Nature romance

Fishing

Bird watching

Life in Luitemaa…

Living on a beach meadow among the birds is indescribable. Feeling the earth’s power with every cell of your body in the middle of the migration of thousands of birds. Tens of eagles seeking love on the coastal beach meadows in spring. Black and white geese as far as the eye can see, engaged in conversations with one another. The sea full of swans savouring the peacefulness of the late autumn sunset. Their tender love songs echoing over the beach meadows deep into the night, occasionally interrupted by the vigorous play of seagulls against the briny storm winds. Living in Luitemaa is a year-round celebration – an avian festivity along with cattle and their calves. It is a cycle of seasons entrusted to humans for safekeeping.

Aivar, the Caretaker of the Beach Meadows at Luitemaa Nature Reserve.

Experiences with horses

Meet the horses of the Romantic Coastline.

The horses of the Beach Route are native to the area; they have grown up in the juniper beach meadows and ancient local forests. They are just as self-aware and cooperative as we are, and for them, boredom is the greatest adversary. They regard us as colleagues, leading the way in front of our sledges and carriages, accompanying us freely in nature or labouring alongside us in the fields. Our horses are curious, dignified, gentle and strong. They can be distinguished by their perseverance, dedication and wisdom. Our horses are wonderful companions, understanding much more about us than we do about them. They cannot be won over with sweet words or money.

I have observed that horse time cannot be measured with a clock. Instead, it is measured by change.

Epp from Surfhunt Horse School

Swimming in pure nature.

On the Romantic Coastline you can swim in rivers, lakes and the sea. We have sandy beaches and untouched beaches. You can swim in small, secluded spots as well as in larger, public beaches during every season, as long as there is open water available. As you swim past the riverbank adorned with rushes and plants, or step into the sparkling seawater lined with stones and vegetation, you come to realise that it’s far more than just experiencing nature’s most healthy high points. Diving into water surrounded by nature with an open mind can be a truly uplifting experience. By doing so, you unlock a new realm of magical adventures for yourself. These adventures are plentiful in our coastal land and offer an entirely new way of enjoying our nature. Use our natural swimming pools to gain genuine experiences and help preserve this richness together.

Hiking trails

Since childhood, I have found happiness in being away from the urban environment with its concrete and glass. For someone who grew up on the 9th floor of a Mustamäe apartment building, the greatest joy was spending days in the nearby pine forests, at my grandma’s or our summer house, in the local nature lover’s hobby group or out on a hike. Out of the love and understanding I had for nature, I developed a desire to share it with others. After working in a school for 17 years, I came to realise where the most significant gaps in people’s knowledge and understanding of nature had formed. As time has passed, the knowledge of species, natural systems and the comprehension of its wisdom have deteriorated, or become more shallow. This is why I have committed myself to nature education, bridging the connection with nature and bringing people closer to it through my work as a guide and other activities. I wish for people to continue holding respect and reverence for both nature and life itself.

Marika, Guide at Häädemeeste.