Lake Verijärv nature studies trail

Located next to the community of Misso, Pullijärv is a nice place to spend some time. If you don't feel like swimming, you can hike around the lake: the 3.6-kilometer-long trail is just the right length for the whole family. The trail rises here and there too: boys used to do ski jumps from its highest point onto the lake in winter.The trail begins and ends at the RMK Pullijärv rental hut, which is located on the north shore of the lake. In spring and fall, the trail can be really wet.

A beautiful bog lake hides in the shade of a pine forest in the northern part of the Lulli bog next to Lake Võrtsjärv. The natural lake is large (23 ha) and very shallow (there is only a metre of water here).The hiking trail starts at the information stand in the car park. Further on, the boardwalk leads directly to the water, which offers scenic views of the lake and the surrounding bog landscape. The short hiking trail (2.3 km) runs around the lake. It is impossible to get lost here, because the trail is circular and everyone finally gets back to the starting point.In the second half of the summer, cloudberries, blueberries, cranberries, and mushrooms can be picked from the surroundings.

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.

Tamme Outcrop hiking track is located on the eastern shore of Lake Võrtsjärv between the villages of Tamme and Neemisküla in Elva municipality. The area is rich in Devon sandstone outcrops from the Aruküla layer. Tamme Outcrop, which is located on the track, is an area where placoderms have been found and where valuable paleontological material has been collected since the second half of the 19th century.Ten information boards have been set up along the hiking track, which is almost 2 km long. They provide interesting information about the local natural environment. If you walk 1 km north on the track, you can turn back and hike back along a field or on a forest trail on the outcrop.

Located in the manor park of the same name, the Helme caves, are an unrivalled sight in Estonia. Situated to the north of castle ruins, the caves have a white Burtniek layer of sandstone walls standing 3 m high. Unfortunately for cave lovers though, some of the better known caves have already collapsed. Once comprised of seven interlinked chambers, the biggest of which was known as the Church of Moses. Peppered with springs, the caves have a long history; and over the years they have been dug out and used as shelters when needed. Did you know...?: In ancient times the Helme caves were also known locally as the gateway to Hell.Kivialune (under the rocks) was a shelter for Old Estonians during the wars.

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.

The Õrsava Lake Hiking Trail winds around the lake of the same name. The 5 km trail starts officially at the Värska school stadium, but you can start at any point. The lakeside footpath is made more exciting by several bridges. On the shore of Õrsava village there is a campfire site and an RMK bonfire site, as well as a swimming area.In addition to scenic views of nature and pine forests, the hiking trail offers some history: it's partly on the road of the former Estonian Defense Forces Training Center, the so-called , and although the camp was largely dismantled in World War II, some soldiers' barracks and other buildings have been preserved.

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.