This route goes from Kuressaare, the capital of the island of Saaremaa, to the capital of Estonia, Tallinn.
From Kuressaare the route goes quite directly to the Ferry Kuivatsu - Virtsu. This crossing takes almost 30 minutes. From Virtsu the route quickly goes in a wide arc around the Matsalu National Park.
Matsalu National Park, located in Lääne and Pärnu counties in Estonia, is a beautiful nature reserve and national park. It was established in 1957 and covers an area of 486.1 square kilometers, including Matsalu Bay, the Kasari River delta and surrounding areas.
Matsalu Bay is one of the most important wetlands for birds in Europe, situated on the East Atlantic Flyway. Every spring, over two million waterfowl pass through Matsalu, of which about 1.6 million are long-tailed ducks. The park is home to numerous endangered species, including the white-tailed eagle, several bird species, 22 highly protected plant species, the natterjack toad and ten mammal species.

The route then continues to Haapsalu. Haapsalu is a charming coastal town located on the west coast of Estonia. It is the administrative capital of Lääne County and has a rich history dating back to the 13th century. Haapsalu is known for its beautiful architecture, serene atmosphere and healing mud baths. Haapsalu Castle is also located here.
Haapsalu Castle, also known as Haapsalu linnus, is a historic castle located in Haapsalu. It was founded in the 13th century as the seat of the Bishopric of Ösel-Wiek. The castle is known for its impressive architecture and rich history. One of the most famous legends associated with the castle is that of the White Lady, a ghostly figure said to appear on the inner wall of the chapel during full moons in August.
On the edge of Haapsalu is the Rannarootsi Centre. On the outside of this shopping centre is Café Tallinn, a nice place for lunch.

The next nature reserve along the route is the Leiasoo Nature Reserve. This is a protected area in the Lääne-Nigula parish in Lääne County, Estonia. It includes the villages of Vanaküla, Höbring, Keedika, Soolu, Jalukse, Nõmmemaa and Variku. The reserve was established in 2002 and covers an area of 8177.6 hectares. It is also included in the Natura 2000 network, specifically the Suursoo-Leiasoo Bird Reserve and the Suursoo-Leiasoo Nature Reserve.
The reserve is characterized by its marshy terrain, but it also includes wooded meadows and pastures. Some of the most important marshes and bogs within the reserve are the Sendri Marsh, the Leiasoo Marsh and the Musa Marsh. The Nõva River, the Höbring Stream and the Sendri Lake are some of the water bodies that flow through or into the protected area.

After the piece of nature comes a piece of history. Padise Monastery, also known as Padise Abbey, is a historic Cistercian monastery located in Padise, Harju County. The monastery was founded in 1310 by monks from the Dünamünde Monastery in Latvia, who had been expelled by the Teutonic Knights. Construction of the stone buildings began in 1317 and by 1445 all major works, including the gate tower and residential buildings, were completed.
The monastery played an important role in the Christianization of Estonia and was one of the most important spiritual centres in the region during the 15th century. However, the monastery faced several challenges, including destruction during the St. George's Night Uprising in 1343 and later dissolution in 1559 during the Livonian War.
Today, the ruins of the Padise Monastery have been partially restored and serve as a museum, where visitors can take a look at the monastery’s rich history and architectural beauty. The grounds also include a country house and invigorating health trails in the surrounding nature.

Barely 60km further the route ends in Tallinn. After all the beautiful pieces of nature, it is time for culture and history.
Tallinn is the capital of Estonia, located on the northern coast along the Gulf of Finland. With a population of over 450,000, it is the largest city in Estonia and serves as the cultural, economic and political centre of the country.
Tallinn's history dates back to the 13th century, when it was first mentioned in historical documents. The city has a rich medieval heritage, with the well-preserved Old Town being a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Old Town is known for its cobbled streets, historic buildings and medieval architecture, including the impressive Toompea Castle and Alexander Nevsky Cathedral.
Tallinn is also a modern city with a vibrant tech scene, often referred to as the 'Silicon Valley of Europe'. It is home to numerous startups and technology companies, including the birthplace of Skype.