Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia

© Sven Zacek/Minden Picture

Tread carefully!. Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, Estonia

Among Estonia's array of natural sites is the Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve, established in 1994. This occasionally ice-covered, vast area of wetlands, forests, and rivers is the largest natural reserve in Estonia. From the majestic white-tailed eagle to the elusive black stork, over 200 bird species can be found here. Situated in the county of Tartu and covering an expanse of 132 square miles, this reserve hosts unspoiled wilderness. A tapestry of aquatic forests unfolds here: still water, bog, and floodplain forests, dotted with elongated sedge plants. Winding trails and boardwalks here invite explorers to craft their own adventures.