Matsalu rahvuspargi külastuskeskus
The RMK visitor centre on the first floor of Penijõe manor presents Matsalu National Park with a permanent exhibition and a multimedia programme; admission is free.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Matsalu rahvuspargi külastuskeskus is located on the first floor of the main building of Penijõe manor, in Matsalu National Park, which is on the Ramsar list of wetlands of international importance. The park has many different habitat types that offer birds good nesting opportunities, which is why Matsalu has come to be called a paradise for birds.
The centre’s permanent exhibition presents the special features of the national park: Estonia’s largest natural wet meadows, reed beds, the formation of the lower course of the Kasari River over decades, shore meadows, wooded meadows and forests, and rich cultural heritage. In Estonian, English and German, a 20-minute multimedia programme, “Matsalu aasta. Elu Matsalus jääst jääni” (“Matsalu Year: Life in Matsalu from Ice to Ice”), can be viewed.
The centre has a classroom for nature education activities; in winter, spring and autumn, discounted programmes are offered to general schools and kindergartens, as well as paid nature education programmes. The Penijõe hiking trail starts from the centre, and 3 km away are the ruins of the Lihula bishop’s castle and Lihula manor with its museum.
Highlights
- Permanent exhibition on Matsalu National Park
- Multimedia programme “Matsalu aasta. Elu Matsalus jääst jääni” (20 minutes)
- Location in Penijõe manor, in a Ramsar wetland
- Classroom and nature education programmes
- Penijõe hiking trail from the centre
Permanent exhibition
- Matsalu rahvuspargi püsiekspositsioon – The exhibition presents Estonia’s largest natural wet meadows, reed beds, the formation of the lower course of the Kasari River, shore meadows, wooded meadows and forests, and rich cultural heritage. The multimedia programme “Matsalu aasta. Elu Matsalus jääst jääni” can be viewed in Estonian, English and German.
- Operated by
- Riigimetsa Majandamise Keskus (RMK)
Admission & discounts
Admission is free.
Visits to the visitor centre are free. Nature education programmes are paid. Card payment is possible.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
At the entrance to the building there is a 3.5 m long ramp (gradient 15%, without handrail). There is an accessible toilet on the ground floor, and a platform lift leads to the first floor. The car park has a hard surface. Access for people with disabilities is currently temporarily restricted.
Kids & families
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Getting there & parking
By car
Parking available
The hard-surfaced car park on the Penijõe shore holds 14 cars or 3 buses; the same number fits in the car park next to Penijõe manor. The car park in front of the manor’s rear entrance is for staff.
From the Risti–Virtsu highway (no. 10), turn towards Penijõe (sign “Matsalu rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 2”, road no. 16193) and drive 2 km to the car park by Penijõe manor.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
During the centre’s opening hours there is tap water in the building. Card payment is possible. In the centre you can watch films, use information collections and get information about Lääne County, Pärnu County and the other RMK recreation areas.
Events & venue rental
The museum hasn’t published any information on this.
Plan your visit
| School programs | yes |
|---|---|
| Good to know | The exhibition and the multimedia programme are in Estonian, English and German. In the restricted zone of Matsalu National Park, the protection regulations apply. |