Wanderlust guides
I am a second-generation nature tour guide in my family. I firmly believe that immersing oneself in nature is the best way to relax and hit the reset button. On our nature journey together, I aspire to guide you in observing your surroundings and providing you with a memorable experience.
My various hobbies complement my role as a nature tour guide, whether it’s self-development practices, backpacking adventures, choir singing, or growing my own food. I discovered my true calling when studying nature guiding at Luua Forestry School. Prior to this turning point, I worked abroad, focusing on diplomacy and development cooperation.
My return to Estonia was driven by the desire to enjoy all four seasons and be closer to our marvelous nature, which I also invite you to explore!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English, French, Finnish
In his third-grade essay, “What Do I Want to Be When I Grow Up?”, young Andres carefully wrote that his dream job was to become a forest ranger. Now, decades later, that secret wish has never really gone away. After working in banking and the cultural sector, I have finally come full circle and found my way to where I have always wanted to be.
Nature is where I find energy, inspiration and memorable experiences, and I want to share that sense of beauty and discovery with others – in forests and bogs, on land and water, in valleys and mountains, day and by night, in every season. I studied nature guiding and outdoor skills at Luua Forestry School. I recharge by exploring and hiking in all kinds of ways – on foot and by bicycle, on skis and rollerblades, on a snowboard, SUP and wakeboard, and by kayak and canoe.
Alongside my passion for the outdoors, I am actively involved in community life and have contributed to various projects and volunteered at festivals and concerts, including Jazzkaar, Blues Estonia and Tallinn Music Week. I have also taken part in several Green Cycling Tours and the Estonian Landscape Marathon.
I contribute to national defence as a member of the Estonian Defence League. I sing and play musical instruments. I generally like people – and they seem to like me too.
I value a positive outlook, a calm approach and a good sense of balance – at work, at home and in nature. Caring for the environment and creating synergy within a team are equally important to me. I believe the best experiences are created by doing things together. Spending time outdoors and being active in the fresh air is one of the best ways to lift your spirits and support your physical, mental and social well-being.
“Happiness only real when shared.” — Christopher McCandless
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
If I had to describe myself in one word, it would be curious. My educational journey has been quite varied, too – starting with a degree in economics from the University of Tartu, followed by survival instructor training at the Estonian Defence League School, and later professional training as a nature guide at Luua Forestry School.
What excites me most is discovering new places, whether in Estonia or further afield. I’m particularly drawn to the mountains and to just about any activity that involves being out on the water.
My friends describe me as resourceful but cautious. As I enjoy finding new routes and alternative solutions, sooner or later on a hike with me you’re likely to hear: “There must be a more direct way from here” or “I wonder what else we could use this for?”
At the beginning of my career, I worked for a manufacturing company with Scandinavian roots, where I developed a strong safety mindset. That experience has stayed with me, and on my hikes I place great emphasis on participants’ safety and making sure everyone feels secure. The best problem is the one you manage to prevent. See you out there – on land and on water!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English, German, Russian
I know the scent of misty pine forests, the taste of river Emajõgi, and where you can find the best view in Estonia – because I am a nature tour guide, paddleboard instructor, and an lookout towers enthusiast.
By education, I’m a designer who finds equal joy in crafting leather accessories and designing services. Among other things I help Wanderlust.ee to ensure that our messages reach the target audiences. During the summer, I organize SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) tours and GPS games all over Estonia. Above all, I enjoy exploratory journeys, and I’m delighted to say that our small Estonia continues to surprise me with new exciting places.
See you on the trail!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
I spent most of my twenties on a journey of self-discovery in Asia, New Zealand, and Iceland. Along the way, I realized that I feel most alive in the vastness of nature and on hiking trails. Upon returning home, I decided to supplement my expertise in the field by studying at Luua Forestry School. I have previously studied Asian cultural history, and at my daily work I am involved in technical event production and videography. I increasingly wish to spend time exploring Estonian small islands and islets by kayak or paddling along rivers in a canoe. My goal is to take the adventurers away from their daily routines, creating new insights about themselves, their abilities, and nature as we navigate the waters. See you on the water!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
I feel that spending time in nature has a positive effect, and I wish to share this experience with others.
I have worked for more than 20 years in the field of logistics in various international companies. Already then, I realized that during stressful periods the sound of the sea helps to clear the mind, and new ideas are born among the pines.
In addition, I am a fitness instructor and nutrition advisor. During the hike, we can discuss which food is best before hiking and what is worth taking along if the route is longer than 15 km. I keep a pace suitable for everyone and provide guidance on the best ways to move uphill and downhill.
In 2025, I obtained a Master’s degree in Nature Based Tourism from the Estonian University of Life Sciences.
Languages:
Estonian, Russian, English
I live in a flat country and I am a climber – good joke :). I am a designer by profession, working as a landscape architect and designing furniture. Exciting challenges and nature have always fascinated me. I have been climbing for more than 11 years now, and because of that, I got to touch the rock in many different places.
I started climbing while living in Denmark, another very flat country. When I came back to Estonia, I looked for climbing training in Tartu and now I am part of the Estonian climbing community. My great wish is to make climbing as popular in Estonia as it is in Denmark, for instance.
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
My favorite thing about hikes is slowing down, recharging, and really noticing the small wonders around, whether on a forest trail, a city garden, or somewhere completely off the map.
Every outing for me is a chance to explore, share stories about why a place matters, and search for those hidden patterns that make each landscape unique. I like to add a spark of playfulness, sometimes literally with games and interactive touches, so that every walk has space for fun, curiosity, and discovery.
I believe that the best guides listen as much as they talk. Local wisdom and the stories everyone brings are just as important as what I know from my own journeys.
Let’s head outdoors together. Every trail has something new to teach us.
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
I started hiking and sharing my knowledge on nature more than 10 years ago in my job with the State Forest Management Center. During these years, most of Estonia’s hiking trails have become familiar to me besides the travelling done in more faraway places.
In addition to childhood exploring, I have acquired a large part of my knowledge on nature while studying gardening at the Estonian University of Life Sciences. In 2021 I started my studies at Luua Forestry School as nature guide. All this in order to make you feel comfortable and safe while hiking with me.
What I love most are multi-day hikes, when you can take a break from the daily routine and comfort zone, and experience something new and exciting that brings a smile to your face. It is so true that being in nature makes us each a better person!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian
Probably not a single day passes in my life where hiking does not play a role – be it hiking as an activity, generating new ideas for hikes and preparing hiking routes or simply dreaming of future hikes and remembering the previous ones. The biggest part of my heart belongs to mountains but in my home country I am most fascinated about bog islands, old railway dams and exciting cultural historical places. What I love the most are multi-day and longer exploration hikes as they
enable me to switch off completely from the rest of the world and be in the moment.
In addition to hiking and guiding, I work as a landscape architect in Tartu. In 2020 I graduated from the greatest school in the world – Luua Forestry School – on nature tourism.
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
My passion is camping food! Above all, I am annoyed by the waste and reckless consumption of food. This is why hiking and cooking food by the campfire in ascetic conditions offers me enormous satisfaction. I am driven by the longing for the authenticity of nature – the worse the weather and the harder the trail, the more memorable the experience! I am an architect by education, but currently working as a graphic designer. In addition to passionate cooking, I see a creative approach to problem solving and a keen eye for details as my strengths. In 2021, I started studying at Luua Forestry School as a nature guide in order to combine hiking gourmet, genuine emotions and moving in nature into a combo that can be shared with you!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
My love and respect for nature are what led me to become a nature guide. It is in nature that I truly feel at home. I love exploring it with all my senses and noticing the little details. I’m especially drawn to the mountains – their vast open spaces and the incredible sense of freedom they offer. I enjoy multi-day backpacking trips at altitudes. My other great passions include SUP-board trips and Nordic skating.
In my free time, you’ll usually find me hiking, reading a book or baking – I’m also a trained pastry chef. I studied biology and nature conservation at university and later trained as a nature guide at Luua Forestry School.
My favourite kind of hike is a bogshoe hike, especially in autumn. Bogs have such a unique landscape, with their vibrant colours, wide-open views and slightly challenging terrain. For me, a good hike should be enjoyable, educational and, of course, safe. In today’s fast-paced and stressful world, it’s important to slow down and spend time in nature – whether wandering through a bog or heading deep into the forest. Being surrounded by greenery has a calming effect, helps us focus, reduces stress and leaves us feeling refreshed. See you on the hike!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English, Russian
I feel most comfortable on the water and I invite everyone to enjoy the silence and freedom that can be experienced while gliding on the waves in a kayak. Lakes, coastal seas, winding rivers offer views and experiences that remain unattainable on dry land.
It is great to see the emotions that beginners experience when making their first rowing strokes and realizing how simple and natural this movement is. I also enjoy the fatigue I feel by the campfire after a day of hiking. In these moments, the best ideas for new hikes come.
Adventures, hikes and travels are an integral part of my life. Sometimes I pack my backpack for several months and go to explore the wider world. So far, my favorite destinations are in Southeast Asia, where local culture, food, warm weather and the sea keep calling me back. In the meantime, I take shorter hikes in my country and as job I help companies and individuals furnish different areas with furniture.
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
Hiking became a passion for me while studying biology and geography at university, where I embarked on various short and long hikes in both Estonia and abroad with fellow students. I started organizing hikes myself after completing the nature tour guide program at Luua Forestry School. Living in the picturesque and diverse landscapes of Karula National Park, I developed a desire to introduce this beauty to others. Thanks to my deep love and fascination for nature, as well as my diverse hiking experience, I also lead tours beyond Southern Estonia. My favorite style of hiking is on foot, where there are plenty of opportunities to venture off the beaten path, explore, and truly connect with the natural world. Additionally, I am comfortable on skis and on the water. I’ve been told that my enthusiasm and cheerful nature are infectious, and I have a talent for simplifying even the most complex topics. My motto is that a true hike fulfills three criteria: it is educational, adventurous, and above all, enjoyable! See you on the trail!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
I am originally from Lahemaa, and wandering through forests, bogs, and along the coastline has been part of my life since childhood. Over the years, this has grown into a deep connection with nature and a desire to share it with others.
As a nature guide, I create opportunities to experience nature in many ways – walking along quiet forest trails, trekking with snowshoes in bogs, exploring the water by kayak, canoe or SUP board, or cycling through scenic routes. I also organize digital orienteering games that are both fun and great for developing teamwork skills.
In my free time, I enjoy a variety of hobbies such as singing, playing the guitar, motorcycling, and snowboarding.
I hold a hiking guide qualification from Luua Forestry School and a Master’s degree in Nature Based Tourism from the Estonian University of Life Sciences, where I now also work as a lecturer. I have also studied business management at Estonian Business School, and before becoming an entrepreneur in the field of nature tourism, I worked for several years in banking. Today, I serve on the board of the Lahemaa Tourism Association (VisitLahemaa.com), contributing to the development of tourism in the region and strengthening local cooperation networks.
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
I invite you to join me on a journey — to discover hidden trails, notice the unnoticed, and learn survival skills that everyone who spends time in nature should know. My first guides in the wild were my older brothers, with whom I spent many childhood days hiking and exploring. That’s where my love for nature truly began.
Later, I studied environmental protection and completed a professional hiking guide program at the amazing Luua Forestry School. On longer hikes, I’ve learned that being in nature isn’t always just a fun — it can be a real challenge that requires knowledge, skills, and mental strength.
My survival skills were solidified during my military service and later in the Defence League, where I also had the chance to teach others. On my hikes, I share what I’ve learned about how to move safely in nature, where to find water and edible plants, and how to stay calm when the trail disappears and your phone battery dies. To quote one of my best teachers:
“I’ve never been lost — but sometimes it has taken longer to get out of the forest.” I agree — every time you get “lost” can become a new discovery, as long as you bring confidence, calm, and curiosity with you.
Lets go explore together!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English, Spanish
Growing up in the countryside, I developed an interest in nature from a young age. “The Guide to Estonian Plants” was my favorite reading material during my teenage years. I studied agronomy at the Estonian University of Life Sciences and worked for many years as a senior agronomist at the Estonian Crop Research Institute. In my youth, I spent my vacations exploring the vast expanses of our “great homeland” on hiking trips, from the Putorana Plateau to Kamchatka and the Southern Kuril Islands, occasionally also as a group leader. Later, I backpacked through Southeast Asia and India-Nepal. I have visited 63 countries.
As a volunteer, I have organized sports and nature events for children, led a culture club, and coordinated hiking technique competitions. My new passion is organizing retro hikes where anyone interested can participate in hikes styled after the 1980s. We get acquainted to the equipment, clothing, menus, and preparations of that era, read hiking diaries, listen to stories from the past, and conquer “hills,” among other activities. Overnight hikes with cooking on a campfire and evenings filled with hiking stories and songs are also possible. Trust me, it’s all quite different from modern hiking!
I recently retired, making my time besides gardening and activities with grandchildren, and my expertise in nature and hiking experiences available to you. Families with children are also welcome. A few years ago, I completed the nature tour guide program at Luua Forestry School, where I found some of the best companions in life.
Nature is fantastic!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English, Russian
My favorite way to travel is with a kayak. While adventuring on rivers, lakes and the sea, you can discover a whole new world, which is very easy to fall in love with. When you are on the water, you forget everything else and you can enjoy pure presence and a better connection with your companions and the surrounding nature. Kayaking offers endless opportunities to learn and develop. If you have a fear of water, I will be happy to help you overcome in a safe environment.
Come and let’s discover the charms of Estonian waters together!
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English, Finnish, Russian
I like being in nature and being active. What drives me forward is curiosity – who is staring at me from under the carpet of moss or how high is really that rock on the horizon? When I get enough of being active, I sit down and play some instrumental music.
I am a musician and I am also involved in all kinds of activities – rock climbing, flying, hiking. I graduated as a recreational activity instructor at the Tartu Vocational College in order to learn how to pass these activities on to others. You can find me at Ronimistehas in Tartu where I guide climbers or install climbing routes.
And of course you can find me here at Wanderlust where I’ll help you have a good time in nature.
LANGUAGES:
Estonian, English
