Things to see and do Baltic Coast

To the south-east of Riguldi, turn right towards Haeska, where the Matsalu reserve begins and where the Reserve Centre and the Reserve Museum are located, its administrative centre being in Penijõe. Refuge for swans and other thousands of birds, Matsalu, one of Europe's largest natural sanctuaries, covers 400 km ². The reserve was established in 1958, its ornithological research centre in 1970. On the peninsula of Puhtulaid, south of the reserve, an observation tower will allow you to admire the migration of many bird species. You can stay in Puhtu (book in advance Tel. 477 8755).

Observation towers also exist in Penijõe, Kloostri and Haeska. In the villages of Matsalu, Haeska and Penijÿe, guesthouses are found. In all cases, it is better to inform the possibilities before leaving, either at the tourist centre De or, even better (if one is not already on the spot), at the Ecotourism Association of Estonia, whose centre is in Tallinn.

At the entrance to the reserve, on the road that returns to Tallinn, the Kasari bridge crosses the river of the same name, the powerful flow, which flows into the bay of Matsalu.

At the southern limit of the reserve, the small town of Lihula has the ruins of a medieval castle, an Orthodox church dating back to 1889 and a memorial stone reminiscent of a th century battle during which the remnant peoples succeeded in pushing the Swedish invaders, which were later present in the region (whose fortress of Lihula represented one of the strategic points). Further south, the port of Virstu and the ferry pier for the islands of Muhu and the large island of Saaremaa.

At the very end of the beach promenade, you'll find access to the coastal meadow trail, a preserved part of the special biotope of salt meadows. An elevated wooden loop path allows you to admire the flora and fauna (birds, amphibians and insects, as well as the cows that are taken out to graze in summer) without damaging the site. At the halfway point, an observation tower gives you a bird's-eye view of the site and the sea. Superb views.