Lake Vaikne

The study trail is well-suited for getting acquainted with the development and vegetation of bogs and for observing pine cultures. A 1.8 km long circular study trail revolves around the Valgesoo bog. On the she study trail you can explore the bog vegetation, old pine plantation ("Baron's pine forest"), and a forest edge rich of Scottish wood ants. The whole trail is accessible by a wheelchair or stroller. To facilitate movement on the track, there is a track map and colour markings on the trees. There is an observation tower and a campfire site at the start of the study trail.Valgesoo bog is one of the 21 places worth discovering in Southern Estonia, which is suggested to be visited for those who are interested in nature.

The lovely Lake Mooste is a great stopping place for holiday-makers and those wanting to discover Põlvamaa. In Mooste, there is a stunning manor complex that is worth a visit!The swimming area of Lake Mooste has a sandy beach, a swimming platform, changing cabins, a volleyball court and a hiking trail for going on a walk around the lake.Mooste Distillery Guesthouse is a 5 minute walk from the swimming area right on the shore of the lake – here, you can rent a boat for a trip on the lake.

Cabins for hikers, an observation tower and a boardwalk attract many nature lovers to the Meenikunno bog. It is a beautiful recreation area. While walking down the boardwalk, you can see the most common bog plants: leather leaf, bog rosemary, crowberry, Marsh Labrador tea, and tussock cottongrass; at the edge of the bog, dwarf birches can also be found. There are also a number of different species of peat moss of various colours. The bravest hikers can try drinking bog water (it has an interesting taste!) from the overgrown ditch near the edge of the bog.Good to know: The boardwalk is pram and wheelchair accessible.

The Nohipalo study trail is an interesting and educational hiking trail. There are 16 information boards on the three-kilometre trail, which give a good overview of hunting and forestry.The diversity of the nature makes the trail exciting – boreo-nemoral forests, eskers, and heath forests, where blueberries, lingonberries, and mushrooms can be picked depending on the season.On the study trail, you can admire the magnificent badger area and explore the traces of beavers. If you are lucky, you might even see an animal there.The Nohipalo study trail starts and ends at the Ilumetsa forest house.

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the beautiful, untouched nature of the Selli-Sillaotsa educational trail. Trail is located in the Alam-Pedja nature reserve, 30 minutes by car from Tartu. The well-marked trail, winding over a bog, through the forest, and on a gravel road, with plenty of information boards, is flat and easy to navigate. From the 12 m high Suuretüki observation tower built of massive logs, you can enjoy beautiful views of the bog in any season! If you find yourself on the trail at the right time of year, you can treat yourself to edible berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries.

Järvselja nature study trail introduces the forest surrounding the centre of forestry and research. The trail is diverse and passes through a number of forests. Here, you will see the King’s pine (Kuningamänd), which is over 380 years old, as well as spruces that are more than 40 meters high – making them one of the highest trees in Estonia.The trail runs partly on a boardwalk and the route is 1–5 km long. A good starting point is either the Järvselja Hunting Lodge or the guest house, where there are information boards with a map of the trails.Järvselja study trail and the primeval forest represent one of the best locations to discover in Southern Estonia, marked with the yellow frame of National Geographic.

The Soontaga hiking trail is located at Kiidjärve-Kooraste recreation area. The hiking trail runs along the typical Southern Estonian mixed forests and arrives at the Väike-Emajõgi river. The hiking trail, which can be completed on foot, runs in a circle.There are several information boards at the hiking trail, which describe the nature of the area. The beautiful bodies of water at the hiking trail are equipped with bridges. In addition to the hiking trail there is the Soontaga campsite with campfire places at the recreation area.If you visit the hiking trail during the season, you might find forest berries or mushrooms on our journey.

Drive along the Võru-Valga highway from Saru to Kuutsi-Tiitsa-Karisöödi-Ura-Naha (about 14 km). The trail is about 4.8 km long and it takes a couple of hours to walk it through. The trail starts under the oak-tree with a perimeter of about 4 metres in Naha farm and runs very close to the state border, so make sure you take your ID with you. Interesting to know: you cannot put your foot down on the southernmost point, as the geographically correct southernmost point of Estonia is situated about 5 steps away from the marked spot, just in the middle of the Peetri River.