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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Vormsi Landscape Protection Area

The aim of Vormsi Nature Protection Area is to protect rare landscapes, heritage, culture and plants. The two internationally important bird protection areas on the coast of Vormsi – bays of Hullo and Sviby – and Hari strait with coastal meadows and islets are named research areas of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Interesting places: Hullo bay – a nesting and a stopping place for birds. In spring you can see thousands of scaups, long-tailed ducks, ducks, barnacle geese and woodcocks there. Rumpo peninsula is the habitat of the rare lichens characteristic for tundras, but rare in Estonia. Also take a look at Rälby bog, Dilby peninsula, Saxby beach and Prästviigi Lake.

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.

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.

Hosby hiking trail

The trail runs along Hosby coastal meadow and shows you the restoration process of the former coastal meadows. You will see typical plants and orchidaceae growing in coastal meadows. During the migration of the birds the coastal meadows are a stopping and eating place for anseriformes and charadriiformes.
Good to know: The length of the hiking trail (both ways) is 2.6 kilometres and takes about 2 hours on foot. During wet periods you should take along your rubber boots and binoculars for watching the birds. The trail is equipped with signposts and information boards. In the end of the trail you will find a 5-metre high wooden viewing platform.

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.