Matsalu National Park

About this place

Matsalu is a nature reserve and national park in western Estonia, in Lääne and Pärnu counties, about 21 km south of Haapsalu and 72 km northwest of Pärnu in a straight line. It covers 486 square kilometres, including Matsalu Bay, the Kasari river delta, the village of Matsalu and the surrounding area. Matsalu Bay is one of Europe's most important wetland bird areas, lying on the East Atlantic Flyway. Every spring over two million waterfowl pass through, about 1.6 million of them long-tailed ducks. The park protects many endangered species, including the white-tailed eagle and 22 strictly protected plant species. Coastal meadows, wide reed beds, marshes and calm shallow water spread through the park, ringed by small woods. Flocks of cranes, geese and ducks settle on the meadows, and wooden birdwatching towers stand along the shores. Visitors climb the towers, walk the meadow trails and paddle boats in the Kasari delta. Spring and autumn are the best seasons for migrating birds, and binoculars are worth bringing.