How to have a swamp witch summer
Are you planning on a hot, sunny summer? Warm wind in your hair, sun-kissed cheeks, sunbathing on a sandy beach with friends? Then, by all means, head to Pärnu.
On the other hand, how about enjoying the water, yet with a different focus? A trip to Estonia is the ideal opportunity to channel the divine feminine and have a swamp witch summer. We’ve got misty bogs, sacred springs, herbal brews, and enough natural energy to send you back home feeling refreshed and recharged.
Not sure how to make it happen? Here are four steps to have an Estonian swamp witch summer.
1. Visit a bog
This one is the only must-do on this list, but it’s also the easiest part of the plan. Follow wooden boardwalks over waterlogged ground, or hire a guide and go bogshoeing, though you have to wait until after Midsummer so as not to disturb critical nesting grounds.
To become a true swamp witch, you have to take a dip in a bog lake. The tannin-rich water will do wonders for your skin, or so the legends say.
Recommended tours:
- Bogshoe hike in Kõrvemaa with local stories, swimming, and foraging
2. Take a sip from a sacred spring
It took a while for Christianity to reach Estonia, and even today, most Estonians don’t follow organized religion. As a result, ancient sacred sites are still treated with respect. There are several freshwater springs around the country where locals leave small offerings of food or silver for good luck.
One such “sacrificial” spring is in a little cave near the Taevaskoda sandstone outcrops, where you’ll see a tree covered in ribbons and string. Add your own (natural fibers only!), and fill up your water bottle before exploring the rest of the trail.
Where to go:
3. Learn about the power of natural remedies
Locals believe a little tea goes a long way, and Estonian pharmacies even stock medicinal herbs. Brush up on your botanical knowledge with a visit to a local herb garden. Knowledgeable gardeners can share their wisdom, and you can buy a mix of herbal tea to bring that swamp witch feeling back home with you.
Where to go:
- Süvahavva Nature Farm
4. Try a relaxing ritual to bring forth your inner strength
Your Estonian swamp witch summer would not be complete without a sauna ritual. In the past, Estonians visited the saunas to cleanse themselves before important holidays and events, and saunas were also places of healing before there were hospitals. Modern-day sauna rituals call forth these ancient traditions to help you feel at peace with yourself and the natural world around you.
Where to go:
- Healing smoke sauna ritual by Männiku Metsatalu
