Estonia's best hiking trails and bogs: where to go

Over 60% of Estonia’s land area is forest and bog, which makes us one of the most hiking-friendly countries in Europe — boardwalks over bogs, ancient valleys and quiet forest trails are all within driving distance of the bigger towns. We’ve gathered some of the better-known hiking trails by region, along with a link to our matching accommodation page in case you’d like to stay nearby after the hike.

Hiking trails in Harju County

Aegviidu-Kõrvemaa recreation area is a favourite among hikers in Harju County — it’s home to the Kakerdaja bog trail, which loops around Väike Kalajärv and Suur Kalajärv lakes, starting from the Noku rest area. In Lahemaa National Park, in Kuusalu parish, you’ll also find Viru bog — a 3.5 km loop trail running mostly along boardwalks, ending at a lookout tower.

See accommodation in Harju County →

Hiking trails in Pärnu County

In Häädemeeste parish, alongside the Tallinn-Pärnu-Ikla highway, lies the Rannametsa-Tolkuse trail — a 2.2 km loop that runs along a boardwalk through dunes and across the bog. It’s about a 30-minute drive from central Pärnu, so the trail works well for a half-day trip.

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Hiking trails in South Estonia

South Estonia is Estonia’s richest region for bogs. The Meenikunno trail in Põlva County is a 5.8 km loop (2.4 km on boardwalks) that passes through one of South Estonia’s largest and best-preserved bog complexes. In Rõuge parish, Võru County, you’ll find the Luhasoo trail, a 5 km loop in a nature reserve right next to the Latvian border. Along the border of Võru and Põlva counties runs the Piusa River valley trail — a 15 km RMK trail along sandstone outcrops from the Vastseliina castle ruins to the village of Lindora, where the tallest outcrop (Härma Wall) rises 43 metres high.

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RMK forest cabins — for extra comfort after a hike

Near many of the hiking trails you’ll find RMK forest cabins and campfire sites for free or affordable overnight stays, though these are simple and self-service. If you’d rather have a proper bed, a sauna or a hot shower after your hike, it’s worth checking our regional accommodation pages — most trails are close to one of our accommodation listings.

More hiking destinations

Other regions have great hiking trails too — if you’re planning to hike around Otepää, Viljandi, Saaremaa or Hiiumaa, first check the local RMK recreation area map, and then our matching accommodation page:

Otepää → — lakes and forested hills
Viljandi → — castle hills and a lakeside
Saaremaa → — coastal areas and the Kaali crater
Hiiumaa → — coastal forests and lighthouses

Trail sorted, but still need a place to sleep? Check out all our destinations and find accommodation nearby for your hike.