Luhasoo nature trail

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).

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!

Apteekrimäe forest track starts and ends by Otepää Sports Hall on Mäe Street. The 4 km track runs through the forest to Nüpli Sports Track and then back to the Apteekri forest, where it meets the forest path between Lake Marguse and Otepää Garden Town before returning to its starting point after crossing the Sulaoja bridge. The track can be used all year round.

The Lake Viti hiking trail is a nature trail that passes through an exciting hilly forest landscape. The trail information boards provide information about the Vitipalu forests, the woodpeckers that inhabit them, their nesting sites, the ant kingdom, and more. The trail features a hiking hut, a campfire site, Viti Lake, a 20-meter-high wooden observation tower overlooking the surrounding greenery, and a pleasant picnic spot with shelters. The Lake Viti trail is suitable for hikers of all ages, but it is not suitable for strollers or wheelchairs. The Lake Viti hiking trail begins and ends at the trail parking lot. The trail is marked with yellow stripes.

The hiking trail runs along a gravel road in a forest and introduces the life of ants. There are information boards next to the gravel road, as well as signposts near the ant colonies. The trail can also be explored in a vehicle. The 3.6 km trail starts at the information board at the roadside.The hiking trail is located in Padakõrve Nature Reserve. Its most important values include one of the largest populations of Scottish wood ants, diverse forest communities, and a multifaceted landscape. The purpose of the protected area is to protect the Scottish wood ants, as well as other protected species and their habitats, the forest communities, and the Kärgandi kame field.

Vällamäe 3,3 km long hiking trail offers a unique elevation change in Estonia. Vällamägi is Estonia's second highest hill, covered with ancient forest and steep slopes, with an elevation of 303.9 m above sea level. However, considering the 84 meters measured from the base to the peak, Vällamägi is the highest in relative height in Estonia. The slopes of the hill are very steep in places (incline of 35-40 degrees). Since 1992, Vällamäe forests have been designated as a spruce gene pool reserve. As you move along the trail, steep ascents and descents alternate, offering both a physical challenge and breathtaking views of the ancient forest shelters. The climb to the peak may momentarily make you feel like you've arrived in the mountains, not Haanja. The charm of Vällamäe lies in its primordial silence and touch of nature – you won't find crowded hiking trails here. Each season adds its own character to the trail: in spring, the air is filled with birdsong, in summer you may find berries in the forest, in autumn colorful leaves and an abundance of mushrooms delight the eyes, and in winter the slopes are covered with a dense layer of snow in silence.

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.

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.