Nordic Ski tour in the largest bog
Explore the wild Soomaa National Park on a Nordic Ski Tour this winter. Glide across the largest bog system and take in the breathtaking winter scenery that surrounds you. Our experienced guides will lead you on a journey through the park, pointing out the unique history and tracks of wildlife that make this area so special. Perfect for beginners and experienced skiers alike, this tour is a must-do for anyone looking to experience the beauty of Estonia's winter landscape.
Nature walk and Bogshoeing
A delightful day in a bog with captivating landscapes, distinctive vegetation, and wildlife. A bog resembles a colossal sponge made of peat, hosting bog pools, hollows, and raised bog beds. In ancient times, Estonians fastened bog shoes to gather berries or make hay—and to stroll across the bog to visit neighbours. Today, a hike through these intriguing ecosystems provides an excellent way to spend leisure time while immersing oneself in a unique natural landscape.
Experienced guides will safely lead you through the bog, and bog shoes will be provided.
Hiking Adventure Itinerary in Endla Nature Reserve
Hiking trails in the Endla nature reserve offer wonderful views of lake Männikjärv and the bog surroundings. Marked hiking trails, which provide the opportunity to get to know the forests, wooded meadows, and bogs. Endla Nature reserve offers visitors opportunities to observe birds, and learn about the local plants. The tracks overlap to a certain extent and visitors can choose a track of their abilities 2.2 km or 8 km. The Endla nature reserve of 10,161 hectares was formed to preserve the karsts of the southern slope of Pandivere highlands and the bogs and bogs islands characteristic of the central and eastern part of Estonia. The Endla nature reserve centre is located in Tooma village in Jõgevamaa, 130 km from Tallinn.
A Walking Hike with Sled Dogs
Arrival at Small Lapland and a short introduction to our fairytale forest park. Getting to know our dogs, cuddling, malamute stories, instructions for hiking with the dogs.
Equipment preparation: belt, bungee leash and harness
Hot tea and cookies, on request it is possible to order homemade food or a campfire picnic – the possibility of grilling sausages and marshmallows on the fire.
Some beautiful photos by our photographer in the cozy dog barn and during the hike
Wilderness Day Trip to Soomaa National Park
A guided trip in Soomaa national park that combines bog-walking and canoeing on the river. Lunch in the wild is included. Soomaa National Park is an extensive wilderness area, home to vast peat bogs, thick forests, and numerous rivers and floodplains. It's best known for its high-water season, considered the fifth season of the year when in a relatively small area between the bogs and swamp forests, several local rivers from surrounding uplands converge, creating a unique and breathtaking spectacle.
Hiking with a Husky
Guided hikes on the nature trails in Gauja National Park with husky dogs. You will be equipped with professional gear, including a belly or hip belt to keep your hands free, an elastic leash and a well-trained husky with leashes. A knowledgeable trainer and guide will accompany you throughout the hike. Our huskies are highly skilled and trained for hikes and sled-dog sports competitions. Enjoy the spectacular Gauja river view with Devonian sandstone outcrops and experience the unconditional love and affection of our huskies who adore human interaction. The location and distance of the hike can be tailored to your preferences, offering a customizable experience.
Western Estonia and the Islands self-guided bicycle tour
Life moves at a different pace on Estonian islands. 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.
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
Tours among living chairs and other shaped trees
Whether you're a group of friends, family, or just passing by, we offer a unique, unforgettable experience to spark your creativity. At Forest Designed, we shape live trees into beautiful, functional art using gradual tree-shaping methods. Explore our garden featuring chairs, lampshades, and live tree sculptures. We also grow reproductions of ancient works of art, creating a world gallery in one place. Enjoy tours, creative workshops, event hosting, and more. Our expert guides will lead you through MEŽA DIZAINA DĀRZS, revealing fascinating insights into the ancient art of tree-shaping.
Birdwatching in Estonia
Estonia is among the top three bird watching destinations in Europe for the number of species spotted here. With over 380 species of birds spotted in Estonia annually.
Estonia’s indented coastline, numerous islands, forests, bogs and other diverse cultural landscapes are all great spots for bird-watching. The best time for bird-watching is during their migration when millions of birds fill the skies.
Birding season begins as early as in March. Spring migration culminates in mid-May and the bird observation season winds down by mid-June. The autumn migration tends to be more modest, but draws enthusiasts to Estonia in September and October as well. Thanks to the large forest areas and suitable habitats, six species of eagle can be seen in Estonia as well as 8 of 9 European woodpecker species.
Sleddog Ride in Magical Small Lapland
Come and enjoy a unique experience dashing through a magical snowy forest route pulled by a team of trained alaskan malamutes. Our extremely human friendly sleddogs are cuddly and sweet with all human visitors. In Small Lapland it is possible to cuddle and play with our dogs inside their kennels. After some doggy kisses, we prepare the sled and go for an amazing sleddog ride in a Natura 2000 protected pristine forest. We have a cozy dog barn photo studio, lush nature and a warm house to make you feel right at home. The ride is possible also without snow, with super comfy 4 wheel carts from September until May.
A discovery trip to the winter forest and bogs, with snowshoes or kicksleds.
During winter season, it is exciting to go with snowshoes or kicksleds to hike into the forest, swamps, ponds or across lakes. A discovery trip is not just a walk, but a journey full of emotions. The views of the crisp, iridescent and also snowy landscape are unparalleled at any moment. Snow is like a soft carpet on the landscape, and snowshoes or sleds allow us pass areas that otherwise are difficult. According to snow thickness, we choose the most suitable hiking equipment for movement.
The hiking distance depends on the speed of movement and time, i.e. approximately 2-3 hours. You get exiting experiences, moderate physical exertion and a lot of positive emotions are guaranteed.
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.
Nature Education and Walking in the Recreation Park Laumas
Recreation Park Laumas, located in the northwest part of Latvia, offers an exciting blend of education and recreation in nature. On the Bee Trail, we invite you to explore the secrets of bee life, delve into the roles of both the bee and the ancient beekeeper, and acquaint yourself with the bustling activity of live bee colonies in the hive. The Bird Trail takes you back in time to the wondrous world of birds. Our Forest and Plant Trails let you experience, hear, and feel the touch of nature, providing an inspiring and educational retreat. You can accomplish your visit by staying overnight in our guest house, camping cabin, or tent site.
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.
Canoeing on the Irbe River near Slītere National Park
The Irbe River flows in the western part of Latvia and empties into the Baltic Sea. In one day's itinerary, you can explore the 14km long meandering, steep, sandy riverbank section. The journey starts at the Irbene radio telescope, which is one of the largest radio telescopes in Europe. Originally constructed during the Soviet era for espionage purposes, the 32m parabolic antenna now serves as an international radio astronomy center, offering guided tours to visitors. It is possible to extend the canoe trip by 13 km, reaching the mouth of the Irbe River in the sea.
Traditional Estonian mushroom hunting
Picking mushrooms are for many estonians like a summer national sport and tradition from generations to generations. We invite you to a guided mushroom foraging tour to Järvselja forest area and to the forests on the bog islands of Emajõe-Suursoo, located in Peipsiveere Nature Reserve. Experience the scenic landscape with no artificial noises and most likely no other people.
Guided by an experienced guide, we will hike to places where you will find the best delicacies of Estonian nature. We will learn how to find our own mushroom spots, what to pick and what to leave in the forest, and how to cook and store mushrooms for the winter.
At the end of the hike, we will build a campfire and serve dishes made from fresh mushrooms we just picked.
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.
Sauna rituals in nature villas
A sauna ritual offers a glimpse into Estonian traditions while relaxing and detoxifying your body in a modern setting. Experience the authentic sauna by making your own viht, practicing old traditions, and enjoying muscle relaxation through vihtlemine. Your skin will be scrubbed and nourished with forest plants. Sauna rituals, integral to Estonian life, provide numerous benefits including detoxification, increased metabolism and blood circulation, improved sleep, better immune function, and overall relaxation.
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.!
Hiking and SUP Adventure in Garezeri
This expedition offers a combination of hiking and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) as you traverse through three scenic lakes in Vidzeme region, central part of Latvia. Your journey begins with a train ride from Riga, followed by a 9km hike through the enchanting dunes, forests and the beach to reach the Gauja River mouth and the South Garezers, your SUP starting point. After indulging in delicious Latvian cuisine by a cosy fire, you'll explore the South, Middle and North Garezers on your SUP boards, including a treasure hunt on a lake island. At the end of the day, you will walk 1.5 km to the train station to return to Riga.
Seaside nature walks
Nature-watching walks from spring to autumn in the west coast of Estonia. There is a possibility to see migrating birds as they cover fields, stopping to rest and observe nature's awakening in the forest when leaves start sprouting on trees and plants. Moose, boar, foxes, and deer roam the area daily. White-tailed eagles can be seen eating at the beach, along with various kinds of herons and swans. Traveling is made easy with the help of our friendly horses, which assist us in carrying the luggage.
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.
Latvian Sauna Experience in the middle of Pristine Nature
Rejuvenate in a private area: a thermal wood sauna by a peaceful forest lake, next to a renovated hundred-year-old forester's cabin. Enjoy sauna brooms, natural oils, and local herbal teas, then cool off with lake swims or snow dives. Spring to autumn, stay overnight, cook by the fire, and explore nature. Experience bird watching, butterfly observation, and swamp exploration. Guided tours by expert biologist hosts offer knowledge on Latvia's natural and historical landscape, creating a comprehensive retreat for wellbeing in untouched nature.
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).