Congratulations, Reimo and Galina! Two Wanderlust guides complete their Master’s in Nature Tourism
We’re thrilled to share that two of our guides at Wanderlust, Reimo Mürgimäe and Galina Holmar, have successfully completed their Master’s studies in Nature Tourism at the Estonian University of Life Sciences this June!
Both have made meaningful contributions to the development of nature tourism in Estonia – not just through their practical experience, but also through research. Their theses explore topics that truly matter for the future of the field.
Galina on the hike of the presidents of Estonia and Botswana in Viru bog
Galina – Cyclist and wellness-focused hiking enthusiast
Galina is a trainer who believes in the healing and balancing power of nature. As a guide, she shares this philosophy by weaving together her knowledge of nutrition, movement, and mindful pacing into every hike. Her tours are a perfect blend of energy and calm – offering insight, adventure, and space to breathe.
Galina’s Master’s thesis, “Bicycle Tourism in Estonia and Service Design Opportunities”, highlights how the private cycling tourism scene in Estonia is still developing but growing in interest. International visitors value Estonia’s peaceful landscapes and the quality of its cycling routes. Galina emphasizes that Estonia’s diverse nature, its connection to the EuroVelo network, and community-based platforms like WarmShowers provide a strong foundation for sustainable growth, especially when services are developed with a user-focused and eco-friendly mindset. Curious about her research? Read the full thesis here.
Want to join Galina on a hike? Click here to see her upcoming bog shoe tour.
Reimo leading a hike in Lahemaa National Park
Reimo – Lahemaa local and sustainable tourism advocate
Reimo, who grew up in Lahemaa, knows that the best stories are born on forest trails, in bogs, by the sea, or from the saddle of a bike. He brings together local knowledge, nature education, and adventure in formats ranging from snowshoeing to electric fatbike tours. Reimo is also a board member of the Lahemaa Tourism Association, helping to shape thoughtful and collaborative regional development.
His Master’s thesis tackled a pressing and practical topic: “A Framework for Developing a Compensation Model for Private Forest Owners in Support of Non-Timber Forest Use”. The study draws from the experiences of forest owners and nature tourism operators in Lahemaa and proposes a model to involve private landowners in guided nature tourism – with transparency and fair compensation at the core. Reimo’s research offers a valuable roadmap for building trust-based partnerships between entrepreneurs and landowners, while preserving forests as vital cultural landscapes.
Interested in his work? Read the full thesis here.
We’re incredibly proud to have such dedicated and forward-thinking guides in the Wanderlust team – professionals who are helping to shape the future of nature tourism in Estonia both on the trails and in academia.
If you’d like to join a hike led by Reimo or Galina, keep an eye on our hiking calendar – their tours always offer fresh perspectives and inspiring ideas!
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