Abula: Coastal Trail between Bay, Forest and Nature

If you are looking for a coastal landscape with a longer hiking trail, forest and opportunities for unique nature observations, Abula offers a clear focus. The Abula-Kalasma Study Trail is 11.2 km long and passes through a landscape where the coast, bay, forest and traces of cultural history come together. For your planning, the trail length is an important reference point: you can tailor your stay specifically around the hiking trail and its diverse landscape sections.

The Abula-Kalasma Trail between Coast and Forest

About half of the Abula-Kalasma Trail runs along the eastern coast of Tagalaht Bay. The other half leads through a coastal forest. As a result, the trail takes you through changing landscapes without requiring an additional route. Along the trail are a limestone pine forest and coastal cliffs that provide habitats for numerous plant and animal species.

The forest also includes a bearberry pine forest (Arctostaphylo-Pinetum). Orchids bloom along the trail in spring. Those who want to explore the natural environment attentively can also look for signs of wild animals. These details make the Abula-Kalasma Trail particularly interesting for travelers who want to spend their days not only by the water but also in a diverse coastal landscape.

Tagalaht Bay and Protected Coastal Areas

The Abula campsite is located on the shore of Tagalaht Bay, between gravelly coastal ridges. Its facilities include tables and benches, fire pits, two dry toilets, woodsheds, information boards and shelters.

The Abula rand natural feature is located in the surroundings of Abula and consists of beach ridges and coastal formations. In addition, the strict protection zone of Merise-Abula protects coastal communities. The Abula-Kalasma Trail lies within the Koorunõmme Nature Reserve. For your visit, this primarily means that the appeal of the place lies in the landscape itself, in its coastal formations and in the different habitats along the trail.

Nature and History along the Hiking Trail

Abula combines nature experiences with traces of more recent history. Along the hiking trail, you will encounter buildings from the First and Second World Wars as well as military structures. The surroundings of Abula also form part of an archaeological complex in the culturally and historically valuable landscape of Pidula. Those who look for historical connections while hiking will therefore find a second way of engaging with the landscape here.

The coast of Abula is called “Skull Coast” by locals because fossils are frequently found there. The name is part of the local designation for the coast; it adds to the image of a landscape where geological formations, coastal ridges and nature observations are closely connected with the perception of the place. When planning, focus on the specific trail and landscape experiences and choose your accommodation based on whether you want to experience Abula primarily as a starting point for nature, hiking or cultural and historical impressions.

If you would also like to compare other places in the same broader context, you can find Mäebe, Kurevere, Rootsiküla, Undva, Kihelkonna and Tammese.

To the broader travel overview: Kihelkonna.