Boglands, ESTONIA
Airing Date: Oct 17th, 2005
Parnu is the largest town in western Estonia and is about a two hour drive from the capital, Tallinn. This small town is situated on the banks of the Prnu River where it emerges into the Gulf of Riga. It counts among it's attractions a shallow sea bay and 3km long sandy beach.
For four months of the year, the sea is frozen but when it thaws, Estonians flock to the beach for a'Baltic heatwave'. There are a number of beaches beside the main town beach, some include Valgerand, Kabli, Matsirand and Uulu. In summer, this is the place to relax or you can hit the town for some nightlife to remember.
Some of this port city's nicest features are the surrounding parks, the richly decorated wooden houses and, of course, that sandy beach! Some of the main attractions in town are the Lydia Koidula museum, (Koidula was an important Estonian poet) and a folk-art museum (local history and handicrafts). Architecturally, it is suggested you check out the Orthodox Ekaterina Church and the Lutheran St. Elisabeth's Church. Although they are built during the same period, the two building reflect vastly different styles and influences.
Parnu has long been known as a health resort (the first spa opening here in the 1830's), with its popular mud baths that are said to have curing qualities - for only $16! The mud is 42 degrees and is supposed to be great for joints and circulation.
Soomaa National Park is located 40 km east of Prnu, and means 'Land of Bogs' in English! When visiting the park you'll be greeted by cool, still air, murky coloured water and ground that trembles beneath your very feet! Soomaa has five bogs in total - Kuresoo, Valgeraba, rdi, Kikepera and Riisa. These bogs began to develop here after the Baltic ice age. Nowadays the surface area of a big bog is generally five to six meters higher than the surrounding mineral-ground. Soomaa offers bog hiking trails a plenty. Some of the trails including the Ingatsi hiking trail, near Lti meadow, and in Oksa observation towers are open to the public. You can pull on your gumboots and set out for a bog walk or, if you're game, swim in the bogs!
Another way to explore the park and its wildlife is by canoe or haabja, a traditional boat carved out of a single aspen tree. You can hop in a canoe and enjoy a tour of the bogs. You may even find some interesting inhabitants in the bogs other than the usual animals and plants that inhabit this area. According to local legend, witches have enjoyed the isolation of the bogs in this park area for centuries. Also Estonian folklore, states that the evil will-o'-the-wisp leads people to the bog, where they are forced to stay until the bog gas catches fire, driving the grotesque bog inhabitants (also known as 'Bogmen') out for everyone to see - interestingly, this is how the myth of the 'Bogeyman' began! People can also fish and camp in the park.
Further information
Qantas and Finnair will fly you to Tallinn from $2110 return from Sydney. Includes taxes. Book by 30/11/05. Travel by 31/12/05
Contact Russia & Beyond
Telephone: 1300 363 554
Website: www.finnair.com
Three nights at the Strand Hotel in Parnu costs $899 per person twin share. Includes return transfers to Tallinn, a day in Soomaa National Park, selected meals and a herbal bath treatment
Contact Russia & Beyond
Telephone: 1300 363 554
Email: info@russiabeyond.com.au
Website: www.russiabeyond.com.au
Prices correct at 17/10/05
