Marilin Pehka is an experienced Estonian nature guide, tourism developer and storyteller, known for creating authentic outdoor experiences that connect visitors with Estonia’s landscapes, traditions and local communities.
Growing up close to nature, Marilin developed a lifelong passion for forests, bogs and wildlife. Today she guides visitors through some of Estonia’s most beautiful natural areas, sharing stories about the landscape, local life and the deep cultural relationship Estonians have with nature.
Her guiding work focuses on slow travel and meaningful experiences – walking in forests, exploring bog landscapes, observing wildlife, and discovering local food traditions around a campfire.
Authentic Nature Experiences
Marilin hosts guided experiences primarily in North-Kõrvemaa, a protected nature area known for its forests, bog lakes and peaceful wilderness. From her base at Uuejärve Matkapesa, she offers small-group and private experiences such as:
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Sunrise hikes in forest landscapes
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Bog hiking and wild swimming experiences
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Seasonal berry and mushroom foraging
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Canoe trips and SUP adventures
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Snowshoe hikes and winter nature tours
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Campfire picnics with homemade food
The historic farmhouse of Uuejärve Matkapesa lies in a Natura 2000 protected landscape where wildlife and rare plants thrive, creating a unique environment for nature-based travel.
During the walks, guests learn about the history of the area, local traditions and the relationship between people and nature in Estonia.
Nature Tourism Developer
Alongside guiding, Marilin actively contributes to the development of Estonia’s nature tourism sector. She works as project manager of the Estonian Nature Tourism Association, supporting cooperation between nature tourism businesses and promoting Estonia internationally as a destination for responsible nature travel.
Her work includes:
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developing new nature tourism products
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organizing industry seminars and networking events
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promoting Estonia in international travel markets
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building partnerships between tourism entrepreneurs and organizations
Marilin believes that tourism should protect nature, strengthen local communities and create meaningful experiences for visitors.
Guiding Philosophy
Marilin’s guiding style is calm, personal and immersive. She believes that the best way to understand Estonia is by slowing down and experiencing nature through all senses.
A walk in the forest may include listening to birds, tasting wild plants, learning traditional knowledge or simply enjoying silence.
For Marilin, guiding is not only about showing places — it is about helping people reconnect with nature and with themselves.
Selected Projects & Initiatives
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Uuejärve Matkapesa nature experiences
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VisitKorvemaa community tourism network
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Small Lapland sled-dog winter experiences
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Estonian Nature Tourism Association (ELTÜ) development initiatives
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International nature tourism cooperation projects
Some articles you'll find connected with Marilin

- (33) Discovering Estonia Beyond Tallinn: A Journey into Nature, Culture, and Adventure | LinkedIn
- Bog walking: Exploring Estonia's otherworldly wild landscapes
- Waldbaden in Estland: Achtsam versumpfen - SZ.de
- Bog walking: Exploring Estonia's otherworldly wild landscapes - MARA ONLINE NEWS
- Discover the wonder of winter in Estonia - Outdoor Swimmer Magazine
- Bog swimming in Estonia (no snorkel required) - Outdoor Swimmer Magazine
- Roots of Nature — Page 3
- Tallinnasta kohti Kõrvemaan luonnonsuojelualuetta ja Arun kartanoa - Mummo matkabloggaa
- Viron Kõrvemaalta löytyy mini-Lappi - Reissukuume
- Aasta matkategelane MARILIN PEHKA kutsub peresid Kõrvemaale - Sõnumitooja
- Kõrvemaa naised tähistasid põlislooduse päeva päikesetõusumatkaga - Sõnumitooja
- Sportland Kõrvemaa Matka- ja Suusakeskuse juht Marilin Pehka: side loodusega on eestlastel DNA-s | Sportland Magazine
- Kõrvemaa terviseradadel eriolukorra ajal rahvamasse ei käi - Sõnumitooja
- Aasta matkajaks valiti Priit (Wend) Kuusk ja aasta matkategelaseks Marilin Pehka - Reisijuht
- Eesti Maastiku Maraton võlub osalejaid ägeda rajaga ning jääb kauaks meelde | Sportland Magazine
- Üksinda kodus – ja õnnelik!? - Tervis Pluss
- Soodla tankiteede vastased: muidugi oleme Eesti kaitsmise poolt, aga me ei taha siia uut Nursipalu sõda - Maaleht
- Soodla harjutusväli võib võtta Kõrvemaa matkarajad
- Discovering world by hiking _Pictures — elamus+