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Soomaa Overview

Soomaa National Park, known locally as “Soomaa Rahvuspark,” is a captivating expanse located in southwestern Estonia. The park covers an area of approximately 150 square miles (390 square kilometers), making it a significant natural treasure in the region.

Established in 1993, Soomaa is renowned for its unique and pristine wetlands, which consist of vast bogs, lush meadows, and swamp forests. The park is part of the Ramsar Convention, an international treaty for the conservation of wetlands, emphasizing its global ecological importance.

It lies in the transition zone between southern and northern Estonia, bordered by the Halliste, Raudna, Lemmjõgi, and Kõpu rivers, which play a key role in shaping the park’s distinctive landscape. The terrain of Soomaa National Park is dominated by expansive peat bogs, interspersed with rivers, marshes, and wooded meadows.

These bogs are remnants of glacial activity from the Ice Age, forming a mosaic of natural beauty. Among its most notable features are the five large bog systems, including Kuresoo, Öördi, and Valgeraba. Visitors are often mesmerized by the spring floods, known as the “fifth season,” when rising water levels submerge the lowlands and turn the park into an otherworldly water landscape, navigable only by boats.

The region also features karst formations and sand ridges, offering hikers striking views over the wetlands. The flora includes rare species such as marsh saxifrage, bog rosemary, and cranberry shrubs, thriving in the acidic soil of the bogs.

Wildlife in Soomaa National Park is equally enchanting. The park is home to large mammals such as European elk (moose), wild boar, and roe deer. Predators like lynx, wolves, and brown bears also roam the forests, though they are elusive and rarely seen.

Birdwatchers can delight in spotting over 180 bird species, including golden eagles, black storks, and capercaillies. The wetland environment also supports aquatic species like beavers and otters, whose presence is a sign of the park’s healthy ecosystem. Amphibians like the common frog and numerous insect species further add to the biodiversity of this remarkable area.

Visitors to Soomaa National Park can enjoy a variety of activities, including canoeing along its flooded rivers, hiking its numerous trails, and exploring boardwalks that cut through the bogs. The Riisa Study Trail is particularly popular for its accessible route through the heart of the wetlands.

Seasonal events such as the “fifth season” floods offer unique opportunities for photography and adventure. Winter activities like snowshoeing and skiing are also popular when the landscape freezes over.

Soomaa faces challenges such as climate change and human impact, including forestry and agriculture in surrounding areas. However, conservation efforts led by local and international organizations have successfully preserved its ecosystems. The park’s inclusion in the Natura 2000 network underscores its importance for biodiversity conservation. Community engagement and sustainable tourism initiatives further support its long-term preservation.

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Park Map
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Soomaa National Park Highlights

Popular

Soomaa National Park, located in southwestern Estonia, is renowned for its unique landscapes, seasonal flooding, and diverse wildlife. This park is a haven for species adapted to wetlands, bogs, and riverine environments. Below are some of the popular species found in Soomaa National Park:

Eurasian Beaver
The Eurasian beaver is a keystone species in Soomaa, shaping the park’s wetland ecosystems. These semi-aquatic rodents build dams and lodges, creating habitats for many other species and influencing water flow in the park’s rivers.

European Otter
A sleek and agile predator, the European otter is commonly seen in the park’s waterways. It feeds on fish, amphibians, and crustaceans, and its presence indicates the health of the ecosystem.

Wild Boar
Wild boars are frequently found in the park’s forests and meadows. Known for their rooting behavior, they play an important role in aerating the soil and dispersing seeds.

Brown Bear
Soomaa is home to the elusive brown bear, a symbol of wilderness in the region. Although sightings are rare, these large omnivores roam the forests in search of berries, roots, and small mammals.

Gray Wolf
The gray wolf is the top predator in Soomaa National Park. These highly social animals live in packs and help maintain balance in the park’s ecosystem by controlling populations of herbivores.

Eurasian Lynx
An elusive and solitary feline, the Eurasian lynx inhabits the dense forests of the park. Known for its tufted ears and stealthy nature, it preys on small to medium-sized mammals like hares and deer.

Moose
The moose, the largest deer species in Europe, is often seen grazing in the park’s wetlands and forests. Their preference for aquatic vegetation makes them well-suited to Soomaa’s boggy terrain.

Roe Deer
These agile and graceful deer are commonly found in the park’s woodlands and open areas. They feed on a variety of plants and are an important prey species for predators like wolves and lynxes.

Raccoon Dog
An introduced species, the raccoon dog has adapted well to the park’s habitats. Resembling a raccoon with its distinctive facial markings, it is omnivorous and often seen near water.

Common Frog
A widespread amphibian in Soomaa, the common frog thrives in the park’s wetland environments. It plays a crucial role in controlling insect populations and serves as prey for larger animals.

Birds

Soomaa National Park is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, with its vast wetlands and floodplains attracting a rich diversity of bird species. Below are some of the popular birds found in the park:

White-tailed Eagle
This majestic bird of prey is one of the largest eagles in Europe. It can often be seen soaring over the park’s rivers and wetlands, hunting for fish and waterfowl.

Common Crane
Known for their elegant stature and elaborate courtship dances, common cranes are a highlight of Soomaa’s birdlife. They breed in the park’s bogs and meadows.

Western Capercaillie
This large grouse is a resident of Soomaa’s forests. Males are known for their spectacular displays during the breeding season, which include vocalizations and dramatic posturing.

Black Stork
A shy and rare species, the black stork nests in the park’s old-growth forests. It feeds on fish and amphibians in the park’s rivers and wetlands.

Eurasian Bittern
This elusive heron is known for its booming call, which resonates through the wetlands. Its camouflaged plumage makes it difficult to spot among reeds.

Whooper Swan
A large and graceful waterbird, the whooper swan is a seasonal visitor to the park. Its loud, trumpet-like calls are a signature sound of the wetlands.

Pied Avocet
Recognized by its striking black-and-white plumage and upturned bill, the pied avocet feeds in the park’s shallow waters, sifting through mud for small invertebrates.

Northern Lapwing
This striking wader is known for its iridescent green plumage and unique crest. Northern lapwings are often seen in the park’s floodplains during the breeding season.

Osprey
A skilled hunter, the osprey is frequently seen diving into the park’s waterways to catch fish. Its impressive wingspan and dramatic hunting style make it a favorite among birdwatchers.

Short-eared Owl
This ground-nesting owl is often spotted hunting during the day in the park’s open areas. Its distinctive flight pattern and piercing yellow eyes make it a fascinating sight.

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