Eurasian Lynx, Brown Bears and more in Estonia
- Harris Brooker
- May 12
- 5 min read
Estonia is one of the most well-known countries for watching wildlife in Europe and this year on our tour led by Roy Atkins, we’ll be going in search of some of the best wildlife in Europe. Brown Bears are a feature of this holiday and we shall spend one night in the Alutaguse area with a chance to see them at a special hide.
The European Brown Bear is one of Europe’s largest land mammals. They are omnivores that feed on fish, deer, small mammals as well as berries, nuts and mushrooms - almost anything they can get. There is also a chance to hear Grey Wolves and possibly see and hear Golden Jackals.
However, the biggest attraction is the Eurasian Lynx, which is one of the top mammals to see in Europe. It is one of two species of lynx that can be found in Europe, the other being the Iberian Lynx that in Spain and Portugal. The Eurasian Lynx is found mainly in northern and eastern Europe, with some in the West in countries such as France and Germany. It is such a shy species that it’s possible to live in their territory for a lifetime and not see one. There are, however, particular places where they are more likely to be seen and we hope to see one as we did in 2024.
Estonia has around 500 lynx and is itself a popular country for watching these elusive mammals, particularly in the Lahemaa National Park, the largest and oldest national park in the country where our itinerary takes us.
Complimenting the special mammals are a lesser-known cast of species, including Elk, Wild Boar, Raccoon Dogs and a large number of bird species. Large flocks of Common Crane can be seen, as well as several species of owls and woodpeckers. Some of which are rare or completely absent from the UK. Capercaillie for example, are by contrast relatively common here, but can still be difficult to see. All in all, Estonia has plenty to offer and will most certainly provide an adventure for those who visit.
28 Sept - 5 Oct 2025
Days 1 - 3
Arriving in Tallinn we travel to Lahemaa, the largest and oldest National Park in Estonia, offering landscapes of coast, smaller meadows and fields, alternating with old-growth forest. September marks the time when many mammals become more visible again, after the warm summer months.
Estonia has a healthy population of 550-600 Lynx and the chance to see one during the tour is good. Seeing Eurasian Lynx is the biggest aim of this holiday - but finding them involves a lot of driving, with the local guide scanning with thermal imaging binoculars. We’ll drive smaller roads checking roadside meadows and fields where the mammals like to hunt - but be aware we may have to go out every night, as this is your best chance of seeing one. We shall ensure we have enough down-time during the day.
As we search there will be plenty of other wildlife to entertain us. There are large numbers of Roe Deer and Brown Hare to be seen and we are very likely to see Racoon Dogs, foxes, Mountain Hare and perhaps Badgers and Wild Boar. Elk is another target species of the trip and we may see birds such as Woodcock and owls including Long-eared, Ural and Pygmy Owl.
During our mornings we shall visit the coast and forest in search of birds, although if we have been late the night before, we won’t leave until after 10am and there will be time in the afternoon to catch up on sleep. We may focus on forest birds such as Hazel Grouse, Nutcracker and woodpeckers or head to the coast.
On the coast there’ll be migrating water birds with large flocks of duck, including Wigeon, Teal and Pintail, Goldeneye and perhaps Greater Scaup. Velvet and Common Scoters with a few Long-tailed Duck maybe passing the headlands with Red- and Black-throated Divers. Waders may include species such as Golden Plover, Ruff, Greenshank and Spotted Redshank and the first flocks of White-fronted, Bean and Barnacle Geese should be arriving. White-tailed Eagle are common plus the chance of Peregrine and Marsh and Hen Harriers. In the afternoons we’ll take the opportunity to catch up on some rest, before our evening excursions in search of that elusive cat!
Day 4
The Alutaguse area has large tracts of forest and raised bog - the core area in Estonia for Brown Bears. In September bears are feeding up, making them easier to see and we shall spend the night in a spacious hide with bunk beds, sleeping bags, pillows and a compost toilet.
Bait is put out to attract the bears and we hope for very good views from the hide, while sensitive microphones make it possible to hear what is going on too. Birdfeeders attract Marsh, Willow and Crested Tit, plus the continental race of Nuthatch. Raccoon Dogs may also come to the bait as well, or even a fox.
Days 5 - 7
Matsalu National Park is a huge river delta area with fields, reedbeds, bays and a coast with small islands. Considered one of the most important bird migration areas in Europe, millions of migrating birds pass through.
If we have had success with the mammals, we’ll have more time for morning birding. Some mornings it can be impressive, with thousands of passerines on the move, including many we don’t think of as migrants in the UK. This all depends on the weather and the most intense activity sometimes takes place just after sunset. The huge fields of Matsalu are perfect for cranes and geese and the marshes are good for waders, which we can see from the famous birdwatching tower.
Western Estonia is good for mammals too, with good populations of Elk. We shall continue the search for Lynx here, but one quiet evening we shall drive to a wolf-pack territory, with the aim of hearing them howling. They will often respond to a howl so we may try that! They are vocal on calm nights and there is something very special about hearing them, even if you don’t get to see them - and we would need enormous luck to see them!
We also intend to drive to Cape Po~o~saspea, one of the top migration hotspots in northern Europe. On good days, thousands of migrating duck, scoters, geese and other birds pass this spot.
Day 8
Depending on flight times, we hope to have the chance of a look around the beautiful city of Tallinn, before heading to the airport for our flight home.
If you would like to join us on this tour click here
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