- Try not to leave any traces in the nature.
- Ask the permission of the owner when being on a marked/fenced private land.
Viidumäe Nature Reserve offers many opportunities for hiking and enjoying nature. We recommend getting first acquainted with the area at Viidumäe Nature Centre where information brochures are available and a permanent exhibition introducing the conservation values and the history of the nature reserve is open daily all year round.
Three study trails start from the Nature Centre: Audaku, Allikasoo and Viidumäe. About 700 meters from the centre, Raunamäe observation tower offers gorgeous views of Western Saaremaa.
Based on the protection rules of Viidumäe Nature Reserve, the main objective of the reserve is to protect the diverse biotic community and the protected species, ecological communities, and habitats in the uplands region of Western Saaremaa.
According to the protection procedure, Viidumäe Nature Reserve is divided into:
The surface area of Viidumäe Nature Reserve is relatively small, but it is still a home for many plant, fungal, and animal species. The ancient coastal terrace divides the area into two completely different parts. The drier areas above the terrace are divided by low beach ridges and dunes. The area lower than the terrace is wetter due to the spring waters and also cut through by past coastal landforms.
- Viidumäe Nature Reserve was founded in 1957 when the area of the reserve was only 593 ha.
- Please do your best to not leave any trace of your presence, and to maintain silence.
- When moving around in nature, follow everyman’s right and best practice. To move around on private land designated as such or enclosed by a fence, obtain the permission of the owner.
- It is prohibited to visit the conservation zones of Kikepera and Valgeraba from 15 February to 31 July, and the conservation zone of Paelama from 15 March to 31 August. It is prohibited to visit the strict nature reserve in Tuhametsa.
- When driving a motor vehicle, use designated routes only.
Companies in the Soomaa National Park are responsible and care about the environment in which they operate.
Hiking and guides
The home of the Estonian composer, pianist and organist Mart Saar (28.09.1882 - 28.10 1963) is located in the north-eastern border of the Soomaa National Park, in the village of Karjasoo on Hüpassaare Farm. Mart Saar was the first Estonian composer who merged Estonian folk songs with contemporary sounds. The home museum in Hüpassaare (opened in 1964) introduces and preserves the creation of Mart Saar.
The museum is open We-Su 10-17.
Museum´s homepage.