Page 112 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Estonia Latvia & Lithuania

110  EST ONIA REGION B Y REGION

1 Lahemaa National Park
Gulf of
Finland Area of the
Extending across the north coast of Estonia, Lahemaa National map illustrated
Park, or Lahemaa Rahvuspark, is a nature lover’s paradise. It is
the largest park in Estonia and also the first area to be desig­
nated a national park in the erstwhile Soviet Union. The diverse Valgejõgi
terrain covers four peninsulas jutting out into the Gulf of Finland ESTONIA
and stretches inland over an area of 725 sq km (280 sq miles). Key
The park teems with wildlife and has several marked trails Lahemaa National Park
through its forests and bogs and along its meandering
coastline. Many impressive manor houses and picturesque
villages can be found throughout the area (see pp112–13).

Pärispea
Viinistu Gulf of
Finland

Suurpea
Pärispea Käsmu
Peninsula Käsmu Bay
Peninsula
Viinistu
Once a fishing village, Viinistu has developed Kasispea
into a local cultural centre. It is home to an Eru Bay
impressive art gallery.
Hara
Bay Loksa
Lake
Käsmu
Vihasoo
Lake
Lohja
Lobu
Ilumäe

Joaveski
Palmse
Valgejõgi
. Käsmu Peninsula
The rugged coastline of Käsmu Peninsula, strewn
with giant boulders left behind by retreating glaciers
after the last Ice Age, has an ethereal beauty.

Flora and Fauna 0 km 2
With forest covering more
than 70 per cent of Lahemaa, 0 miles 2
the area is rich in flora and
fauna. The landscape has
many raised bogs, including Key
the 7,000-year-old Laukasoo Minor road
Reserve. The thriving wildlife
includes a population of Trail
wolves, bear and lynx. Park boundary
For hotels and restaurants in this region see pp298–9 and pp318–19

110-111_Lahemaa.indd 110 15/02/17 10:14 am