Hi, I’m flying to Tallinn in few days to visit the Lahemaa and Soomaa national park and to walk part of the Oandu-Ikla Trail (from Vösu to Lelle, map here: [https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1H9eAwC-Mqyp-4XE0uxz4sPUvmVQAIio&usp=sharing](https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/edit?mid=1H9eAwC-Mqyp-4XE0uxz4sPUvmVQAIio&usp=sharing)). And I would appreciate your help.

1. How big are the stores along the way? Namely at Aegviidu, Ardu and Lelle.

2. How are the bugs? Is head net recommended?

3. Any recommendations for what to visit in those national parks? Is Soomaa worth it after already visiting Lahemaa and walking 180 km of the trail?

Thanks:)

3 comments

  1. > How big are the stores along the way? Namely at Aegviidu, Ardu and Lelle.

    Check out ‘COOP Aegviidu’, ‘Ardu kauplus’, ‘Lelle Meie’ on Google Maps.

    > How are the bugs? Is head net recommended?

    They are not a problem if you keep moving or go high up into lookout towers, etc. Fire also repels them if you want to drink one of those beers you’ve been carrying in peace. If you stay put, go swimming, stink up the place, ofc there will be legions. I wouldn’t bother with any technology. If you have bug spray anyway, put it on and hope for the best.

    > Is Soomaa worth it

    I haven’t been, but the whole point is the wet season, which is long over.

    Try to book one of the RMK houses with a sauna, if they aren’t all gone already. Swim whenever you can. Have a cold glass of beer whenever you can.

  2. I hiked the whole trail last year and a headnet is a must during the summer in Estonia. Horeseflies are even more annoying and the only thing that helps is to stop moving and kill them… The shops are small but have fresh bread, instant noodles, cold drinks, etc. Jõudu!

  3. 1. I live in Aegviidu so I can comment on the stores. There are 2 stores here, both are decent. You can get pretty much any essencials here. You can elaborate what you need and I can check for you tomorrow.
    2. The bugs are pretty bad in the forest, especially after sundown, but mosquito spray will do. A head net would really help though.

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