Where to go

Matsalu National Park Visitor Center

 
Pärnu County, Matsalu National Park
The permanent exhibition of the Matsalu Visitor Centre on the second floor of the Penijõe Manor house offers visitors a good chance to learn about the unique character of Matsalu National Park. Here you can find the largest natural floodplain meadows in Estonia, reed beds, the evolving of lower Kasari River through decades, unique coastal meadows, wooded meadows and forest stands, rich cultural heritage. The 20-minute multi-media program “A Year at Matsalu: Life from Ice till Ice”, compiled in 2009, offers a fascinating overview of the inhabitants of the National Park and their activities. The author of the programme is Arne Ader, music by Sven Grünberg, text and voiceover by Fred Jüssi.
Parking

Solid-surface parking area on the bank of the Penijõgi River for 14 cars or 3 tour buses. In the parking area next to the Penijõe Manor for 14 cars or 3 buses. The parking area in front of the rear entrance of the Manor is reserved for the staff.

Water

Tap water

Amenities

  • Discount educational campaign programs for general education schools and kindergartens in the winter, spring and autumn
  • paid educational nature programs
  • information and promotional materials about Lääne and Pärnu County and other RMK recreation areas
  • thorough permanent exposition about Matsalu National Park and the multi-media programme “A Year at Matsalu: Life from Ice till Ice” in Estonian, English and German
  • access to the databases, exhibitions and documentaries of the visitor centre
  • forest and nature-related events
  • Ennu Põldma's photo exhibition "Nature through the Lens"
  • card payment possibility
  • 24/7 outdoor exhibition "Bloodless Yacht 2022" open in the yard of the visitor center

Wheelchair Accessibility

Entrance to the house is equipped with a 3,5 m long and 15% incline ramp (without handrail).
Toilet suitable for disabled on the first floor, access to second floor by platform lift "Vimec".
Paved parking area.

Hiking Options

Penijõe hiking trail, Penijõe-Aegviidu-Kauksi hiking route

Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Fireplace Penijõe campfire site

Sights

The visitor centre is situated in Matsalu National Park, features a permanent exhibition and a classroom for educational activities in nature and wildlife.

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

Matsalu National Park, limited management zone. Before your visit, please get acquainted with valid nature conservation rules of Matsalu National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: visitor centre +372 5138 783
Tiiu Annuk, communication manager +372 507 7369

E-mail: info.matsalu@rmk.ee

Opening hours:

01 January to 28 February Wed to Fri 10.00-16.00
01 March to 14 April Mon to Fri 10.00-16.00
15 April to 30 September Mon to Fri 9.00–17.00, Sat to Sun 10.00–18.00
except on public holidays

Object type: visitor centre

Location info

Location : Pärnu County, Matsalu National Park

Penijõe village, Lääneranna municipality, 90305 Pärnu County

Navigation instructions : Drive 43 km on Risti–Virtsu road (road no 10), turn right towards Penijõe (at the sign to Matsalu National Park Visitor Centre, "Matsalu rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 2", road no 16193). Drive 2 km to the designated parking area at Penijõe Manor. Matsalu Visitor Centre is situated on the second floor of the main building.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.714566
Longitude: 23.815901
L-EST 97x: 489332
L-EST 97y: 6508337

Telephone:
visitor centre +372 5138 783
Tiiu Annuk, communication manager +372 507 7369
E-mail:
info.matsalu@rmk.ee
Opening hours:
01 January to 28 February Wed to Fri 10.00-16.00
01 March to 14 April Mon to Fri 10.00-16.00
15 April to 30 September Mon to Fri 9.00–17.00, Sat to Sun 10.00–18.00
except on public holidays
Object type:
visitor centre
Location info
Location:
Pärnu County, Matsalu National Park
Penijõe village, Lääneranna municipality, 90305 Pärnu County
Navigation instructions:
Drive 43 km on Risti–Virtsu road (road no 10), turn right towards Penijõe (at the sign to Matsalu National Park Visitor Centre, "Matsalu rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 2", road no 16193). Drive 2 km to the designated parking area at Penijõe Manor. Matsalu Visitor Centre is situated on the second floor of the main building.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.714566
Longitude: 23.815901
L-EST 97x: 489332
L-EST 97y: 6508337