Tiksoja hiking trails and campfire sites

The Palumägede hiking trail is situated near Lake Pangodi, within the picturesque Pangodi Landscape Reserve, and is an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking an active holiday experience. The hiking trail offers diverse landscapes with pleasantly alternating ups and downs, adding a little excitement to the hike. The starting point of the hiking trail is conveniently located at the second parking lot of Palumägede, where you will also find an information board that gives a good overview of the surrounding nature. Clear signposts and benches along the trail make the walk particularly comfortable. The Palumägede campfire site offers a space for grilling, swimming, and camping.

The 2 km long hiking trail of Lõunalaager is established on the former grounds of the Estonian Defence Forces' Lõunalaager. In 1920, an impressive military complex was built here, where infantrymen practiced during the summer. Although nothing remains of the buildings, the shimmering reservoir among the trees, the old bridge, several foundation stones, and trenches speak of the realities of that time. Information boards provide additional reading about the past. It's an experience to perceive how quickly nature hides everything once made by humans. The Lõunalaager hiking trail offers a unique opportunity to combine a light nature walk with the heritage of Estonia's military history. The natural course of the trail around the reservoir and over the old bridge creates a peaceful, almost meditative atmosphere. The RMK campfire site allows for a rest break and, if necessary, camping. The trail is marked, and information boards help understand the area's significance in the history of the Estonian Defence Forces. Crossing with the shooting range cycling trail offers an additional opportunity for longer movement – thus, a more sporty day loop can be initiated from Lõunalaager.

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 two Taevaskoda outcrops on the banks of the ancient valley of the Ahja River are one of the most frequently visited sites in southern Estonia. The sandstone outcrops and the ancient river form the most beautiful part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve. Legends speak of caves, secret passageways and of demons and a mermaid with a golden comb. A walk from the Saesaare dam to the Small Taevaskoda outcrop, the Emaläte spring, the Neitsikoobas cave and the Large Taevaskoda outcrop, which rises 22.5 metres above the river, is worth undertaking in every season. The beautiful and exciting natural setting attracts hikers – it is a place that every Estonian visits at least once in their life!

The 4-km Emajõe river shore path starts from the Turu bridge between River Emajõgi and Anne channel, and it runs on the Natura 2000 protection area and offers spacious views of the Anne channel, River Emajõgi, ship and boat traffic, and Karlova harbour.The hiking trail features information boards, riverside picnic areas, and several bridges, you can also meet hobby fishermen there. During spring, the path may be flooded and provides an opportunity to enjoy the views of the flooded meadow. When the trail ends, you can walk the same way back. Another option is to turn left to the gravel road, which leads to the Ihaste cycling and walking road.

The hiking trail, which is suitable for a pleasant walk, starts on the other side of the road opposite the Voorepalu campfire site and runs along an extremely varied landscape with several steep ascents and descents. The trail has information boards introducing past events and folklore and the highest point of the trail has a table and benches for resting. Rope railings have been installed on the steep slopes of the trail.The historical Postal Road runs between the campfire site and the hiking trail. Ristimänd tree and many other exciting places are on the trail with a varied landscape. Two cars can park at the campfire site.

The Elva primeval valley hiking trail is a 15.5 km long trail located in the Elva landscape protection area with alternating terrain for those who want to hike for several days. On the trail, you will find various forest landscapes, sandstone outcrops, wonderful forest lakes, Viti observation tower, floodplain meadows, trenches, beavers, and the kingdom of ants. There is also a Witch's House and Adventure Trail on the trail.The primeval valley trail starts and ends at the Tartu County Recreational Sports Centre. The scheme of the hiking trail with camping and campfire sites (including the Illi camping area) can be found HERE. The black or yellow numbers on the track indicate the kilometers travelled.Please respect the nature while you're here!

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.