Estonia’s most well-known and extensive spring fens are located in Viidumäe, at the foot of the Lääne-Saaremaa Upland. The Allikasoo study trail leads down from the high shore terrace of Lake Antsülusjärv and passes through strips of spring fens formed between the beach ridges of the Littoral Sea. It then turns towards the edge of the fen and the viewing platforms built above the springs. The viewing platform offers a view of the surrounding landscape and the unique vegetation of the lime-rich spring fen. The platform overlooking the gravity springs provides an overview of a rare natural phenomenon – the formation and precipitation of a lime spring. The study trail starts and ends at the Viidumäe car park. The trail covers 2.5 kilometres and is marked with yellow signs.
Sights
The trail is in Viidumäe Nature Reserve; it goes down the nearly 18-metre escarpment at Lake Ancylus. At the foot of the escarpment there are calcareous spring fens, which emerged after the Ice Age. Thanks to favourable conditions, rich natural diversity and unique vegetation has developed in the nature reserve. Many protected vascular plants grow here, including the Saaremaa yellow rattle, Rhinanthus osiliensis, which grows exclusively in Saaremaa. Possible to visit the permanent exhibition in Viidumäe Nature Reserve Centre.
Amenities
Stairs take the visitors down the terrace. Near Allikasoo fen and petrifying springs there are view platforms and information boards introducing the area; boardwalks help visitors over the excessively wet fen patches.
Parking
The car park can accommodate six cars or three minibuses.
Located in Viidumäe Nature Reserve. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 454 6880 +372 527 7421
E-mail: info.vilsandi@rmk.ee
Object type: study trail
Location info
Location : Saare County, Viidumäe Nature Reserve
Viidu village, Saaremaa municipality
Navigation instructions : Drive 12.6 km along Kuressaare-Kihelkonna-Veere road and turn left to Käesla-Karala-Loona road. Drive 8.9 km up to a sign that directs to the right to Viidumäe Nature Reserve Centre. Drive 2.3 km on the gravel road, then turn right and continue until you arrive at a small parking area. The parking area is the start of all the three trails introducing Viidumäe Nature Reserve.
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Telephone:
+372 454 6880 +372 527 7421
E-mail:
info.vilsandi@rmk.ee
Object type:
study trail
Location info
Location:
Saare County, Viidumäe Nature Reserve
Viidu village, Saaremaa municipality
Navigation instructions:
Drive 12.6 km along Kuressaare-Kihelkonna-Veere road and turn left to Käesla-Karala-Loona road. Drive 8.9 km up to a sign that directs to the right to Viidumäe Nature Reserve Centre. Drive 2.3 km on the gravel road, then turn right and continue until you arrive at a small parking area. The parking area is the start of all the three trails introducing Viidumäe Nature Reserve.
