Latvia. You will be surrounded by the tranquillity of the countryside - with meadow flowers, rustling leaves, and the sound of birdsong by day and peaceful serenity and starry skies by night. Your sauna master will guide you through a 3-4 hour long sauna experience. Stay overnight in a meticulously designed and fully equipped Glass Room cabin with expansive glass walls and ceilings, offering you an uninterrupted view of the surrounding landscape while ensuring utmost comfort and protection.
Sunrise or Sunset Canoeing in Peipsiveere Nature Reserve
A 45-minute car drive from Tartu will take you to the Peipsiveere Nature Reserve, one of Estonia's wildest and least inhabited areas. This vast and pristine wetland features numerous rivers and lakes, making it an ideal destination for canoeing. The serene rivers, lakes, and bog islands are home to a variety of birds and mammals, including several protected species. Our canoeing tours, available from April to October, are led by experienced nature guides. Canoeing on these tranquil wetland rivers is suitable even for beginners. The tour includes a light meal: breakfast on sunrise tours and a pancake picnic on sunset tours.
1. Public transport - buses from Tartu Coach Station to bus stop Saki. If you are coming from Tallinn, take a bus to Tartu from Luxexpress, if you want to come from Tartu by bus, find the best time for you using the time table. NOTE! There are buses from Tartu and back only on Wednesday and Saturday so that you can have a tour at 13.00
2. Rent a car or use Bolt/Taxi. We recommend that option!
3. Ask for us pick up from Tartu and back. Pick up fee is 200.00 euros.
Sunsets with the seals, birds and seascapes
Seals are marine mammals that leave no one indifferent with their human-like nature and interesting ways of life. Watching grey seals roaming on the rocks and swimming in the sea around the small islands and coves of Kolga Bay is a unique and memorable opportunity to get to know one of the most fascinating seascapes in Northern Estonia and to get a closer look at the life of the Baltic top predators - grey seals.
For seal and wildlife watching, we use a purpose-built, enclosed-cabin boat with up to 6 seats. Its one-way mirror glass windows allow you to observe nature, while remaining invisible and disturbing as little as possible the shy wildlife. Quiet and precise manoeuvring and stationary positioning are ensured by an electric bow engine, which allows the seals to be observed more closely and with less disturbance than with conventional watercraft. The hull of the boat is constructed from highly durable recycled plastic and has a stable shape with low sides. For this reason, and with the possibility of a low seating position, our boat trips are particularly well suited for photo and video recordings of seals and seabirds. If the weather and visibility are suitable, we can
monitor the seals; underwater activities with a small underwater drone. If necessary, we can also open both the windows and roof hatches to let the sun and the salty sea air refresh us, or observe the animals and birds from a distance through binoculars or enjoy the views of the seascapes.
Nordic Ski Touring in the highest peaks of Baltics
Embark on a a two-day Nordic ski tour in the rolling hills of southern Estonia - Haanja Highlands are home to the highest peaks in the Baltics. Our experienced guides will take you through the best nordic ski areas, while teaching you basic skills to make the most of your adventure. This tour is perfect for those seeking a challenge and an unforgettable experience in snow covered winter landscapes. Deep forests, sleepy villages and locals with kind but slow vibe. The open bookings are for the slow lynx tour - climb up the 20 highest peaks with skis over one weekend! Navigate through rugged terrains, snowy trails, and pristine forests. Our experienced guides will accompany you every step of the way, ensuring safety and providing fascinating insights into the local geography. Whether you are looking to push your limits or a nature enthusiast seeking new routes, the snow lynx hike promises an unforgettable journey through Estonian peaks.
Rummu Quarry and Coastal Cliffs Tour
Join this diverse tour that combines beautiful nature and hiking along the coastline with alternative sights from the Russian and Soviet history in Estonia.
During this tour you will see beautiful coastal cliffs, waterfalls and alternative abandoned sights all during one day tour. Visit Keila waterfall – third most powerful waterfall in Estonia. Hike along northern Estonian coast and admire the view on the cliffs over the sea. Explore hidden remains of Peter the Great's Naval Fortress and walk through its underground rooms (fitness level recommended). Drive through the Soviet-era industrial city of Paldiski and see its Russian Orthodox church. Explore the unearthly Rummu submerged quarry and have a opportunity to hike around the mountain, created from the waste of the prison industry (fitness level recommended).
SUP and Kayak night ride in the swamp
Embark on a spooky and magical SUP and Kayak night ride in the swamp with headlamps, a must-have experience for thrill-seekers. Paddling through the swamp and watching the fog slowly dissipate into implacable darkness is a surreal experience. After dark, "crazy things" happen in the swamp, so muster your courage and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. To reach the paddling point, you will begin with a 2km walk along the swamp with torches, taking you through the peat quarries on the edge of the Great Ķemeru moor. Along the way, you'll witness fascinating landscapes with dark swamp lakes, beaver houses and dead trees.
Bog & Sauna Package
Experience Estonia’s Bog Magic and Traditional Sauna! Join us for an unforgettable trek through Estonia’s pristine bogs, starting from Small Lapland in Uuejärve Hiking Nest. Using special bog shoes, explore the picturesque Kõrvemaa bogs with an expert guide sharing tales about the bogs' flora, fauna, and health benefits. Afterward, enjoy a vegan pumpkin soup lunch with homemade bread and herbal tea. Relax in a traditional hot sauna with unique, group-tailored rituals led by our sauna fairy. Complete your experience by meeting friendly sled dogs and taking photos in our cozy dog barn studio. Discover Estonia’s bogs and sauna traditions on this unique adventure.!
Oven Baked Pizza Hike
Experience the serenity of nature with our organization's invigorating hikes, covering 15-20 km through the tranquil forests or picturesque seaside. We constantly explore different locations, ensuring that every hike is a new adventure. For those seeking a more thrilling experience, we highly recommend our night hikes. The hike culminates with a delicious treat of oven-baked pizza at a local pizzeria. This is a perfect opportunity to explore, connect, and appreciate nature's beauty while forging new connections.
Golden and White-tailed Eagle Photography
The majestic but cautious Golden Eagle is considered to be the absolute pinnacle of Estonia’s bird kingdom, and the opportunity to see it undisturbed, up close, and for a long time offers an unforgettable nature experience. The Eagle hide is heated and situated from car parking lot only 250 meters to walk.
You should enter the hide at least an hour before sunrise and not leave the hide before it is totally dark (about an hour after sunset). One option would also be to go there on the previous night/evening. In the hide are WC and kitchen.
The hide is open from the 1st of January until the 9th of March or until the Eagles show themselves.
Nature Tours from Hunter's Villa
The Hunters’ Villa offers accommodation for up to 19 guests across nine uniquely themed rooms, with an additional eight sleeping spots available. Admire a splendid collection of Estonian wildlife within the villa, and during nature tours, encounter these animals in their natural habitat. Accommodation options include ten beds spread across five rooms in the right wing, with shared facilities and a cozy lounge. The left wing features four rooms for nine guests, each equipped with private toilets, showers, and Wi-Fi. Enjoy a comfortable stay amidst the villa's serene surroundings, ideal for exploring Estonia’s natural beauty and wildlife.
Guided tour in Slitere National park exploring nature and history of the place
Explore Slitere National Park, an open-air museum showcasing the Baltic Sea's historical evolution. The tour traverses the Blue Hills of Slītere, remnants of the Baltic Ice Lake's shore 10,000 years ago, with slopes, ravine forests, wetlands, and a calcareous marsh protected by the EU. Atop these hills, Slītere Lighthouse offers panoramic views of the Irbe Strait and Estonia's Saaremaa Island. The itinerary includes Pēteezer’s Trail, revealing Europe’s largest dune ramparts and cultural sites of the Livonian coast, settled by the world’s smallest ethnic group, the Livonians. The tour concludes at Latvia’s Cape Kolka, known for its storm-beaten pine-lined beaches, blending walking and scenic drives.
Pop-up Forest Restaurant
Surprise your group with gourmet food in the middle of nature! The pop-up Forest Restaurant is a special experience where a plentiful meal is prepared in a natural setting – this adventure is aimed at your senses! Dishes are prepared by renowned chefs. We use as much local raw produce as possible. The food is served on reusable dishes and tables covered with white tablecloth.
Tailor-Made Smart-Guided Tour
The biggest advantage of a smart-guided tour is flexibility. Therefore the easiest way to set it up is by writing to us when and for how long would you like to stay. Which species and habitats would you like to see? Through the given information, we will organize a fitting tailor-made tour specially crafted for you. You can concentrate only on birding, or mix it with mammal observation, or even mix the two together with searching for rare orchids in Estonia’s wooded meadows. In case you want to get more in touch with the local history and culture, we can also add the best or most fitting sightseeing locations. If you want a more active tour, we can add walking trails to your tour and if you are interested in photography, we can arrange stays in various photo hides.
March and the end of April are the best times for seeing wintering arctic waterfowl. During the mentioned period, there’s a great chance to observe Steller’s Eider and hundreds of Long-tailed Ducks, feeding on the west coast of Saaremaa island. In the meantime, the spring migration is slowly starting and every day brings new species. Usually, the early arrivals include species like Cranes, Skylarks, and Northern Lapwings. Commonly it is also the best time for seeing arctic passerine birds like the Snow Bunting, Arctic Redpoll, or even Lapland Longspur.
On warmer days the woodpeckers get more active and then it’s possible to hear the drumming of species such as the White-backed Woodpecker, Three-toed Woodpecker, Black Woodpecker, Lesser-spotted Woodpecker, and Grey-headed Woodpecker. In the evening, there’s a chance to see or hear the Pygmy Owl, Ural Owl, or Tengmalm’s Owl. Black Grouse are already on their lekking grounds and Western Capercaillies and Hazel Grouses are just starting to. March and April are also good months for Elk spotting.
In April the migration is getting stronger every day and then there’s the chance to see new arctic species such as the Greater Scaup, Common- and Velvet Scoter, different Loons, Geese, and Swans. In the meantime, new and new nesting birds are arriving. April is also the best time for spotting woodpeckers, owls, and Galliformes.
The migration lasts until the middle of May and that is also the time when it is possible to see the greatest number of different species. By that time, late arrivals such as the Common Rosefinch, Blyth’s Reed Warbler, Greenish Warbler have just arrived. Earlier nesters are still active and the waterfowl migration has not ended yet.
May is also the best time for seeing local mammals – the Elks feed on fresh grass and leaves and are easy to spot. Bears start visiting the bear watching hide and also sightings of foxes and raccoon dogs will become frequent. Estonia has also a good number of Wolves, Lynx, Jackals, Wild Bore, Otters and other mammals and May is a really good month for accidental observations. In this month, Flying Squirrel tours can also be planned, as there is sufficient light even in the woods. The end of May is also a good time for looking for the first blossoming orchids, such as the majestic Lady’s Slipper. The best time to see as many orchids as possible is at the end of June and in the beginning of July.
While the summer is quite calm in terms of nature observations, it again gets more interesting from mid-August, when the waders start migrating. The greater migration starts in September. During the autumn migration, there are not so many different species, but the masses are greater, as the migration takes place during a shorter period. From the middle of September onwards, thousands of Cranes will start gathering on the fields, later accompanied by various species of geese. When the nights get colder, Hazel Grouse and Western Capercaille get more active again and for the Black Grouse, it signifies the beginning of the (false) autumn lek. Besides the Galliformes, autumn is also an active period for owls and woodpeckers. In terms of mammals, Brown Bears and Raccoon Dogs will be actively looking for food as they need to fatten up for the winter and the chances to spot them are much greater than during summer. Colder nights and shorter days trigger the rutting period of the Elk, which normally lasts from the end of August until the middle of October. The end of the elk rut signifies also the end of our autumn season.
TAKA Kaņieris Mindfulness Walk
The TAKA Kaņieris Mindfulness Walk unfolds in the open landscapes surrounding lake Kaņieris, combining meadows, ancient oak trees and lakeside paths.
Through slow, silent walking and guided breathing practices, participants are invited to reconnect with the body and the natural rhythm of the environment.
The experience includes grounding barefoot walking, body awareness meditation in the meadow, mindful tasting, and moments of reflection and sharing in a calm, supportive space.
This walk encourages deep relaxation, presence and a sense of connection with nature.
ÖÖD hotels stay in forest luxury
In Estonia, ÖÖD Hotels provide tranquil retreats in the country’s most stunning locations. Enjoy modern comforts and breathtaking views in lush forests, serene coastlines, or ancient valleys. Each location, from the forest views at Rannamõisa and the enchanting pine forests of Laheranna to the untouched nature at Rooslepa, offers the perfect escape for nature lovers and birdwatching enthusiasts.
Most ÖÖD Hotels come with private mirror house saunas, and some with a hot tub. Please check individual destinations before booking.
Birds and mammals photography hide
Two functional and comfortable mobile trailer hides, fitting 2-4 nature enthusiasts. The observing and recording of wildlife activities is possible in all four directions through specially designed mirror glass windows. Every hide is supplied with observation chairs, two stationary beds, toilet room, kitchen corner with the cooker-oven and refrigerator. The room and windows have a special heating and ventilation system. The lighting of hide, recharging of the phones, camera batteries and other electronic devices is possible via solar panel powered battery pack or from the main’s grid.
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.
Best of Gauja River Valley in One Day: Kayaking Trip
Enjoy a full-day guided kayaking adventure through some of the most distinctive and visually striking sections of Gauja National Park. The trip combines both the main Gauja River and a quieter tributary, creating a more varied and immersive experience on the water. Along the way, the landscape shifts from open river stretches to narrower forest passages and dramatic Devonian sandstone cliffs formed over 350 million years ago — a geological feature unique to this region of Latvia and Estonia. Built on over 20 years of hands-on experience in nature and more than 8 years of active guiding, each trip is adapted to the group and conditions, creating a personal and well-paced journey. You’ll also gain insight into the surrounding landscape, local nature, and Baltic traditions. Pickup from your accommodation in Riga or Sigulda is included. No prior kayaking experience is required, but you should feel comfortable paddling for several hours. Maximum 4 participants.
Snowshoeing trip
The enchanting Koitjärve and Kõnnu bogs of the Kõrvemaa nature reserve await hikers from spring to autumn to get to know their diverse nature. Under the guidance of an experienced guide, a hike of about 4-6 kilometers will be completed in the swamp, getting to know the history of the area as well as the plants and animals that nest there.
The hike starts in the parking lot of the Sportland Kõrvemaa Hiking and Skiing Center, from where you move on together in a box of 6×6 ZIL 131 type military trucks, which have been especially applied there for the transport of passengers. We have 4 of these trucks to display, so we can take more than 60 people on a hike at the same time.
The paw print hike
We will follow whoever has set a path for us with their latest paw prints- whether it’s a moose, fox, wolf, lynx or even a bear. On the way, we read what is written on the landscape as a trail line. In this way, we can participate in wild animals’ fascinating and mysterious life and customs!
Photography workshop Kurland
Enjoy wild Baltics nature in Kurland photography workshop. We will be visiting secluded nature spots for best photographic experience, we will search for amazing landscapes early in the morning and in late afternoons. Combine your hobby with long walks in nature and relaxation in comfortable guest house with SPA. Medium long hikes will be mixed with photography tips on location and resting.
Luxury brown bear hide
The Alutaguse luxury bear hides offer an excellent opportunity to watch bears and other wildlife from luxury conditions. In addition to the brown bears, the hides are frequently visited by raccoon dogs, occasionally by moose, badgers, wild boars, roe deer, and rarely by wolves and lynxes, as well as numerous bird species.
In the luxurious hide, you can observe bears through a floor-to-ceiling mirrored window, even while lounging on a spacious double bed. The elegant interior, crafted from high-quality materials, is inspired by the surrounding nature, creating the feeling of being immersed in the wilderness while still enjoying a secure and luxurious retreat.
It is like a fully equipped hotel suite in the heart of nature among bears, featuring a large double bed, comfortable chairs, a table, a shower, a refrigerator, a toilet, and other amenities for an exclusive getaway.
E-Bike Cēsis-Līgatne
Our journey begins with a Cēsis town guided tour, ideal for e-bike riding. After a coffee break at a charming local café, we'll head towards the Gauja River. Following a forest trail along the Gauja, passing through Rakši and Ozolkalns, we'll reach the Amata Zvārtes cliffs. Continuing, we'll visit the Ķūķu Cliffs and Līgatne Rehabilitation Center village, with the impressive Spriņģi cliffs nearby. You can choose between a road or various forest trail options to reach historic Līgatne village. The journey concludes at Līgatne Nature Trails Information Center.
Bungee Jump From Cable Car
Bungee Sigulda is a unique place in Europe, where jumps with a bungee are taken from a cable car. The height of a jump above the river Gauja is 43m. As safety is the main priority for each jump the technologies and inventory are developed strictly observing the standards of mountain climbing and dangerous equipment with a safety reserve of 7-20 times. Since 1992 Sigulda Bungee is giving an opportunity to fulfil one of the most memorable adventures in a life time in a safe way. More than 100 000 people have tried this attraction already.