Nature trails

The Magic of Autumn in Estonia

Tatjana Siipan — Fri, 23 Oct 2026 08:50:47 +0000

An Invitation to a Play of Colours

We are now in one of my favourite times of the year in Estonia. While summer brings a world of lush, abundant green, spring and autumn are seasons when nature changes from day to day. When nature paints its most beautiful picture, it is worth pausing for a moment, taking a deep breath, and letting autumn surprise you.

Autumn is nature’s grand festival of colours, when familiar forest trails, bog landscapes and park paths are transformed into an artist’s canvas. Golden yellow, fiery red, deep orange and soft brown take the place of green. The morning mist creates mysterious shadows, the low sun gently caresses the treetops, and the carpet of rustling leaves beneath our feet invites us to explore even the smallest forest paths.

As a hiking guide, I feel that autumn is one of the most special times of year to venture into nature. As a photographer, I know that this is when every bend in the trail holds the possibility of capturing something truly unique. Autumn offers more than just colours — it brings moods, stories and moments that stay in our hearts for a long time.

As the days grow shorter and we receive less and less sunshine until spring returns, these precious days become all the more valuable. Morning frost decorates plants with delicate patterns, while the long shadows of evening deepen the colours.

But there is no need to venture outdoors only when the sun is shining. Misty and rainy days have their own special charm, too. The right clothing can turn even a day when you would hardly feel like stepping outside into an enjoyable experience.

A Hiking Guide’s Tips for Enjoying Autumn in Estonia

Autumn invites us to slow down and notice more. If you want to make the most of its rich palette of colours, try these tips on your next outing.

You don’t need to take a new trail to discover something new. Walk the same path at different times and you will learn to recognise and appreciate how nature changes.
Start your day early. The morning stillness, crisp air and mist-shrouded landscapes create a special experience for both hikers and photographers.
Stop and listen. The rustling of the wind in the treetops, the tapping of a woodpecker or the crunch of leaves beneath your feet will help you tune in to nature’s rhythm.
Dress in layers. Autumn weather can change quickly. Warm layers, waterproof footwear and a rainproof outer layer will make your outing much more enjoyable.
But the most important piece of advice is simple: don’t rush. Autumn is not just a time to admire the colours; it is also an opportunity to reconnect with yourself and take a moment away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

I like to think of every autumn hike as a little adventure whose ending cannot be predicted. We might encounter a moose in the forest, discover an exceptionally beautiful view or stumble upon a light that transforms the entire landscape into something out of a fairy tale. Or perhaps we will simply walk in silence, listening to our footsteps and enjoying the fresh air.

All these moments are precious. Photographs help us remember them, but the true experience comes from being present — from truly being here, in this very moment.

As a hiking guide, I invite you to notice just how much beauty surrounds us. As a photographer, I encourage you to capture that beauty. Whether you use professional photography equipment or the phone you always carry in your pocket, there is beauty worth preserving all around you.

Pack your curiosity, take your time to look around, and let autumn surprise you!

See you on the autumn trails!

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Birdwatching in Estonia

Tatjana Siipan — Tue, 06 Oct 2026 17:16:35 +0000

Bird Migration in Estonia. When and Where to Watch Migratory Birds?

Although I am neither an ornithologist nor a professional photographer, you simply cannot fail to notice the major spring and autumn bird migrations when spending time outdoors. It always makes me want to stay in one place a little longer and watch this fascinating spectacle of nature.

Estonia is becoming increasingly popular among birdwatchers, and we have excellent opportunities for it. Estonia’s coastlines, islands, wetlands and headlands lie along important migration routes and offer wonderful opportunities both for birdwatching and bird photography.

But let’s assume there are more casual nature lovers like me out there, so this post is for you. Which birds to look for, when and where to go, and what to take with you — based on my own experience.

When to go and what birds can you spot?

Although birds are actually migrating almost all the time — there is always someone on the move somewhere — the busiest periods are spring and autumn. That is when the numbers are large enough and the movement intense enough for even a non-birdwatcher to notice.

The autumn migration generally takes place between August and November, although the exact timing naturally depends on the species, weather, temperature and wind.

The easiest birds to notice are probably the larger species flying in flocks. You can often hear them long before they actually come into view. Swans, cranes, geese, barnacle geese. Have you ever stood outside on a windless day and simply listened to the sound of all those wings? Wonderful, isn’t it?

Around my home, many birds had moved elsewhere for the summer, but now I am once again noticing many more different thrushes and tits. Smaller birds are, of course, relatively difficult to spot — they are often easier to hear. Now that the trees are shedding their leaves, the birds are becoming more visible too.

On the coast, however, leaves are not an issue. Find yourself a spot with a wide view and you may see herons, ducks, eiders, lapwings and many others. Particularly impressive are the large flocks of geese and barnacle geese, which can move across fields and along the coast in groups of dozens or even thousands.

Where in Estonia can you see migratory birds best?

Well, naturally, the coast is a great place to start. But which parts of the coast?

For example, Põõsaspea Cape, Haeska, Kabli, the Sõrve Peninsula and Puise. Of course, there are plenty of other places too. You simply have to be observant, not rush, and be willing to stop and watch.

The most exciting thing is that bird migration changes from day to day. One morning, one species may dominate, while the next day the sky can be filled with completely different birds.

What should you use for watching?

This is actually quite an important question. You may get to the right place, but if the birds are far away in a field or out at sea, sometimes all you will see are tiny dots. Seabirds can sometimes gather in huge flocks far out at sea, making them almost impossible to notice with the naked eye.

Coming back to the fact that I am not writing this for serious birding experts, but rather for fellow casual enthusiasts, I started by getting myself a pair of 10×42 binoculars. This means that the binoculars provide 10x magnification and have 42 mm objective lenses.

True, you cannot see everything with them, but they are good enough to satisfy your curiosity while still being light enough that you actually feel like carrying them around. More powerful binoculars may seem like a better choice, but if you are not used to holding them, and they are uncomfortable or heavy, or the image keeps shaking because of the increased magnification, you will not enjoy watching birds very much either.

You can always buy something more expensive and higher quality once your interest becomes more serious. At the same time, I would not recommend choosing something extremely cheap either. The quality of the lenses may be so poor that the image is blurry, or the binoculars may not allow you to adjust them properly to your eyes. Let those stay in the toy department for children to play with and develop an interest.

The next level up is spotting scopes. They are larger, offer greater magnification and, if I am not mistaken, usually require a tripod as well. Since I do not have much personal experience with them, I will leave those for the more serious enthusiast to explore.

Because I also like to preserve what I see in photographs, I use a camera with a 150–600 mm lens. Again, there are huge differences in price and quality, with options for pretty much every budget.

For me, it is quite simple: if I see a bird and manage to get a good photo, I am happy. If not, well, maybe next time. The observation itself, and the time spent simply being with myself, is more important than getting a perfect picture.

With cameras and these long lenses, there is also the issue that better quality often means larger and heavier equipment. I do not feel like carrying all of that on every walk either. Maybe I will write about how I photograph birds another time.

What else should you take with you for birdwatching?

Besides binoculars or a camera, there are actually a few other things worth thinking about.

If you have never been birdwatching before, the weather might surprise you. I do not mean the possibility of rain. We can usually check that on the weather forecast on our phones and get a fairly good idea of whether rain is likely.

What may come as more of a surprise is how much time you can spend standing in one place — and how cold you can get while doing it.

Put on an extra layer, wear warmer socks, and bring something else to keep you warm. This is especially important if you are heading to an exposed coastline where there are no trees to hide behind when the wind picks up.

A thermos of hot tea often comes in handy, as does a bird guide. The more you watch birds, the more you start to realise just how many species there are, how similar some of them can be, and how difficult it can be to tell them apart. A field guide can be a great help in such situations.

There are also several apps that can help identify birds by their calls. I personally use the Merlin Bird ID app.

And really, there is not much more to it. You just have to start somewhere. For example, by going outside and listening to the birds in your own garden, or by taking a trip to the coast.

Visit the same place several times and give yourself time, because the cast of characters around you can change at any moment.

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Nose to the Ground in the Bog

Tatjana Siipan — Tue, 29 Sep 2026 07:48:14 +0000

Bogs are among the most fascinating and unique natural environments in Estonia.

Bog walking is becoming more and more popular among Estonians and country guests. At first glance, they may seem rather quiet and monotonous, but in reality, they are home to a remarkably diverse range of plants. Bog plants have adapted to living in an environment with plenty of water, few nutrients, and acidic soil. It is precisely these unusual conditions that have shaped plant species you do not encounter elsewhere in nature.

One of the most characteristic bog plants is peat moss, or sphagnum. It forms a thick carpet, ranging from green to reddish shades, and plays an important role in the formation of bogs. Tiny as it is, sphagnum can absorb 10–20 times its own weight in water, allowing it to cope with temporary dry periods when necessary.

And on that green carpet, you can also find plenty of edible treats. Cranberries, lingonberries, crowberries, bilberries, cloudberries… all you need is the energy to pick them! You can turn them into juice or jam, or simply pop them straight into your mouth.

One of the best plants for bees also grows in bogs. Despite the nutrient-poor environment, heather blooms abundantly and is very rich in nectar.

Not everything is quite so rosy, though. Some plants, such as marsh Labrador tea or marsh rosemary (Rhododendron tomentosum), can make sensitive people feel unwell without them even touching the plant. The scent produced by its essential oils can, for example, cause a headache. Some people also describe experiencing dizziness, but fortunately, I have never noticed that myself. In general, I rarely notice the smell of marsh Labrador tea, and usually only when I crush it between my fingers.

But we also have a real little predator growing in our bogs: sundew. It is actually quite small, but an enthusiastic insect catcher. As mentioned earlier, bogs are generally nutrient-poor environments, so some plants have become remarkably clever during their evolution and learned to feed on insects. Sundew leaves are covered with sticky droplets that trap insects. Once, I even managed to interrupt a sundew during its lunch break when my own lunch sandwich happened to land right next to it.

When visiting a bog, it is worth remembering that it is a delicate ecosystem. Plants often grow slowly there, and trampling can damage the moss layer and other vegetation. That is why it is best to stay on boardwalks or marked trails and observe the plants without disturbing them.

Bog plants are a great example of the many different ways plants can survive in nature. Some store water, others manage to thrive in nutrient-poor soil, and some even catch insects in order to survive. These adaptations are exactly what make bogs such fascinating and valuable natural environments.

So, the next time you find yourself out in a bog, take a moment to stop and look a little closer. Behind a tiny tuft of moss or an unassuming little shrub, there may be a whole story about how life manages to survive in challenging conditions.

You are very welcome to join us on hikes to the bog

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Where to go in Lahemaa

Galina — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 09:26:17 +0000

Five Stories from Lahemaa: A Guide's Favourite Places

The first time I stood at the edge of the Viru Bog (one of most popular places in Lahemaa) at sunrise, mist rolling low over the pools, I understood why people say Lahemaa doesn’t just show you nature – it tells you stories. After years of guiding visitors through this stretch of northern Estonia, here are five places I keep coming back to, each with its own tale.

1. Viru Bog - Where the Land Breathes

Step onto the boardwalk before the day begins, when the bog is still holding its breath. Thousands of years of moss have built this landscape up, layer by layer, and the small dark pools scattered across it reflect the sky like scattered mirrors. Climb the wooden viewing tower and watch the mist lift — it feels less like a walk and more like arriving somewhere time forgot to visit.

2. Altja - The Fishing Village That Time Kept

Wooden swings creak by the roadside, nets still hang to dry, and the old fishing boats rest as if their owners just stepped away for a moment. Altja isn’t a museum – it’s a living village, and every weathered barn door has a story about the sea, the storms, and the families who built their lives around both. I always tell visitors: sit on the swing for a minute. The village will start talking.

3. Palmse Manor - Baltic-German Elegance in the Forest

Hidden among manicured gardens and forest paths, Palmse feels like stepping into another century. Once home to the von der Pahlen family, the manor’s pale yellow walls and formal gardens whisper of a very different Estonia — one of horse carriages, orchards, and quiet aristocratic afternoons. Wander past the fish pond and imagine the estate in its heyday, then compare it to the wild forest just beyond the gates.

4. Käsmu - The Village of Captains

Known as “Captains’ Village,” Käsmu once trained more sea captains per capita than almost anywhere else in the world. Walking its shaded lanes past old wooden houses, you can almost hear the stories of smuggling runs across the Gulf of Finland during Soviet times, and the quiet courage of a coastal community that never stopped looking toward the sea. The little maritime museum here holds more history than its size suggests.

5. Oandu - Into the Deep Forest

This is where I take people who want to disappear into the woods for a while. Oandu marks the start of forest trails that wind through some of Estonia’s oldest woodland, past mossy boulders and streams that never seem to hurry. It’s quiet here in a way that resets something in you — the kind of quiet that makes visitors stop talking without meaning to.

Five places, one national park, and a thousand more stories waiting under the moss and between the pines. Lahemaa doesn’t just show you Estonia’s nature – it hands you its memory. Come find your own story here. 🌲🦌🌊

Would you like to explore Estonia with a local guide?

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Where can you see a moose?

Galina — Wed, 16 Sep 2026 08:28:16 +0000

A little less than a year I met two foreigners. We discussed where they could go in north of Estonia, in the end of the conversation they asked me: “Where can we go to see a moose? This question came unexpectedly, I had to keep my smile – because in reality, we don’t see moose in Estonia nearly as often as people might think.

There are signs on the road, but no schedule in the forest

Along Estonian roads you’ll find familiar signs warning that a moose might suddenly run out onto the road. These signs exist for good reason. But that doesn’t mean moose move according to some predictable timetable — that you can show up at a certain spot at exactly two o’clock and find one waiting for you.

It simply doesn’t work that way. The moose is an elusive animal that moves in a scattered, unpredictable pattern, and even with years of experience as a guide, meeting one largely comes down to chance.

A story about red deer that didn't show up

A good example of just how unpredictable animals really are happened to me on a car safari a week ago at a wildlife park. Last December, we went there with my family and actually saw plenty of red deer — both does and stags, of all ages and sizes. So I really expected same experience..

This time, on that same enclosed area — where the animals were, in principle, definitely present and couldn’t have gone anywhere farther away — we drove around by car for almost an hour. The result? A perfect zero. Not a single animal.

That was something of a lesson in itself — if even in a fenced area, where the animals are certainly there, an encounter isn’t guaranteed, then out in the open wilderness expectations need to be set even more carefully.

What’s the takeaway?

You can never be “sure” with animals. You might get lucky — and sometimes you get remarkably lucky — but there are no guarantees. That very unpredictability is what makes wildlife watching interesting in the first place: when an animal does appear, it’s a genuine moment, not a performance on a schedule.

So the next time you’re out in nature and don’t spot a moose, don’t think of it as a failure — that’s simply what wild nature actually is.

P.S Beauty on the picture was captured during second round a bit later in the same day, when first round result was zero

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Safe hiking

Galina — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 08:33:37 +0000

Estonian nature is generally considered to be rather safe, but there are still some things here that it is better to avoid. An adult person usually has a good enough sense of danger that if they are not absolutely sure about something, they do not put it in their mouth. With children it is a little different, and therefore it is necessary to explain to them that not every red or blue berry is edible.

Estonian forests, meadows and the shores offer hikers many edible things. In different months, there is always something to find. For example, we have blueberries, lingonberries, cranberries, cloudberries, wild strawberries, wild garlic and other plants. But nature also contains plants whose berries, leaves, stems or roots can cause poisoning.

The most important rule is simple: do not eat a plant or berry in nature whose species you do not know with absolute certainty. A beautiful appearance, a pleasant smell or the fact that “someone else has eaten it” does not prove that a plant is edible. I also do not know everything that is edible or everything that is poisonous, but some examples from the poisonous group include yew, buckthorn, herb-paris, lily of the valley, and there are more of them.

Very often, they grow next to edible plants. For example, herb-paris can easily hide among blueberries, both being blue. Every spring, lily of the valley gets mixed up with wild garlic by someone.

As autumn arrives, the buckets become filled not only with berries but also with mushrooms. Here too, you need to make very sure how to identify an edible mushroom and how to process it later at home so that you do not have to turn to an ambulance after eating it.

But you can get poisoned not only by eating. Some plants should not even be touched. You have probably already heard of some hogweeds, contact with which can result in skin damage.

Even if you are careful enough not to eat or touch anything poisonous, pay attention to where you are stepping as well. Estonia has only two species of snakes, and one of them is venomous. The adder can actually sense you coming and is even more afraid of you than you are of it, but sometimes they have simply forgotten themselves while basking in the sun. So, let’s try not to hurt each other.

The main recommendation is: do not touch anything whose safety you are not completely sure about!

If you suspect that you may have consumed something poisonous, then in addition to the ambulance service, we have a Poison Information Centre.

Call the Poison Information Line at 16662.

The line also provides advice if you are not completely sure about the plant species or the amount eaten. It is also worth asking for advice if there are no symptoms yet, but there is already a suspicion.

If possible, preserve the plant or take photos of it. Photograph the whole plant, leaves, flowers or fruits. This may help to identify the species.
Write down when the plant was eaten and how much may have been eaten.

When to call 112?

If a person suspected of poisoning develops severe symptoms, such as impaired consciousness, seizures, difficulty breathing or the person is not breathing, it is worth calling the emergency number 112 immediately.

When hiking, it is also worth having a plant identification app on your phone, but the identification provided by the app should not be treated as absolute truth. When eating and possible poisoning are involved, it is wiser to remain cautious.

🌲 The best way to prevent poisoning is simple.

Pick and eat only what you are completely sure about the species of.

There is no need to know the name of every plant in the forest. For a hiker, it is much more important to be able to recognise the few plants and berries they want to eat and to know which of them may be dangerous. This way, the forest adventure remains enjoyable and no berry put into the mouth out of curiosity turns a hike into a trip to the emergency room.

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Is sustainability just a modern word?

Tatjana Siipan — Fri, 04 Sep 2026 06:54:08 +0000

6 ideas how to hike sustainably

I spend a lot of time in nature, exploring different places. Some are places that many people don’t bother to walk to, others attract those who are genuinely passionate about hiking, and some are very easily accessible by car. You can notice a difference in how people behave. Of course, it’s always possible that it just seems that way to me, but still… I have the impression that longer trails, where you can’t conveniently get by car, are usually cleaner. Perhaps only those who have a deeper appreciation for spending time outdoors tend to go there. They also seem to pay more attention to protecting the environment.

Hiking gives us the opportunity to experience nature up close, but at the same time, we need to make sure that our impact on the environment is as small as possible. Sustainable hiking does not require major sacrifices—often, a few small, conscious choices are enough to help preserve biodiversity and the natural balance.

1. Stay on the trail. Use existing hiking trails to avoid damaging plants and fragile soil. This is especially important in protected areas and places where nature is particularly sensitive. Bog wooden trails are designed not only to make our movement safe and easy, but also to protect peat moss from damage. Peat moss grows only 1mm per year. Which means restoration on it can take decades.

2. Reduce waste. Bring food in reusable containers and carry a reusable water bottle instead of using disposable dishes and packaging. Everything you bring into the forest should also leave with you. If you managed to carry it into the forest, you can manage to carry it back out. Even if there are rubbish bins at a campsite, empty food containers left there can still attract birds and animals. They may get hold of the packaging, drag it around, and even injure themselves.

3. Think about transportation. If possible, take a train or bus to your hiking destination. If you travel by car, consider sharing the ride with other hikers. This reduces fuel consumption and your overall environmental impact. One of the best areas to get by train is Aegviidu. You can find lots of different RMK trails there, 2 food stores next to the station. Train schedule is here: www.elron.ee Viru bog is reachable by bus, schedule can be checked here: www.peatus.ee

4. Only make a fire in designated areas. A campfire can be a wonderful part of a hike, but a fire in the wrong place can pose a serious risk of wildfire. Use existing fire pits and always make sure the fire is completely extinguished. We all saw terrifying news about wildfires in France and Spain, some of them started by careless hikers making fire.

5. Camp where it is permitted. Prefer official campsites and areas that have already been used for camping, and avoid trampling fragile ground. In protected areas, always check what restrictions apply. Restrictions are marked in RMK.ee and RMK application.

6. Respect wildlife and other people. Do not disturb animals, do not pick protected plants, and keep noise levels low. When you enter nature, you are a guest. Leave as little trace of your presence as possible.

A good hike is not only one you return from with beautiful memories. A good hike is also one after which nature is just as beautiful as it was before you arrived.

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Hiking the Coastal Trail

Tatjana Siipan — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 08:12:49 +0000

Hiking along the coast in Estonia

One of my favorite places to hike is along the coast. Sandy beaches, sparse pine forests by the shore, views of the sea… There is something about them that keeps drawing me back to the seaside. Estonia offers an excellent opportunity to experience this. Considering how long and accessible our coastline is, it would be a shame not to take advantage of it. So where should you start?

Those who prefer some structure, a plan, and a sense of achievement could take on

Baltic Coastal Hiking Route

which is part of the European long-distance hiking trail E9. The Estonian section is approximately 620 kilometers long. The trail is divided into 60 one-day sections, so you do not have to complete the entire route at once. You can choose a suitable section based on your available time, physical fitness, and interests.

It is a great option for people who want to be part of something bigger but do not actually have the time to spend weeks on the trail.

Proper preparation is a key to success in hiking.

Before setting off on a coastal hike, the most important thing is to do some proper preparation. The most information can be found on the official website of the Baltic Coastal Hiking Route (link below), where different sections of the trail are described, including their length, duration, difficulty level, starting and finishing points, and possible obstacles. GPX files can also be downloaded there and used for navigation with a phone or GPS device. The Baltic Coastal Hiking Route can be completed in either direction, and each daily section can also be hiked separately.

The trail descriptions also provide information about the type of terrain and potentially more challenging sections. Several parts of the route run along sandy beaches for quite a long distance, but if walking on sand becomes too tiring, it is usually possible to continue through the nearby forest instead.

What about transportation?

There is, however, one small “but” when it comes to these hikes: how do you get to the starting or finishing point? Traveling by public transport often requires careful planning, as it may not be possible to reach your destination by bus when you are far from larger settlements. You can go by car, of course, but then how do you get back to your car? One solution I have used is to leave my car at the finishing point, take a bus to the starting point, and then hike back to my car. This way, I do not have to worry about catching a bus by a certain time in order to get back to my car—I can simply arrive when I arrive.

In conclusion, hiking along the coast is a great way to discover Estonia’s nature, but thoughtful planning is essential for an enjoyable hike. The most important steps are to choose a route that matches your abilities, familiarize yourself with the trail and possible obstacles, check the weather, plan your transport, food, and accommodation, and bring appropriate equipment. Once the preparation is done, you can spend more time enjoying the sea, nature, and interesting places along the way, making your coastal hike a safe and memorable experience.

You can find more information about the route here:

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Aegna

Tatjana Siipan — Tue, 18 Aug 2026 07:32:47 +0000

Aegna - island you can reach by ferry from center of Tallinn in 30 minutes

Welcome to the heart of Tallinn! Sounds rather strange, doesn’t it, when we’re talking about an island? But that’s exactly the case: the island, located about 10 km from the capital, is part of Tallinn, although there is, of course, little sign of the city there. Although Aegna itself is only 3 km² in size, the island welcomes visitors with a fascinating history and diverse nature. From behind Tallinn’s Linnahall, Vegtind takes passengers across the sea in just half an hour, transporting them into what feels like another world. You can even pick up a light snack and a drink at the harbour before the journey through time begins.

During the hike, we travel through several centuries, from the 13th century to the present day. We talk about how the island was formed, what life may have been like back then, what people did for a living, as well as shipping routes and pirates. Our journey takes us past an old cemetery and the huge glacial erratic boulders left behind by the Ice Age. We also visit a viewpoint that many people don’t bother to climb to, but which offers a wonderful view of the open sea and a sense of complete solitude. There is a place on the island where the 13th and 20th centuries meet in one and the same spot. The ruins of military structures make you reflect on how powerful, yet at the same time unpredictable, the island’s history has been.

As we travel through history, the island’s mysterious nature is impossible to overlook. The forest and vegetation change every so often in ways I have never encountered anywhere else. One moment you are surrounded by dense forest, and the next you can see all the way from one shore to the other through a line of trees.

Nature lovers will certainly find plenty to discover here. The twisted pine trees and abundance of rare plants make it impossible to simply keep walking. You are constantly stopping in awe—either looking up at the trees or looking down to discover yet another fascinating plant.

I have visited Aegna at least four times this season, and every single time I have come back having discovered something new. I already can’t wait for my next visit!

Season lasts until end of September. If you are interested in guided hike on Aegna island – please contact us, we will be happy to assist.

tatjana.siipan@gmail.com

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Should You Go Hiking Alone or With Someone?

Tatjana Siipan — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 12:27:46 +0000

Should I Go Hiking Alone or With Someone?

In addition to choosing a trail, which I talked about in my previous post, there is another important thing to consider when preparing for a hike — something I often find myself thinking about. Should I go alone or with someone? I don’t know how it is for others, but I have always had a slight sense of fear — from wondering whether I will find the right trail to questioning whether I will be comfortable spending all that time alone with myself.

Hiking is a great way to get away from everyday life, spend time outdoors, strengthen your body and recharge mentally. We all know this, but quite often, actually going on a hike gets held back by something. For example, by that very question: do I dare to go alone, or would I rather invite someone to come with me? Both options have their pros and cons, and the choice largely depends on a person’s character, experience and what they expect from the hike.

Hiking Alone – Freedom and a Challenge

Let’s start with the fact that when I go alone, I don’t have to take anyone else’s plans into consideration. I can go whenever I want and wherever I want. There is nothing wrong with taking a companion’s wishes into account, of course, but there is a certain sense of freedom in not having to make compromises about the timing or the route. This can be especially good for people who want some peaceful time with their own thoughts and a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

From a mental health perspective, spending time alone in nature can be very beneficial. Being active outdoors helps reduce stress and gives your mind a chance to slow down and relax. Hiking alone can also increase self-confidence. If you manage to complete a more difficult trail and solve problems that come up along the way by yourself, it can give you the feeling that you are capable of dealing with other challenges that life may throw at you as well.

As we know, hiking is also physically beneficial. Walking improves endurance, strengthens muscles and supports cardiovascular health. When hiking alone, you can adjust the physical load exactly according to your own abilities — you can increase or decrease your pace whenever necessary.

At the same time, hiking alone comes with certain risks. If something happens — for example, you twist your ankle, get lost or the weather suddenly turns bad (yes, even in Estonia, although thankfully not very often) — there is no one nearby who can immediately help you. This can also create mental stress and uncertainty, especially when going on a longer hike. That is why, when hiking alone, it is particularly important to choose a trail that matches your abilities, check the weather forecast and let someone know where you are going. And most important: charge your phone before going out to 100%.

Hiking Together – Safety and Shared Experiences

One of the biggest advantages of hiking with someone else is safety. If something happens, your companion can help or call for assistance if necessary. On more challenging trails, it can also be easier to motivate and encourage each other. Remember an old joke? When you meet a bear, you don’t have to be very fast runner, you just need to be faster than your friend.

From a mental health perspective, hiking together can be a great way to strengthen relationships. Doing something physically active together and spending time in nature gives you an opportunity to have relaxed conversations and enjoy quality time without phones and other everyday distractions. Good company can also make a longer and physically demanding hike much more enjoyable.

So, Which One Should You Choose?

Personally, I choose both options, depending on how I feel at the time and what kind of hike I need at that particular moment. If my goal is to have some time to myself, clear my head or, for example, explore a trail and think through possible discussion points for a group hike, I go alone.

However, if I am going on a longer hike somewhere unfamiliar to me, it is nice to share the experience with someone else. And, to be honest, it feels a little safer that way too!

Try both options — one does not exclude the other. The important thing is that when you go alone, your loved ones know where you are going and how long you plan to be away. And when you go with someone, it helps if your companion has a similar level of experience and expectations, so that the hike is enjoyable for both of you.

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