Ecotourism
Estonia

The Vilsandi National Park in the northwestern part of Saaremaa Island comprises the area of the island's western coast, more than one hundred islands and islets and the surrounding sea area. The only islet with human settlement is Vilsandi Island. The visiting centre of the national park is located in the Loona manor. Already in 1910 the small Vaika Islets were designated as a nature reserve to protect the sea birds. More than 120 nesting bird species have been recorded. The most famous is common eider, several thousands of pairs nest on the islets. Even in winter the area offers excitement for bird-watchers. One can meet flocks of Steller's eiders on the sea free of ice. The small Innarahu Islet is used by grey seal to give birth to young seals. One of the most surprising features of the islands of Vilsandi is the rugged terrain. The islands comprise dolomite of the bioherm origin. In the Vaika Islets one can observe the superficial karst formations. The Hariiaid Peninsula is also included in the national park. This is the area of ever-changing border between land and sea.