Easy hikes and walks in Pärnu

Nice park but to much mosquitoes really to much bring with you mosquito spray

Currently (spring 2025) a major construction site. The visitor center is still open in a slimmed-down form, housed in a container in front of the construction site.

The Beaver Trail leads you deep into a green, vibrant world where nature still has its own rhythm. After just a few meters, you're enveloped by moist, earthy air, and the rustling of leaves mingles with the gentle rippling of the water. The trail winds along a quiet stream, where beaver tracks can be seen along its banks – nibbled tree trunks and artfully layered dams bear witness to these industrious builders. You'll find information panels throughout, providing fascinating insights into the lives of beavers. For example, you'll learn that their burrows have cleverly submerged entrances to protect themselves from predators. It's fascinating to see how these animals shape and change the landscape without often being seen. The wooden walkway makes it easier to walk, but after rainfall, it can be a bit slippery in places – so sturdy footwear isn't a bad idea. The surrounding nature appears untouched, and the mix of dense forest, open water, and overgrown shores provides variety. It's an ideal place to enjoy the tranquility and gaze over the mirror-smooth water.

The visitor information center in Soomaa National Park is a good place to start getting ready for the hike. The building with its cozy wooden paneling exudes a welcoming atmosphere, and inside there is not only information, but also a small exhibition on the history of the park and traditional canoes. Particularly practical: Here you can get up-to-date information on the circular routes and the mosquito situation - always helpful if you are planning to spend a long time outdoors. The staff are friendly and are happy to give you tips. Regardless of whether you are looking for maps for an individual route or have a quick question, the advice is straightforward and committed. It is worth stopping by for a moment and finding out about the special features of the park, the wildlife or the historical background. The opening times are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekdays and from 10 a.m. on weekends. This leaves enough time to stop by before or after the hike. The information center is not big, but it is lovingly designed and offers everything you need for a successful trip into nature.

When you climb the platform, the world seems far away - only the wind rustles through the pines and the sun glitters on the needles. From up here you can feel the vastness of the land in a special way that is often hidden from you otherwise. The climb up to the dune itself is easy to manage, but it is worth coming here early in the morning or late afternoon to capture the warm light moods. The light changes the landscape and bathes the forests in soft shadows, which gives the whole thing an almost picturesque effect. The surrounding area is a mix of dense forests and sandy paths, which gives the walk a varied character. But be careful: in wet weather the paths can be slippery, so shoes with good grip are a good choice. If you are looking for peace and quiet and want to experience a little adventure away from the usual hiking trails, you will get your money's worth here.

On the wooden walkway through the moor, you feel a little like you are in another world. The landscape changes between damp moss areas, small ponds and low pine trees - a view that stretches far across the open area and reveals new details time and again. It is quiet here, almost silent, and only the wind that occasionally blows through the grass brings some movement to the scene. The path itself is easy to walk, but in some places you can feel slight bumps that give you the feeling of really being in the middle of nature. In cold temperatures, there are still a few remnants of snow on the ground, which gives the whole thing a special atmosphere. The wood creaks quietly under your feet and you quickly notice that the walkway here is not only a connection, but also a protection for the sensitive moor landscape. There are always opportunities to take a short break to enjoy the expanse or to look at the reflections in the water. From here you can also see the observation tower, which fits well into the landscape. It is worth a visit, because from up there you get a completely different view of the moor.

There is something calming, almost magical, about the forest here. When sunlight falls through the treetops, the trees cast long shadows on the ground, and the play of light and darkness literally captivates you. It is quiet, only the gentle rustling of leaves and the occasional cracking of branches accompany the path. The scent of damp moss and earth is in the air - just the thing to clear your head. The paths are natural and it is quite possible that you come across overgrown paths. But this also brings with it the charm of experiencing the original side of the forest away from the perfect, planned routes. Sturdy shoes are a good idea here, because the ground is a bit uneven and riddled with roots in some places. If you take your time, you might discover one or two hidden clearings or a small stream that makes its way through the undergrowth. It is these small moments that make hiking here so special – not a run-of-the-mill experience, but an encounter with nature in all its immediacy.

It's actually a shame that the rest of the route is not also barrier-free.