Lapland
Maritime Alps
Orchids, Butterflies & Dragonflies of the Baltic
Lahemaa’s atmospheric landscape of bogs, forests and unspoilt bays with still traditional fishing villages has been spared the ravages of the twentieth century by dint of being the first national park designated in the former Soviet Union.
34 out of 36 of Estonia’s orchids occur on the limestones of Saaremaa Island. Dark Red Helleborine and Fly Orchid are widespread and we’ll see the Baltic endemics Dactylorhiza longifolia and Dactylorhiza ruthei. The fabulous Moor King rises from fens where we’ll find Fen Orchid and Dactylorhiza curvifolia amongst fine displays of Marsh Helleborine and Musk Orchid. Colonies of Silver-studded and Large Blues live amid a colourful mosaic of bellflowers, campions and cinquefoils. The violet-blue iridescent hues of Lesser Purple Emperor and Purple Emperor are joined by the Map Butterfly and both Large Copper and Scarce Copper.
Of particular interest to us will be the extensive complexes of mires, fens and raised bogs made accessible by a fine series of trails and boardwalks. A rich and distinctive community make this their home from Sundews and One-leaved Bog Orchids to Frigga’s and Cranberry Fritillaries, Moorland Clouded Yellow and the dragonfly Leucorrhinia albifrons to endemic Rhinanthus osiliensis to the skullcap Scutellaria hastifolia. Chamaedaphne calyculata will be going over but other Ericacae will be in full bloom including Bog Rosemary, Labrador Tea and both species of Cranberry. Paths through lichen and cowberry under open pine forests will reveal Creeping Lady’s Tresses and lovely Twinflower are no less than seven Wintergreens, whilst roadsides are awash with stands of four species of Cow-wheats, among them colourful Crested Cow-wheat and the garish purple and yellow Melampyrum nemorosum.
Dates and Prices
7th July - 17th July 2026 (11 days)
* doesn't apply if you're willing to share and a room-mate can be arranged
Flowers, particularly the Orchids. Also Dragonflies and Butterflies.
One leader for a group of up to 6, two leaders up to the maximum group size of 12.
All flights. All transport, meals and accommodation in Estonia. Services of your leaders. Please note: drinks, tips and items of a personal nature including insurance, are not included.
Flower, dragonfly, butterfly and bird checklists are available.
For the first half of the tour we’ll stay at the excellent 16th century Kohala Manor. Set in peaceful countryside with ponds, rivers, woods and fields there’ll be plenty of fauna and flora to interest us. Converted to a hotel in 1996 the Kohala is run by Mikhail and Karin who’ll make us feel very welcome and will ply us with excellent meals. The rooms are spacious with comfortable beds. After a night at the sparkling new Altmoisa Guesthouse (we are usually there during their strawberry festival!) we move to the island of Saaremaa for a four night stay at the Georg Ots Spa Hotel in the town of Kuresaare on the south coast of the island. The rooms are bright and spacious and there are of course spa facilities including a nice indoor heated pool. The setting is very pleasant with a little marina right outside and the Baltic coast just a five minute stroll away. For the last night we’ll stay in the very good quality Hotel Mercure close to Tallinn Airport. All rooms on this holiday have en suite facilities.
Relaxed and easy. Up to three or four miles a day and always at a slow pace, perfectly suited to photographers.
UK direct return flights are from London Gatwick to Tallinn. Indirect routes from other regional UK Airports* are available.
*These routes may incur a supplement.
Warm and sunny with occasional evening thunderstorms.
Contact us to check if there is availability for the number of places you require. Click on the ‘Book this Tour’ button on this page to be taken to the online booking form or contact us and we will send one to you which you can complete and send back to us. You will receive confirmation of your place, and then a detailed information pack will be dispatched to you about twelve weeks before departure. This will contain up-to-date health information.
