Emajõe river shore path

The recreation area by Lake Pangodi is a popular holiday destination, offering a variety of opportunities to enjoy nature. In the holiday complex, you can swim, camp, and make a campfire. The large lawn by the sandy beach has a children's playground with active holiday elements and a volleyball court. At the beginning of the recreation area, there is a parking lot that can accommodate up to 30 cars. The Pangodi camping area is by the lake, where you can find three campfire sites with canopies and benches. Along the Pikksaare hiking trail (1 km) starting from the car park, you will reach the Pangodi campfire site, which is about 500 m from the crowded camping area in the Pangodi park forest. Be respectful to nature!

The 3-km-long circular forestry study trail, starting at Laari campfire site, is suitable for a peaceful walk for holidaymakers at the campfire site, nature lovers, and hikers with pets.The trail is very diverse - it runs along the paths and trails of the bright pine forest, the mysterious pine forest, and the eye-catching birch forest, over the Lambiniidu and a ditch, over which wooden bridges have been built.The trail is marked with signs and red dots on trees, the information boards on the trail introduce the surrounding nature and the different ways of forest management.

Climbing to the top of Munamägi Hill is worth the effort – the view covers more than 50 km. The absolute height of Väike or Otepää Munamägi Hill is 207.5 m (relative height exceeds 80 m). There is a spring on the north-eastern slope of Väike Munamägi (in the direction of Otepää) that has been considered the start of the Väike Emajõgi River for a long time. The boulder on the edge of the first plain is the biggest in the area – 250,000 kg. Take a look at the aerial panorama (picture by Joel Tammet).

You'll need several people to measure the circumference of the ancient, nearly 400-year-old oak tree towering nearby Lake Pühajärv in Otepää! The trunk of this ancient tree has a circumference of 6.6 meters. It is called the War Oak because it has witnessed many historical events. Apparently, peasants of the Pühajärv Manor refused to work for the manor in autumn 1841 and the rebels were punished near the oak. The Pühajärve War was one of the first peasant uprisings against the landlords in Estonia, and in memory of it, an oak tree was planted nearby, where a memorial stone was erected on the 130th anniversary of the uprising. A beautiful park with walking tracks surrounds the tree today, and although the ancient tree is no longer in its full glory, it stands here to its full dignity, recalling times gone by.

Elistvere study trail is located in Elistvere village, Tartu County. The trail is 2 km long back and forth and starts at the Elistvere Animal Park. At the end of the study trail you will find the magical Lake Elistvere with an observation tower offering a great view to the flora surrounding the lake and animals running in the bushy greenery. The information boards at the road help the visitors and there are several observation platforms. The trail can be completed in a wheelchair and with a children's stroller as well.The study trail can be accessed only during the opening hours of the animal park. The animal park has an entrance fee.

The hiking trail starts from the parking area near the Kütiorg Holiday Centre. The trail is diverse, with fairly steep and challenging terrain, so it's recommended to allow four to five hours to complete it. Along the trail, hikers get the best view of Estonia’s largest and most powerful ancient valley – Kütiorg – and can explore old mill sites and other cultural heritage landmarks. In the forested slopes of Kütiorg, there are spruce stands over a hundred years old, as well as exceptionally thick and tall aspen trees. Near the starting point of the trail, there is a campfire site equipped with a grill grate. Good to know: Part of the trail passes through private property, where dogs may roam freely.

In Tartu County, near the Elva railway station, the Väike Väerada trail is one of the area's most popular hiking paths. It is special because of the wooden sculptures inspired by Estonian fairy tales and created by local artists. Small but mighty, Väerada has a healing effect on both the mind and body. The nature trail offers experiences for hikers of all ages and is suitable for exploration year-round. The attractive sculptures not only adorn the trail but also guide the correct path. The forest trail includes several resting spots and exciting attractions for children, making the journey even more enjoyable. The hiking trail ends at the Tartumaa Health Sports Center, where you can continue adventuring on other forest trails, play disc golf, or enjoy playground fun with children under the beautiful pines. Come take a walk in nature, discover fairy-tale sculptures, and let Elva Väerada offer you peace and experience in every season.

Among the approximately 1 km study trail introducing the life of wood ants, the hiker can feel like a giant in the minuscule world of ants. In an area of 20 hectares there are 200 ant hills, the biggest of which is 1.7 m high; you can also admire the record-high spruce (42 m). The trail has signs, information boards, and bridges crossing ant highways.The trail is for walking only. While hiking on the trail near ant hills, use only the bridges installed there. The Laari forest study trail starts on the other side of the railway.The civilisation of ants offers an experience for both children and adults.