A hike through the Viru bogs
I’ll be honest, my previous track records with bogs is not a good one.
As a young Royal Marines officer in training, our syndicates would often yomp around Dartmoor at night, carrying ridiculously heavy gear with equally heavy weapons, and often unknowingly cross waterlogged bogs that you only find when you go into it up to your waist. At first you let out a muffled yelp in the colder months when the cold water goes over your belt, however you become so used to it, the yelp just becomes an eyeroll as you just expect it happen.
With this in mind, when my partner asked if I wanted to indulge in the Estonian national hobby of ‘bog hiking’, the first thoughts that came to mind was that ‘eeuuurrrghhhh’ moment the water crosses your waistline, and so was immediately less interested, however I’m glad I acquiesced, as it’s actually an incredibly nice experience!
About the Viru bog
The Viru bog hike is located around 50 kilometres from Tallinn, in the Lahemaa National Park, near to the Raketa shipwreck – which is on Estonia’s northern coast.
The route starts at a car park and goes on for around three and a half kilometres (c.6.5-7km to the end and then back to the start point) and gives some really stunning views thanks to an observation tower to help give sense of scale.
Whilst on the marked trail (that gives me the sense of well-maintained Nordic wellness culture), you can see an abundance of wildlife, such as dragonflies, waterbirds, and frogs. We went in the autumn and found it generally quite quiet. There’s no litter, no noise, just an overwhelming sense of peace. Coming from the loud and bustling East London borough of Hackney, Estonia is like a (figuratively and literally) breath of fresh air!
How to get to the Viru raba bogs
Buses go from central Tallinn to a bus stop approximately a kilometre away from the car park. There are a few options getting back, the 229 goes back along the E20, whilst the 156 pickups from a nearby road to the halfway point. Be sure to check with where the bus stop is to make sure you don’t end stranded!
Do note that cycling on the boardwalk isn’t allowed, and visitors are asked to walk on the boardwalk to preserve the local flora and fauna.