Things to do in Laane County, Laane County: The Best Nature & Parks

Osmussaar is unique for its interesting nature and history – the island was first inhabited by the Estonian Swedes, and later on it was conquered by an army base of the Soviet army. The island is 5 kilometres long, 1.6 kilometres wide. Its highest spot is 8 metres high. Osmussaare might have risen from the sea 3000 years ago. The landscape is characteristic for its limestone bluff, breccia boulders, vast shingle mould areas and juniper shrubland. Also take a look at the ruins of the stone chapel, the cemetrey and the lighthouse.Interesting facts:When Estonia entered into the so-called military bases agreement with Soviet Russia, the inhabitants were forced to leave the island and the Red Army built fortifications there. You can see the remains of those fortifications there even now. In order to go to Osmussaare, you have to order transport from Port Dirhami.

Salumagi is one of the most beautiful places in Laanemaa. It is a type of relief designed by a mass of glacier ice and by the Baltic Sea. This limestone relief almost 400 million years old managed to withstand the wearing effect of the ice sheet. The steep limestone wall on the side of the sea of the elevation is probably almost 6000 years old. A spring called Silmaallikas flows from the wall of the shore – this is the place which was in the old times used as a place for sacrificing. Salevere hiking trail passes the spring.Interesting facts:The remains of an ancient fort have been discovered in Salumagi and at the base of the hill you can see a very rare forest abundant in species.

Laelatu wooded meadow, not far from Virtsu, is one of the biggest and best-preserved meadows of its kind in northern Europe. It is rich in plant life, with more than 400 species of vascular plants and 30 species of moss. The most common trees here are oak, ash, white birch and maple. Two-thirds of the orchids that grow in Estonia can also be found here.Did you know...?- Laelatu wooded meadow holds a record for number of species per square metre: in 2001 a sample square metre of ground was counted to have 76 different species of vascular plants. This could well be not only the Estonian but also the European record!

Kasari meadow in Matsalu National Park in Laanemaa is the biggest preserved open meadow in Europe – 4000 hectares in size. The meadow needs cutting and hay needs to be taken away on an annual basis; otherwise, it will turn into scrubland. In springs the meadow is usually flooded for a couple of weeks. The view opening from Kloostri birdwatching tower is magnificent – the tower is also good for birdwatching. In summer, after flooding, you can come and watch wild animals.Good to know:In springs it might not be possible to get to the tower without your feet getting wet.

Puhtulaid is a narrow peninsula - it measures just 500 m across. The southern part of the peninsula is mainly covered in pebbly coastal ridges whose broadleaf forests are home to many different species. The northern end is more sparse, with less forest cover and more reedy marsh and meadows. You will find around 60 separate species of trees and bushes here.Puhtulaid is a place unique in the world because of the migratory Arctic birds who stop here - experienced birdwatchers have counted almost a million birds in one single day here!Did you know...?*Puhtulaid's forests boat pine trees that are up to 360 years old

A short boardwalk has been constructed along the road that passes through the Tuhu bogs which winds its way through different parts of the landscape. The trail begins and ends at the road, meaning that to get back to the starting point you will have to walk a little way along the road itself. The boardwalk is an arch shape and is 1.1 km long. A short arm branches out to a rest and recreation area where you will find benches to sit on. There are information boards along the trail, including one large stand by the road and three smaller ones along the trail.

Palivere is famous for its sand dunes and pine forests. Pikajalamagi or Pikajala Hill is the highest point in Laane County - 51 m - and home to a fortress whose construction began in the early part of the second millennium but was never completed. Around 11,000 years ago the sea lapped the foot of the hill. The old ski jumping tower on the hill is no longer in use, but it offers unbeatable views over the surrounding area. Hiking trails also wind their way over and around the hill.Did you know...?*The spring at the foot of the hill is said to have a restorative effect on the eyes, making them sparkle and leaving you looking forever young! And if you toss a coin in it during spring, they say you will never run out of money...