Lahemaa

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.

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.

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.

The architectural heritage is well kept in Lahemaa. Besides old farm houses, the complexes of four Baltic-German manors are renovated sustainably and in good style.