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.