Sander Säde · CC BY 3.0 Why visit
Matsalu is one of Estonia’s most important places for understanding the meeting of river, bay, meadow and reedbed habitats. Observation towers and trails allow visitors to scan large open landscapes without entering sensitive areas, and the park is especially significant during migration periods. The experience depends on season and weather rather than a fixed list of attractions. Even outside peak bird movements, the broad coastal meadows and reed-fringed water give a strong sense of western Estonia’s low-lying Baltic environment.
What you will see
- Matsalu Bay.
- Kasari river delta.
- coastal meadows.
- birdwatching towers and reedbeds.
History
Protection of the Matsalu wetland developed during the twentieth century in response to its exceptional birdlife and coastal habitats. The area later gained national-park status and international recognition as an important wetland.
Visitor tips
- 1
Allow enough time to explore the setting rather than only the principal feature, and follow local signs where routes, protected areas or historic surfaces limit access.
About Lääne Coast
Haapsalu’s castle and resort waterfront lead into the wetlands and bird habitats of Matsalu Bay and the lower Kasari River.
Open the Estonia guide
