Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve, Protected nature reserve in Harju County, Estonia
Põhja-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve encompasses forests, wetlands, and over 30 lakes within a varied landscape shaped by glacial ridges and sandy plains. The diverse terrain supports different habitats within a connected natural area.
The area served as a Soviet military training ground from 1947 until 1991, when Estonia established the protected area following independence. The shift from military use to nature conservation marked a significant change in land use.
Writer Anton Hansen Tammsaare lived in the forest village of Koitjärve and captured the local landscapes in his works. His writing reflects how deeply the region's natural character has shaped local identity.
The reserve is located about 50 kilometers east of Tallinn and accessible from multiple entry points. A connecting hiking trail allows visitors to explore different sections and landscape types within the protected area.
The region contains Estonia's richest collection of glacial marginal formations, including ridges that extend for several kilometers across the landscape. These geological features are prominent throughout and reflect the area's complex ice-age history.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
