Matsalu National Park

Matsalu rahvuspark

One of Europe's most important wetlands and bird migration sites, spanning reed beds, coastal meadows and the shallow Matsalu Bay. Birdwatchers flock here in spring and autumn to see hundreds of thousands of migrating waterfowl from wooden observation towers.

Things to do

• Birdwatching at Keemu Tower — Climb the wooden observation tower on the southern shore of Matsalu Bay to scan for barnacle geese, whooper swans and countless waders during migration.
• Penijõe Visitor Centre — Start at the national park headquarters in the historic manor to view exhibitions, pick up trail maps and check current bird sightings.
• Haeska Observation Tower — Visit one of Estonia's most famous birding spots, where over 170 species have been recorded in a single day during peak migration.
• Kloostri River Trail — Walk the wooden boardwalk through reed beds along the Kasari River to reach an observation tower overlooking the vast floodplain meadows.
• Suitsu Observation Tower and Boardwalk — Follow the nature trail through reeds and riverine forest to a tower on the Suitsu River, ideal for spotting sea eagles and marsh birds.
• Canoeing the Kasari and Matsalu waterways — Paddle through the reed labyrinth and floodplain channels for a close, quiet encounter with the wetland's birdlife.
• Rannajõe and Salevere Salumägi — Hike this wooded limestone hill with a sacred spring and views over the surrounding coastal lowlands near Lihula.

Food to try

• Fresh Baltic fish — Sample locally caught herring, pike and perch from the bay and Kasari River, often smoked or pan-fried at nearby farms and cafés.
• Lihula black bread — Try dense Estonian rye bread (leib) served at village eateries around Lihula, a staple accompaniment to any meal.
• Farm-smoked meats and cheeses — Seek out home-smoked pork and handmade dairy products sold at rural farmsteads and roadside stalls in the Läänemaa countryside.
• Wild berry and mushroom dishes — In late summer and autumn, look for meals featuring foraged chanterelles, lingonberries and blueberries from the surrounding forests.
• Barley porridge (mannapuder / kama) — Taste traditional Estonian grain dishes and kama, a roasted flour mixture eaten with buttermilk, at country kitchens.

Local customs & good to know

• Come at dawn or dusk — Bird activity peaks in early morning and late evening, especially during the April–May and September–October migration seasons.
• Bring binoculars and quiet clothing — There is little equipment rental on site, so pack your own optics and avoid bright colours or loud noise near the towers.
• Respect nesting zones — Stick to marked trails and boardwalks, as much of the reserve is a strictly protected breeding habitat closed to entry in spring.
• Check tides and weather — The bay is very shallow and coastal meadows can flood, so wear waterproof footwear and confirm conditions at Penijõe centre.

Nearby

• Haapsalu — 23 km
• Muhu Island — 30 km
• Koguva Village (Western Estonian Islands) — 37 km
• Kärdla (Western Estonian Islands) — 61 km