Soomaa National Park

The National Park Soomaa ( estn Soomaa Rahvuspark; " Soomaa " literally means " marsh ") was established on 8 December 1993 on the protection of bogs, swamps, floodplains and forests south-western Estonia. His four great Moore Kuresoo, Valgeraba, Kikepera and Öördi lie within the catchment area of ​​the river Pärnu and are separated by other rivers.

In 1997, the National Park was added to a CORINE land and thus the circle of important nature conservation areas in Europe. On 17 June 1997, the recording was followed in the Ramsar List of Wetlands and 1998 was proposed to include Soomaa in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A characteristic feature of the park is the so-called " fifth season". During this period between winter and spring, with periodic flooding, which expand in the so-called " Riisa flood zone " up to a maximum area of ​​110 km ².

11,000 ha of the core zone of the national park are certified as so-called " PAN Parks Wilderness Area " and belong to the Network of European Wildlife sanctuaries.

A visitor center with an exhibition located in the village Tipu.

Flora and Fauna

In the park were 524 species of higher plants, 172 species of birds ( including various eagle species) and 46 species of mammals (such as moose, beaver, wolf and bear ) demonstrated many of which are on the Red List of Threatened Species.

Activities

The park is well suited for exploring by canoe and kayak. In summer and autumn after the floods invite some marked trails for hiking. In winter, it is also possible the marsh on foot to enter with skis or snowshoes.

Especially along the rivers there are some picnic areas that are so useful for water sports enthusiasts, where camping and making fire is allowed. Berry and mushroom picking as well as the fishing is to some limitations allowed ( information at the visitor center ) in specially protected areas of the park.