Bears, Elks and Adventure – Family Holiday in Estonia

Flights for this family trip are not included in the tour price. We would be happy to offer you a suitable individual flight connection at the current daily rate, so that your flights can be booked through us as part of your package tour. For Family Reisen flies exclusively with reputable scheduled and charter airlines. For some group tours, we have reserved seats with selected airlines at attractive tour operator rates. Where no seat allocations are available, we will gladly search for the best flight connections for you, according to your needs and wishes as a family..

Today our Estonia for Family trip begins. We will be picked up at the airport by our German-speaking tour guide and taken to our first accommodation.

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Transfer approximately 1.5 hours

We’re traveling to Haapsalu, a former spa town frequented by Russian tsars. A railway line to the lagoon city was built especially for the tsars. Today, the all-wooden train station and the old steam locomotives are reminders of this era. The locomotives can not only be admired, but the driver’s cab is also open to visitors. We’ll hike along the lagoon, which freezes over in winter and is used as an ice road, to the Teutonic Knights’ castle, which we plan to explore thoroughly..

At midday we go to the sandy beach of Haapsalu. There are lovely playgrounds for our little ones along the promenade, and we can relax in the shallow, warm water.

In the late afternoon, we’ll embark on a beaver safari in Matsalu National Park. With its beautiful coastal meadows, small islands, extensive reed beds, and diverse coastline, it’s a must-see for everyone. Several hiking trails and observation towers are available for visitors in Matsalu. From a fishing boat, we might be lucky enough to spot beavers, moose, otters, numerous birds, and bats.

Today, on our family trip to Estonia, we’re changing locations and heading to the beautiful northwest coast. Small Estonia boasts around 2,200 islands, scattered throughout the Baltic Sea, many of which are uninhabited. First, we take the ferry to the large island of Hiiumaa. The ferry ride itself is exciting, as we glide slowly through the shallow waters of the Baltic, past small islands where we can already spot our first ringed seals. After the crossing, we continue our journey on small fishing boats, which take us deeper into the Baltic archipelago and to the seal colonies. The ringed seals living here are quite tame and easily observed from the boat. Later, we go ashore on the island of Saarnaki. This island, completely covered in juniper bushes, was abandoned by its inhabitants decades ago. However, their houses, barns, and the distinctive windmill have been preserved and are open to visitors. Time seems to have stood still here. Who hasn’t always dreamed of camping on a deserted island?/p>

In the evening, we’ll have a campfire together and reminisce about the day. Anyone who wants to can go for a swim, enjoy the sunset from the beach, or relax in the sauna.

On the fourth day of our family vacation, we have the morning free. Anyone who wants to can learn stand-up paddleboarding from our tour guide on the shallow beach or explore the beautiful island.

In the afternoon, the skipper picks us up again and takes us to the ferry, which brings us back to the mainland. From there, we set off for Soomaa National Park.

Our accommodation for the next three days is located in this breathtaking Soomaa National Park.

The small country of Estonia enchants travelers not only with its diverse landscapes but also with its amazing wildlife. As we wander through nature, we are sure to spot some deer, elk, roe deer, and other wild animals of the Baltic region.

Transfer ca. 2 hours

After breakfast, we set off for Soomaa National Park, Europe’s largest raised bog. With its vast and virtually untouched bogs and naturally flowing rivers, it’s one of the highlights of our family trip.

The most distinctive feature, which the locals refer to as the fifth season, is the flood season. During this time, the only way for locals to travel is by canoe, kayak, or dugout canoe. This opens up marshlands that are otherwise only accessible in winter under snow and ice. The rivers, floodplains, and marshes remain pristine and untouched. The rivers have numerous sandbanks and meander through the moor in tight bends.

After our canoe trip, we look for a nice spot for a picnic.

In the late afternoon, we visit the Soomaa National Park Nature Centre. We hike through the forest and look for signs of wolf packs that live in Soomaa National Park.

In the morning, we explore the vast raised bog in a truly traditional way. We hike using bog shoes – which are designed so that we don’t sink in despite the uneven ground. We walk past small bodies of water, known as bog pools, where we can bathe in the dark but clean water.

In the afternoon, fun and games in the water await, with exciting water activities taking place at a reservoir. Those who wish can go canoeing or test their balance with stand-up paddleboarding..

In the evening we will meet our animal friends again, such as deer, elk or roe deer, during a short hike through the forest..

Today we’re driving to a simple bear-watching cabin deep in the Estonian taiga. We’ll spend the night here, waiting for bears. Estonia is home to almost 1000 bears..

The male bears are solitary, but the females come to the observation point more frequently with their cubs.

The unique design of the houses allows for views on two sides. From the cabin window facing north, the view extends into a forest of birch and spruce trees. Here we see bears and raccoon dogs at very close range.

From the south-facing window, we see an open landscape with a wide view of meadows and willow thickets. There we might spot moose or beavers. The cabins are simply but comfortably furnished, clean, and cozy. They include separate cabins with bunk beds and a composting toilet.

A nature guide answers all our questions. For example: What do the animals eat, how do they build their winter quarters, how do the bears care for their cubs?/p>

This morning, on our Estonia for Family trip, we travel to Tallinn and visit the historic Old Town, which has hardly changed in appearance for centuries. The old Hanseatic city still retains its original street layout from the 13th to 15th centuries. Most of the houses from the 14th and 15th centuries stand in their original size and form. The defensive towers, the market square, and the Upper Town, in particular, exude a medieval charm.

Just behind Rüütli-Gasse lies a viewing platform with a magnificent view of the harbor and the Finnish Bay.

Transfers: ca. 1,5 hours.

Today our family trip to Estonia comes to an end. This morning you’ll have the opportunity to explore Tallinn on your own before we begin our journey home this afternoon and are transferred to the airport. Flights are not included, but we would be happy to provide you with a customized quote. Those who wish can extend their holiday and continue exploring Estonia’s beautiful natural landscapes..