Lahemaa National Park

Lahemaa literally translates to "Land of Bays," and Estonia's largest national park is a mix of coastal bluffs, dense forest, 18th-century manor houses and numerous lakes, rivers and waterfalls.

Waterfalls cascade down some of the 184-foot cliffs along the northern edge of the limestone plateau known as the Glint, which bisects the park from east to west.

The two main areas open to visitors are the Koljaku-Oandu Reserve, an area of wet sea forest in the northeastern part of the park, and the Laukasoo Reserve, home to a 7,000 year-old bog in the park's center. Lynx and bear roam the forests.

The restored manor house at Palmse, near the eastern edge of the park, is Lahemaa's centerpiece. The 18th-century Baroque house, open to the public, is filled with period furniture, and you can tour the landscaped grounds. The house doubles as the park’s visitors center.

The town of Palmse has a restored 17th-century distillery, hotel and granary. The town is the setting for the Viru Säru folk music and dance festival, held in the first week of July during even-numbered years.

The park is a one-hour bus ride from the Estonian capital of Tallinn.