Soomaa National Park

Soomaa National Park is the second largest national park in Estonia, spanning approximately 390 square kilometres across Pärnumaa and Viljandimaa counties in southwestern Estonia. The park was established in 1993 and has been listed as a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance since 1997.

The park protects large raised bogs, floodplain grasslands, paludified forests, and meandering rivers. Its most famous feature is the "fifth season" — annual spring flooding that transforms the landscape into a vast waterway, allowing visitors to navigate by canoe through flooded forests and meadows. This phenomenon occurs typically in March and April when snowmelt causes rivers to overflow their banks.

Soomaa is also home to the European brown bear, lynx, wild boar, and over 200 bird species. The park offers boardwalk trails through bogs, canoe routes, and wildlife observation opportunities.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Pärnu Airport (EPU), approximately 50 km southwest. Taxis or buses from Pärnu provide onward access to the park.

By Car / Road

The park is accessible by car from Pärnu (approximately 50 km, 50 minutes) or Viljandi (approximately 40 km, 40 minutes). The main entrance and visitor centre are located near the village of Riisa. Roads are paved but can be narrow in rural areas.

A car is the most practical way to reach the park and its various trailheads. Within the park, hiking trails and canoe routes are the primary means of exploration. Bicycle rental is available in nearby towns. Public transport to the park is limited.

• Soomaa Visitor Centre — Provides information about the park's ecology, trails, and the "fifth season" phenomenon.

• Bog boardwalks — Elevated wooden paths through raised bogs offering access to pristine wetland landscapes.

• Floodplain grasslands — Expansive meadows that flood during spring, creating a unique water landscape.

• Kuresoo Bog — One of Estonia's largest raised bogs, accessible via marked trails.

• River landscapes — Meandering rivers including the Halliste and Navesti rivers.

• Canoe through the flooded landscape during the spring "fifth season" (March–April)

• Hike the marked boardwalk trails through the bogs year-round

• Wildlife observation — brown bear, lynx, wild boar, and bird species

• Attend guided nature walks and educational programmes at the visitor centre

• Photograph the dramatic landscape changes during seasonal flooding

No restaurants within the park boundaries. Visitors should bring their own food and water. The visitor centre may have basic refreshments. Pärnu (50 km southwest) offers a full range of dining options.

No cafés or bars within the park. Bring your own water and refreshments. The visitor centre may have a small selection of drinks.

No accommodation within the park. Visitors typically stay in Pärnu (50 km southwest) or at guesthouses and farm stays in nearby villages such as Riisa and Kõpu.

The visitor centre has a small gift shop selling maps, field guides, and nature-related publications. No other shopping within the park.

• Pärnu (50 km southwest, ~50 min drive) — Estonia's summer capital with beaches and spas
• Viljandi (40 km east, ~40 min drive) — Picturesque town with medieval castle ruins and cultural scene
• Vandra (15 km west) — Rural settlement with access to the park