Soomaa was established for
the preservation and protection of bogs, a traditional natural landscape.
But Soomaa is also known for having not four but five seasons: in addition
to the traditional spring, summer, autumn, winter there is a high-water
season. The special feature of the area is also its centuries-old co-habitation
of nature and man.
Wild nature. Soomaa
is the best place to enjoy the peacefulness of bogs, one of Europe’s
oldest natural landscapes. The size and wilderness of its bogs make
it a top candidate for membership in PAN Parks, the European network
of nature protection areas. As an important freshwater wetland, Soomaa
is also listed by the Ramsar Convention. In addition, as an integrated
ecosystem, Soomaa belongs to the Natura 2000 network.
Culture heritage. Separating
Soomaa from the rest of the world, bogs have played an important role
in the local cultural heritage. Over the centuries, local forests of
this remote area have sheltered many antagonists and those in pursuit
of freedom. The sparsely populated Soomaa has been the home for some
of most famous Estonians including C.R Jakobson, L. Koidula, M.Saar,
J.Köler, A.Pulst, brothers Kapp, etc.
Richness of life. Soomaa
is a natural habitat for such large predators as wolf, bear and lynx.
Among birds, there is a variety of eagles, black storks, sandpipers
and corn crakes that are near-extinct in the rest of Europe. Bogs of
Soomaa are one of Estonia’s most important nesting areas for bird
species that are sensitive to people such as golden plovers, whimbrels
and wood sandpipers. The natural beds and floodplains of wide slowly-flowing
local rivers feature many plants that are unique in Europe, such as
Siberian iris and gladiolus imbricatus, to name just a few.
High water. The most famous sight of Soomaa – the so-called fifth season – is not coined by marketing professionals, but by the locals. Villagers from Tõramaa and Riisa have been known to say that they have five seasons: spring, summer, autumn, winter and high water, the latter overlapping with any of the other four seasons at random.
Intriguing facts
- Fifth season – during the floods the water level in Soomaa could raise more than five meters above normal
- The world’s highest projecting bog edge in Kuresoo
- Estonia’s largest bog massif in Kuresoo
- Suspended bridges on rivers
- Traditional boat: single-log canoe
- Constant presence of attractive species of birds and animals and a chance to observe them in their natural habitat.
Interesting activities
- Log-boat building and canoeing
- Snowshoe tours over bogs
- Traditional local food served in Sookolli Söögituba (Ogre’s Dining Room) – swamp soup, bog pots, etc.
- Nighttime canoe tours
- Kick sledge tours on frozen rivers
- Beaver safaris
