Where to go and what to do in Matsalu

In the romantic small town of Haapsalu and small villages, hospitable people await you, surprising you with their sincerity and interest in history and culture. The guests who stayed here are remembered again and again with great respect.
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RMK Rumpo Hiking Trail

A 6,7 km hiking trail runs from Rumpo village on Vormsi island to the tip of a peninsula bearing the same name. There are platforms along the trail affording a great view of the Hullo and Sviby bays and islets that are marked nesting and migration spots for water birds. Additionally, Rumpo peninsula is a habitat for rare lichens from tundras.

Hullo-Prästviigi hiking trail

Prästviigi lake is a closing up coastal lake and its springs worthy of visiting are located in its north edge. The lake is an important fish spawn for the fish of the coastal waters and a good source of food for the birds. Also, one can see various species of orchids there. Good to know: The length of the trail is about 10 kilometres and the time needed for passing it on foot is 5–6 hours and by bike is 3–4 hours. The trail is mostly covered with gravel, hence it is more suitable for cyclists. You can also camp in Hullo and there is a viewing platform near the springs.

Kiideva-Puise hiking trail

The trail is on the north coast of Matsalu Bay and joins the villages of Kiideva and Puise. The main part of the track is a 2.6-kilometre long section which starts near Kiideva and goes through the deciduous woodland and a restored wooded meadow until it reaches Lõpre oak. The circumference of the oak is 4 metres and its height is 20 metres. One may find interesting mushrooms near the oaks or hear the tawny owl and Tristam’s woodpecker. It is 800 metres from the oak to Puise. Good to know: One way is 3.4 kilometres long and you should allow yourself 2 hours. The trail is usually dry. There are camping facilities  and a place for making a fire.

Marimetsa Bog Hiking Trail

The first part of the trail is a dirt road that runs along the high-voltage power line. The track then reaches the Marimetsa Brook and leads to the rest area along the banks of the brook. From there, a boardwalk will take you to Marimetsa Bog. There is a viewing tower at the end of the trail (7.6 metres high). In Marimetsa Bog, you will see a fen, a transition bog, a raised bog, and a number of different birds and plants. The length of the trail is 9 kilometres of which 2 × 2 kilometres is a boardwalk. You should plan 4–5 hours for the hike. The trail is wet at places – make sure to bring your rubber boots.  There is a dry toilet on the track, benches for resting, and an information board with a map and a scheme of the trail.

Huitbergi hiking trail and limestone hill

One of the most fascinating places on Vormsi is the Huitbergi limestone hill in a spruce forest in the middle of the island. The hill is over 400 million years old and a coral reef polished by ice. The limestone outcrop is covered with moss, but fossils can be seen in places where there is no moss. Protected ferns have found their place there. The circular trail is marked with wooden signs.

Tuulingu kicksled hikes in Matsalu National Park

A kicksled hike in Matsalu National Park in winter! We organise hikes in suitable weather conditions. The rules of the national park allow kicksledding in a unique area of the reserve until the end of February. From March, the bay belongs only to birds. If ice conditions allow, we will also go on a 6–8 km circle around the Haeska islets.On the sea ice, you can ride on an ice carousel and get acquainted with ice fishing. Fishing is done with real coastal fishing traps. You can also buy fish. At the end of the trip in Tuulingi, we offer soup and talk about the past, present, and future of the place. The price includes the hike and a meal.