Lahemaa was selected in the 2020 Top 100 Stories Competition
Lahemaa
The oldest and biggest national park of Estonia
Why visit Lahemaa
Lahemaa, the oldest and biggest national park of Estonia, serves as an authentic taster of natural landscapes and cultural heritage of the country. It contains sandy seashores, picturesque bogs, scenic rivers and erratic rocks. Lahemaa is one of Europe’s most important forest conservation areas, where many big animals live. To introduce all that to visitors, the facilities and infrastructure for exploring nature are countless and of very good quality in Lahemaa.
The video “Hidden treasures of Lahemaa national park” introduces the nature and local life of Lahemaa national park.
Destination’s sustainability performance
Culture & Local Life
Lahemaa is immensely rich in cultual heritage. A large number of old Estonian folk songs and dances have been recorded here. National culture is very much kept alive through numerous community centres in active use. With the many choirs and folk-dance groups, children are proud to learn folk dances and songs at school. When coming to Lahemaa not only should you explore the countryside to sense its peace and quietness but also visit a local event or two to get the feeling of uniquely vibrant community life.
Photo © Juhani Särglep
Getting there
Pärnu is located between Riga, Helsinki and Stockholm and the easiest to get here is by flying to Tallinn, Estonia or Riga, Latvia. Pärnu is almost half-way between the two, on the international Via Baltica or E67 road, only a couple of hours by car from each.
The largest port of Estonia is in Tallinn where ferries from Helsinki arrive at almost every hour. Pärnu has a yachting marina for sailors.
Photo © Eimantas Raulinaitis
Getting around
There are over 70 kilometers of light traffic roads in Pärnu. Therefore, the bicycle can be considered one of the best ways of transport to discover Pärnu. In a few hours you can make a big tour in the city, seeing areas that the average visitor often does not go to. So a few hours of cycling in Pärnu is a must do.
In addition to international routes, we have mapped out some routes that should make your cycling much more comfortable. This means that you do not have to drive on the big highway when coming to or from Riga. When you go to Soomaa, you can enjoy pleasant and peaceful nature. A good quiet road leads to Kihnu.
The bus traffic is good and offers connections throughout the county.
GOOD BUSINESSES
Discover accommodations, restaurants, shops and attractions that are commited to responsible development
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Historic and cultural heritage
In addition to the beaches, take the opportunity to visit the Casa de Taipa Museum and the Church of São Miguel do Arcanjo.
PROMO CODE:
Nature & Wildlife
Lahemaa National Park was established for the preservation, protection, restoration, exploration and promotion of nature, landscapes, cultural heritage and balanced environmental use of the coastal area of North Estonia. Here, forest, bog and coastal ecosystems, as well as semi-natural communities, geological monuments and historic and architectural monuments are protected. Lahemaa is one of Europe’s most important forest protection areas and belongs to the European Natura 2000 network as Lahemaa’s bird and wilderness area.
Sustainability
Being the oldest national park in Estonia, sustainability is the key-word in everything in Lahemaa. In co-operation with all the stakeholders, it tries hard to preserve its rich nature, cultural heritage, save energy and reduce waste and car-use. The impact of tourism is carefully monitored to improve visitor management and conservation. Tourism entreprises are small and nature-friendly monuments are protected. Lahemaa is one of Europe’s most important forest protection areas and belongs to the European Natura 2000 network as Lahemaa’s bird and wilderness area.
Good Practice Story
Lahemaa is a popular nature tourism destination. Therefore, many tour guides work there, but very many of them come from towns and are not locals. At the same time, national park sets many restrictions on local inhabitants, limiting their working possibilities and consequently a large number of Lahemaa people have to work outside the park and commute every day. Lahemaa Tourism Association (Visit Lahemaa), a local DMO has conducted a training and certification of local people as tour guides for three years, together with several partners. 75 people have got the certification so far.
Sustainability
Lahemaa received a Green Destinations Platinum Award in 2023.
Travel tips from our editors
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