Soomaa National Park
Soomaa National Park
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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5.0
36 reviews
Excellent
27
Very good
9
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Jeff K
Pittsburgh, PA1,635 contributions
Sep 2022 • Couples
My wife and I spent 4-5 hours here and enjoyed it. We initially stopped at the Visitor Center and the woman working there was very helpful. She gave us maps, directions, recommendations and put us in contact with a company that rents canoes.
After that we walked the Beaver Trail that is near the lodge. We also rented a canoe and canoed on the Halliste River. Lastly we walked the Ingatsi Study Trail which takes you through bogs and has an observation tower. (The Visitor Center recommended the Ingatsi trail over the better-known Riisa Study Trail.)
Everything worked out well and we were glad we stopped.
After that we walked the Beaver Trail that is near the lodge. We also rented a canoe and canoed on the Halliste River. Lastly we walked the Ingatsi Study Trail which takes you through bogs and has an observation tower. (The Visitor Center recommended the Ingatsi trail over the better-known Riisa Study Trail.)
Everything worked out well and we were glad we stopped.
Written September 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
phutty
Tallinn, Estonia1,324 contributions
May 2018 • Friends
Viru Bog in Lahemaa in the north of the country is great, but Soomaa is even better. There are some fantastic boardwalk-based walks around the national park, as well as specific tours, but it's easy to navigate on your own, and depending on the season, the day of the week and the time of day you can find yourself bang in the middle of the bog with absolutely no one else around. And you'll *still* get perfect reception and internet on your phone :) (Use it though to take some amazing photos.)
Written May 29, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Silvia G
3 contributions
Aug 2017 • Couples
We decided to book 2 of their trips. A beaver safari and a wilderness day trip.
We tried the night safari to see beavers. They are shy nocturnal animals and it was a great opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. One of them made a huge splash right in front of our boat! I couldn't even breathe when an animal appeared, felt a bit like David Attenborough... Except of beavers, we encountered many wild bird species, roe deer, elk and amazing bat theatre!
We spent almost the whole trip on a canoe, which was very romantic and made a little walk to see the beaver dams closer. We were lucky because late in August, there are almost no mosquitoes.
On the wilderness we learned a lot about the Soomaa national park, its history, fauna and flora. We could taste many berries and drink water from the bog. Walking in the bog shoes was fun and easy. As a tourist, I wouldn't choose this trail on my own since I don't have enough experience to walk alone in the bogs. So choose to go with the guide if you don't know the area. They provided us a typical Estonian lunch to refill our powers. It was delicious, especially the dessert!
Oh, and don't forget to bring your swim suit! The bog lakes are usually warmer than the sea.
After swimming in the bog and tasting the berries, you will end your day feeling fresher, healthier, younger ;-)
We tried the night safari to see beavers. They are shy nocturnal animals and it was a great opportunity to see them in their natural habitat. One of them made a huge splash right in front of our boat! I couldn't even breathe when an animal appeared, felt a bit like David Attenborough... Except of beavers, we encountered many wild bird species, roe deer, elk and amazing bat theatre!
We spent almost the whole trip on a canoe, which was very romantic and made a little walk to see the beaver dams closer. We were lucky because late in August, there are almost no mosquitoes.
On the wilderness we learned a lot about the Soomaa national park, its history, fauna and flora. We could taste many berries and drink water from the bog. Walking in the bog shoes was fun and easy. As a tourist, I wouldn't choose this trail on my own since I don't have enough experience to walk alone in the bogs. So choose to go with the guide if you don't know the area. They provided us a typical Estonian lunch to refill our powers. It was delicious, especially the dessert!
Oh, and don't forget to bring your swim suit! The bog lakes are usually warmer than the sea.
After swimming in the bog and tasting the berries, you will end your day feeling fresher, healthier, younger ;-)
Written August 28, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Globetrotter045
Haacht, Belgium5,458 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
I had only limited time to visit the Soomaa NP on my way to Parnü. So I choose the beaver trail, it is only 2 kilometres long and starts next to the visitor centre. The trail is well-maintained with a boardwalk and many information boards. I didn't see a beaver, but I saw beaver dams and trees where beavers have been chewing on.
Because of the birch wood, there are plenty mosquitoes. So wear long sleeves and trousers or use a mosquito repellent.
Because of the birch wood, there are plenty mosquitoes. So wear long sleeves and trousers or use a mosquito repellent.
Written July 17, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
gladfly
New Castle, NH1,044 contributions
Jun 2017 • Couples
If you're in the area and love nature this is your place. About 45 mins from Viljandi. You may not see any animals cause they normally are most active at night but you will enjoy being outside and walking around with healthy air. Huge park! A car is necessary to get around. We stopped at the visitors center and we were told of the two great hikes nearby. One was just walking distance from the center. A beautiful forest walk on the boardwalk that wraps around in a circle. We saw a few Beaver dams. Bring bug spray.
Another hike we took was a bog trail also on a boardwalk. A long one about 3miles that took us an hour and a half. Have not seen bogs like that since our Coast 2 Coast walk in England. Nice to be on the boardwalk, you can go up to your knee down in mud sucking off your shoe if I can remember!
Another hike we took was a bog trail also on a boardwalk. A long one about 3miles that took us an hour and a half. Have not seen bogs like that since our Coast 2 Coast walk in England. Nice to be on the boardwalk, you can go up to your knee down in mud sucking off your shoe if I can remember!
Written June 11, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for visiting Soomaa!
Written June 13, 2017
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
naniccia
Zürich18 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
We booked the Wilderness day trip which included a transfer from and to our hotel. We got Wellingtons, bog shoes, a lunch package and a canoe. We really recommend to book this trip instead of exploring the National park on your own as the trip leads you to places you are not able to explore on your own. We saw different bog lakes, loads of diverse mushrooms, blueberries, cranberries .. and we were able to eat a lot of them. Our guide, Edu, was very informative and you could feel that he loves the park and telling stories about the environment. We totally recommend this trip to people wo are interested in nature and who like canoeing. Just be aware of all the elk flies and mosquitos.
Written August 26, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
annieoakley19
Wakefield, UK218 contributions
We spent a couple of days here and managed to fit in a fabulous evenings canoeing looking for beavers... plenty of evidence of them but they remained hidden but didn't detract from the fabulous trip with excellent guides from Soomaa.com, the next day we fit in another tour with these excellent people which involved a trip to the NP headquarters and another canoe trip and a guided bog walk, all fascinating and the raised bog is beautiful, must be seen!
Written July 18, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
AndrejaKo
Maribor, Slovenia1,069 contributions
Sep 2019
We spent a day and some in the Soomaa national park and walked many matkaradas, operandas and other trails. I have been to Estonia many times, have seen many of it, but by far, soomaa park is the best thing i have done so far.
I can only recommend you to take prolonged weekend and hike as much as you can.
I can only recommend you to take prolonged weekend and hike as much as you can.
Written October 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jen A
Lausanne, Switzerland52 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
A 4.8km boardwalk through Sooma National park bogland with stunning surroundings and plenty of peaceful resting places to contemplate the surroundings. You can’t get lost and there is even a shorter wheelchair accessible boardwalk. Easy to find, signposted and not far from Tori village. Recommended for all nature fans or those who just want some easy and relaxing exercise.
Written August 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sir_meeshoo
Gdynia, Poland443 contributions
Jul 2017 • Family
I will not go into details regarding the Riisa Trail in Soomaa National Park, as it is widely considered a highlight of this park and one will go there anyway. To sum up the separate review regarding the Riisa Trail - we found it pretty similar to Lahemaa's Viru Bog.
Consider visiting Beaver Trail as well. This one is a bit tricky for two reasons. First of all, no, it is not a good idea to type in Tipu village in your navi. Let's make it simple - you go from Riisa towards Kõpu, tarmac disappears, gravel takes over. And when the tarmac comes back for a few hundred meters - this is it, on the left. Secondly, if you get used to the lack of mosquito across Estonian swamps, you have just fell into a deliberate trap. Take anti-mosquito spray and something to cover. Besides that, the trail is very accessible, about 2km long (total), one can even complete it with a trolley (provided it is a babyzen-yoyo-or-something-so-narrow-type). And I can guarantee you shall find the sights provided by the Beaver trail so different compared to the Riisa Trail. Visitor' center surroundings recommended for a picnic.
Consider visiting Beaver Trail as well. This one is a bit tricky for two reasons. First of all, no, it is not a good idea to type in Tipu village in your navi. Let's make it simple - you go from Riisa towards Kõpu, tarmac disappears, gravel takes over. And when the tarmac comes back for a few hundred meters - this is it, on the left. Secondly, if you get used to the lack of mosquito across Estonian swamps, you have just fell into a deliberate trap. Take anti-mosquito spray and something to cover. Besides that, the trail is very accessible, about 2km long (total), one can even complete it with a trolley (provided it is a babyzen-yoyo-or-something-so-narrow-type). And I can guarantee you shall find the sights provided by the Beaver trail so different compared to the Riisa Trail. Visitor' center surroundings recommended for a picnic.
Written July 23, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
orna s
Mercer Island, WA84 contributions
I will be visiting in August. I'd love to do see the bogs, and do a night tour to see beavers and animals. We have a car, but could stay in the park. How do I find out details about places to stay and tours?
afraqac
Taiwan5 contributions
Hello, what are the options of getting Parnu to Soomaa National Park (round trip)? I know there is a direct bus running between Riisa daily, but the time doesn't work for me. Any suggestions and what will be the cost? Thanks a lot.
Aivar Ruukel
Parnu, Estonia211 contributions
Hello, We have a pick-up service 9 am from Pärnu hotels to our canoe trips.
Hi! Do we need Wellingtons to walk through the trails?
Aivar Ruukel
Parnu, Estonia211 contributions
Yes, it is a good idea to have rubber boots for some of trails in Soomaa NP. Some trails are marked on the landscape, and can be a bit muddy in November. Some trails are wooden board walks, where all footwear are OK.
Is it possible in Sooma National Park sleep in a tent?
Aivar Ruukel
Parnu, Estonia211 contributions
Yes it is! There are several camping sites. Some of them are free of charge, some are for a reasonable fee.
Alex78
Sant Just Desvern, Spain37 contributions
Hello,
Is soomaa NP appropriate for 1-year-old child?
thanks!
Aivar Ruukel
Parnu, Estonia211 contributions
Yes! I think so, but it is needed that child is accompanied by adult.
ana maria B
mar del Plata100 contributions
Sorry Ruukel! Do you think it`s easy to know the park on my own? I`m going to there by car.Thanks !
Aivar Ruukel
Parnu, Estonia211 contributions
Hi! Yes it is easy to navigate around Soomaa national park by own car. Find visitor center in Kõrtsi-Tõramaa for getting maps, leaflets and information about trails.
ana maria B
mar del Plata100 contributions
Hola a todos. Planeo visitar el parque Soomaa en septiembre, pero estaremos con coche.He leìdo que la mayorìa lo recorriò con guìa y organizado por 6 horas.Alguien podrìa orientarme para recorrerlo por nuestra cuenta? es posible hacerlo ?
Aivar Ruukel
Parnu, Estonia211 contributions
Hello AnaBonsi!
I could NOT understand you by using Google Translate.
Hope to meet in Soomaa!
