rahvusparke

Rahvuspargid, or national parks, are large protected landscapes established to preserve natural and cultural resources while allowing the public to learn about and enjoy natural areas. They typically protect representative ecosystems, rare or endangered species, and distinctive landscapes, such as bogs, forests, coastlines, or seashores. In Estonia, rahvuspargid are among the most strictly protected areas and are created and managed under national nature conservation legislation. Access and activities are regulated through zoning, with core zones offering strong conservation protection and peripheral zones permitting recreation, education, and light tourism.

Notable examples in Estonia include Lahemaa National Park on the north coast, Matsalu National Park known for its bird life and wetlands, Soomaa National Park with its floodplain forests and bogs, Vilsandi National Park on the western coast with islets and seabirds, and Alutaguse National Park in the northeast. These parks protect diverse habitats, from boreal forests and mires to coastal habitats and historic cultural landscapes.

Public access is encouraged through marked trails, visitor centers, and guided programs, while activities such as motorized vehicle use, resource extraction, or development are restricted in core areas. Research, monitoring, and environmental education are typical park functions, contributing to biodiversity conservation, climate resilience, and sustainable tourism. Rahvuspargid form part of Estonia’s broader protected-area network, complementing nature reserves and other conservation areas.