Vilusi: Nature, Bird Migration and Village Traditions

Vilusi is located in the Loode-Peipsi Natura 2000 Bird Protection Area. Two perspectives are particularly useful when choosing a nature-focused destination: the habitats and the migration of swans. The area can be understood through its wetlands and wooded dunes, as well as through bird migration. When comparing destinations, you can consider whether you would like to focus first on landscape types, birdlife or local village life.

Habitats and bird migration

The mouth of the Piilsi and the wetland on the shore of Vilusi are designated as habitats of the protected green mosaic darner. The stretch of shore from Kalmaküla through Vilusi to the mouth of the Piilsi includes wooded dunes of habitat type 2180, habitat type 3130, and humid tall-herb communities of type 6430. The habitat context therefore ranges from a protected species to various habitat types. Wooded dunes and humid tall-herb communities are found alongside the separately designated type 3130.

The shore of Vilusi is designated as a migration area for Bewick’s swan and the whooper swan. Vilusi is also documented as a stopover site for Bewick’s swan. Monitoring from 2000 to 2017 recorded 50 to 220 Bewick’s swans in spring. The migration-area designation covers both species; the historical spring range refers only to Bewick’s swan. This lets you distinguish the general bird-migration context from a specific count from an earlier period.

Lake Peipus is a public natural lake; Vilusi is one of the places associated with it.

Village life and practical information

Ingridi kodukohvik in Vilusi offers a convenient way to order food and enjoy meals in a natural setting. The café is seasonal; its 2026 season has ended. If you are planning your trip for another season, check in advance whether the café will be open then.

Since 2004, Christmas celebrations and Midsummer festivities have been organised in Vilusi for the village community, developing into local traditions. The two occasions take place at different times of year, combining the wintertime Christmas tradition with Midsummer. Alongside its nature-related attractions, Vilusi therefore also offers a cultural connection to community life in the area.

Wooden rest areas with playground features have been set up in Vilusi to help visitors find their way around.

Peipsimaa as a regional setting

The wider Peipsimaa travel region also offers outdoor activities such as raft or skating tours, sled-dog adventures and motorboat trips. These activities are part of the regional offering, while Vilusi has a more specific local character, with its habitats, bird migration and village festivities. When planning your trip, you can weigh up whether you are mainly looking for Vilusi’s natural and village character or a broader range of outdoor activities in the travel region. The regional examples range from activities on the water to experiences involving skates or sled dogs, showing the different forms of outdoor activities available.

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