The 11.2 km Abula-Kalasma study trail showcases two landscape settings in different proportions: about half runs along the east coast of Tagalaht Bay, while the other half passes through coastal forest. Coast and forest are therefore equally part of the route, even though they shape different sections of it. Anyone considering Abula for its nature and landscape can experience a clear transition between the two on this trail.

The Abula-Kalasma Trail: Nature and Landscape

The trail lies in the Koorunõmme Nature Reserve. Along the route, calcareous pine forest and coastal cliffs provide habitats for numerous plant and animal species. The trail also passes through a bearberry pine forest (Arctostaphylo-Pinetum). Orchids bloom along the trail in spring, and traces of wild animals can be found in the forest. The orchid blooms and animal tracks add different aspects: the blooms are a feature of spring, while the tracks draw attention to the wildlife in the forest.

The Abula rand natural feature lies near Abula and consists of beach ridges and coastal formations. The Merise-Abula strict protection zone safeguards coastal communities. These refer to different aspects: Abula rand denotes coastal landforms, while Merise-Abula refers to the protection of coastal communities. The term means the communities of living organisms found together along the coast, clarifying what the protection objective specifically concerns.

Locals call the coast of Abula “Skull Coast” because fossils are frequently found there. The name has a different reference from the designation Abula rand: it comes from the frequent fossil finds along the coast.

Cultural History in Abula

Along the hiking trail, you will come across buildings from the First and Second World Wars, as well as military structures. These features add a historical dimension to the nature themes. The reference explicitly covers both world wars.

An archaeological complex also lies near Abula, forming part of the culturally and historically valuable Pidula landscape. Its scale differs from that of the buildings and structures along the hiking trail: here, the focus is on an archaeological complex that is part of the Pidula landscape; there, on individual historic features along the trail.

The Abula Campsite

The Abula Campsite lies on the shore of Tagalaht Bay, among pebbly coastal ridges. Its facilities include tables and benches, fire pits, two dry toilets, woodsheds, information boards and shelters. These facilities include seating and fire pits as well as dry toilets, woodsheds and shelters. The campsite is therefore defined by its shore-side location and facilities, while the study trail can be described by its length, landscape sections, and nature and history themes. When planning your trip, you can distinguish between the campsite’s camping facilities and the themes of the hiking trail.

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