Throughout history, the landscapes of Matsalu have been shaped by human activity. In ancient times, farmers and those raising livestock readily used dry land that emerged from the sea. Over the centuries, human activity has given rise to open cultural landscapes and meadows rich in species. Culture as a factor affecting people’s way of life also depends on the local natural conditions. Here, landscapes are enriched by old stone fences and low-lying farmhouses with thatched roofs made from reeds. Livelihoods come from fields, fishing, reed-gathering and crafts.

The landscapes of Matsalu National Park are very diverse. Matsalu is characterized by clear coastal areas, where people and nature have been acting side by side in balance for years. Because of that, it features some semi-natural communities that have almost disappeared in the rest of Europe. Matsalu is home to the largest broads in northern Europe, Europe's most extensive coastal grasslands and alvars, a typical sight in Western Estonia. 

  • The national park’s surface area is 49 478 ha.
  • The national park is one of the most important nesting and stopover sites for waterfowl in Europe. Matsalu is a stopover site for over 2 million waterfowls, from which 230 000 stay for either shorter or longer period.
  • Haeska has been acknowledged as the best birdwatching site in the Nordic Countries.
  • Try not to leave traces behind when travelling in the nature.
  • Adhere to the movement restrictions in the reserve: it is prohibited for people to be in the conservation areas of Ilvese, Kükametsa, Mõtuse and Vanamänniku from 1 February to 15 July, except for moving around on the existing roads and trails with a permit from the manager of the reserve, the Environmental Board.

Luitemaa offers the visitor many opportunities for enjoying nature. There are the Rannametsa-Tolkuse Nature and Study Trail, several bird watching towers and camp fire sites. The dune forests and bogs of the reserve are favourite among vacationers as well as mushroom and berry pickers. 

Rannametsa-Tolkuse nature and study trail. Photo by Merike Palginõmm

The main protection aim of the Luitemaa Nature Reserve is to protect the coastal and natural landscape of Southwest Estonia.

Luitemaa Nature Reserve is divided according to the protection procedure into:

  • The main protection aim of the Luitemaa Nature Reserve is to protect the coastal and natural landscape of Southwest Estonia. The nature reserve was founded in the year 2000 with an area of 11,301.3 ha.
  • The dunes of Rannametsa are the shoreline from the period of the Litoriina Sea dating back 5,000 years. The highest dunes of Estonia are located here: Tõotusemägi Hill (29 m) and Tornimägi/Sõjamägi Hill (34 m). The dunes of Rannametsa have been chosen as the natural symbol of Pärnu County.
  • The Tolkuse Bog that dates back 8,000 years is very noteworthy.
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