Soomaa National Park: Estonia's Hidden Wilderness Gem

• HelloTere
  [teh-reh]
• GoodbyeHead aega
  [heh-ad ah-eh-gah]
• YesJah
  [yah]
• NoEi
  [ay]
• Please/You're welcomePalun
  [pah-loon]
• Thank youAitäh
  [eye-taah]
• Excuse me/SorryVabandust
  [vah-bahn-doost]
• How are you?Kuidas sul läheb?
  [kwee-dahs sool leh-heb]
• Fine. And you?Hästi. Ja sina?
  [hah-stee. yah see-nah]
• Do you speak English?Kas sa räägid inglise keelt?
  [kahs sah raah-ee-geed een-glee-seh kehlt]
• I don't understandMa ei saa aru
  [mah ay sah ah-roo]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseMa tahaksin menüüd näha, palun
  [mah tah-hahk-seen meh-nyoo-d nah-hah, pah-loon]
• I don't eat meatMa ei söö liha
  [mah ay soh lee-hah]
• Cheers!Terviseks!
  [tehr-vee-sehks]
• I would like to pay, pleaseMa sooviksin maksta, palun
  [mah soh-veek-seen mahk-stah, pah-loon]

• Help!Appi!
  [ahp-pee]
• Go away!Mine minema!
  [mee-neh mee-neh-mah]
• Call the Police!Helistage politseile!
  [heh-lee-stah-geh poh-lee-tseh-ee-leh]
• Call a doctor!Helistage arstile!
  [heh-lee-stah-geh ahr-stee-leh]
• I'm lostMa olen eksinud
  [mah oh-lehn ehk-see-nood]
• I'm illMa olen haige
  [mah oh-lehn high-eh]

• I'd like to buy...Ma tahaksin osta...
  [mah tah-hahk-seen oh-stah]
• I'm just lookingMa vaatan lihtsalt
  [mah vah-tahn leekt-sahlt]
• How much is it?Kui palju see maksab?
  [kwee pahl-yoo seh mahk-sahb]
• That's too expensiveSee on liiga kallis
  [seh ohn leeh-gah kahl-lees]
• Can you lower the price?Kas sa saaksid hinda alandada?
  [kahs sah saahk-seed hin-dah ahl-ahn-dah-dah]

• What time is it?Mis kell on?
  [mees kell ohn]
• It's one o'clockOn üks
  [ohn yks]
• Half past (10)Pool (10)
  [pohl (dahs-see)]
• MorningHommik
  [hohm-meek]
• AfternoonPäev
  [pah-ehv]
• EveningÕhtu
  [uhkh-too]
• YesterdayEile
  [ay-leh]
• TodayTäna
  [tah-nah]
• TomorrowHomme
  [hohm-meh]
• 1Üks
  [yks]
• 2Kaks
  [kahks]
• 3Kolm
  [kohlm]
• 4Neli
  [neh-lee]
• 5Viis
  [vees]
• 6Kuus
  [koos]
• 7Seitse
  [sayt-seh]
• 8Kaheksa
  [kah-hehk-sah]
• 9Üheksa
  [yehk-sah]
• 10Kümme
  [koom-meh]

• Where's a/the...?Kus on...?
  [koos ohn]
• What's the address?Mis on aadress?
  [mees ohn ah-drehss]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kas sa saaksid mulle näidata (kaardil)?
  [kahs sah saahk-seed mool-leh nah-ee-tahdah (kah-rdil)]
• When's the next (bus)?Millal on järgmine (buss)?
  [meel-lahl ohn yahrg-mee-neh (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Pilet (....le)
  [pee-leht (leh)]

Long before modern times, the area now known as Soomaa National Park was inhabited by Finno-Ugric tribes. Archaeological findings, such as stone tools and pottery fragments, suggest that these early settlers engaged in hunting, fishing, and rudimentary forms of agriculture. The dense forests and abundant wetlands provided ample resources for these communities.

During the medieval period, the region saw the influence of the Livonian Order, a crusading military order from the 13th to the 16th centuries. The Livonian Order established several trade routes through the area, and remnants of ancient roads can still be found within the park's boundaries. The period also saw the construction of fortifications and the introduction of Christianity to the local pagan communities.

Soomaa National Park is renowned for its expansive peat bogs, which have played a crucial role in the area's history. Over centuries, these peatlands have been both a resource and a challenge for the local population. Peat was harvested for fuel, but the bogs also made travel and agriculture difficult. These wetlands have preserved a unique ecosystem and are home to various rare species of flora and fauna.

Soomaa National Park was officially established in 1993 to protect the unique landscapes and biodiversity of the region. The park covers approximately 390 square kilometers and is known for its 'fifth season' – a period in spring where the rivers flood, transforming the area into a vast watery landscape. This natural phenomenon has become a focal point for both conservation efforts and eco-tourism.

The cultural heritage of Soomaa is rich with traditional practices that have been passed down through generations. Local communities have maintained age-old skills such as canoe building, using a unique dugout canoe called 'haabjas,' which is still used to navigate the floodwaters. Traditional knowledge of foraging, herbal medicine, and seasonal festivals also play a significant role in the cultural tapestry of the region.

In recent decades, Soomaa National Park has become a model for sustainable tourism and conservation. Initiatives include the restoration of natural water regimes, the reintroduction of native species, and the promotion of eco-friendly tourism practices. The park's management collaborates with local and international conservation organizations to ensure the long-term preservation of its unique ecosystems.

Soomaa National Park is located in southwestern Estonia, and the nearest major city is Pärnu. The closest international airport is Lennart Meri Tallinn Airport in Tallinn, approximately 150 kilometers away. From Tallinn, you can rent a car or take a bus to Pärnu, which takes about 2 hours. From Pärnu, you can continue your journey by car or arrange for a guided tour to Soomaa National Park, which is about 50 kilometers away.

The best way to explore Soomaa National Park is by car or guided tours, as public transport options are limited. Renting a car is highly recommended for flexibility. Bicycles are also available for rent in some areas, providing an eco-friendly way to explore the park. During the 'Fifth Season' (flood season), canoes are the most effective means of transportation within the park.

The official currency in Estonia is the Euro (EUR). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops in nearby cities like Pärnu. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in Pärnu, so it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash before heading to Soomaa National Park.

Soomaa National Park is generally very safe for tourists. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists within the park. However, standard safety precautions should be taken, such as keeping an eye on your belongings and avoiding isolated areas after dark. Always inform someone of your itinerary if you plan on venturing deep into the park.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance in Estonia. The nearest medical facilities are located in Pärnu, so it is crucial to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are pharmacies in Pärnu where you can purchase over-the-counter medications. It's also advisable to carry a basic first-aid kit when exploring the park.

Fashion: Do wear comfortable and weather-appropriate clothing, including waterproof gear during the 'Fifth Season'. Don't wear flashy or overly expensive jewelry. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, though Soomaa doesn't have significant religious sites. Public Transport: Do be prepared for limited public transport options; renting a car is highly recommended. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile or a nod; Estonians appreciate politeness. Eating & Drinking: Do try local foods and beverages. Don’t litter; always clean up after yourself to preserve the natural beauty of the park.

To experience Soomaa National Park like a local, take part in traditional activities such as bog-shoeing and canoeing during the 'Fifth Season'. Visit the local visitor centers to learn more about the park's unique ecosystem and cultural heritage. Engage with local guides who can offer deeper insights into the history and natural features of the area. Don't miss out on the chance to taste local delicacies made from ingredients sourced from the park itself.