RMK Liipsaare observation tower

The Kekkonen hiking track can be used all year round – in summer for hiking, jogging and cycling and in winter for skiing. The track was named after former Finnish president Urho Kaleva Kekkonen, who visited Kääriku. The 15 km track starts from Kääriku stadium and passes through several spots of natural beauty, including Harimägi Hill – one of the highest points in the Otepää Highlands (211.3 m above sea level). Its viewing tower, which stands 26 metres high, is right next to the hiking track. Those with more energy can follow the additional 5 km loop on Harimägi Hill.

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).

Räpina polder on the banks of Lake Lämmijärv is a bird-nesting area of international importance. It is a place of nesting and migrating through for many protected bird species. Of the species that nest here, the prominent ones from the perspective of bird protection are corn crake, black tern and little gull, to whom the Räpina polder is one of the best areas in Estonia. Of the migratory birds, the most important species are crane and white-fronted goose. The polder is an important place of nesting and stopping also for waterfowls and Charadriiformers. Up to 1.5 million birds pass through this area during the migration period. The area is the most important assembling area of migratory birds in Eastern Estonia. There are watchtowers for bird watching.

The Rõuge primeval valley, which is 10km long and 52m deep, contains seven lakes: Kahrila Lake, Tõugjärv, Ratasjärv, Kaussjärv, Rõuge Suurjärv, Liinjärv, and Valgjärv. The lakes are connected by the Rõuge or Ajo River, which starts from the Tindi valley. The side valleys of the Rõuge primeval valley are Tindi, Külm, Mõhk, Ööbikuorg, Tinopeetri, Hinni, Sikasoo, and Järveotsa valleys. The most famous of these is Ööbikuorg, which borders the ancient hillfort from the north. In spring, during the blossoming of bird cherry trees, the valley resonates with the song of nightingales – hence the name of the valley. Several hiking trails run through Rõuge, including the popular Ööbikuorg hiking trail, which takes visitors through the primeval valley, past lakes and springs. The trail is suitable for families with children and is partially accessible by bicycle. In summer, you can swim and paddle in the lakes, while in winter, the same trails are enjoyed by skiers and sledders. In the Rõuge settlement, there is also Estonia's deepest lake – Rõuge Suurjärv (38m) – and the largest Nature Clock in Estonia, whose hands mark the passage of time in nature's rhythm.Good to know: At the edge of Ööbikuorg, there is a visitor center and the Pesapuu observation tower, which offers a view of the entire valley.

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.

An exciting hiking trail runs along the banks of the Koiva River, which borders Estonia and Latvia. You can discover points important to both countries' cultural heritage along the trail! The trail is 22 kilometers long, so there and back comes to 44 kilometers. The trail introduces old Estonians' way of life and offers the opportunity to get acquainted with historical heritage in the middle of nature. The trail includes, for example, Taheva Manor, a windmill, the ruins of a hay barn, and ancient trees. There are several campfire sites and camping sites. The trail is signposted and equipped with information boards in Estonian, Latvian, and English, and it can also be completed by bike.

Tõrva's Vanamõisa Lake is a popular summer destination for both locals and visitors from afar. The lake is located on the outskirts of the city, near Tõrva Veemõnula Water and Sauna Center. At the edge of Vanamõisa Lake stands the Baltics' highest diving tower, Tõrva Lion Tower. It was built in place of the legendary Tõrva Vanamõisa diving tower, offering visitors a safe and exciting opportunity for summer water fun. The tower has five floors, each with a diving platform into the lake. The height of the last platform above the water surface is 11 meters, and the total height of the tower, including light masts, reaches 14 meters. In addition to the long sandy shore, the beach features a boardwalk and ball game courts. During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty at the beach from 11 AM to 7 PM. Visitors can rent volleyball, badminton sets, and spikeball sets from the lifeguard. Changing rooms and toilets are available. Good to know: you can park your car at the Tõrva Gymnasium parking lot, and from there, it's a short walk to the lake. Come and enjoy the summer and water fun in Southern Estonia!

The Pesapuu watchtower is 30 meters high (the top observation platform is 27 meters from the ground) and it resembles a tree with two bird nests. The architect Karmo Tõra was the original author of the idea.The watchtower is eye-catching during both the day and the night. In the evening, lights of different colours are turned on to shed light on the so-called bird nests or observation platforms and the so-called golden egg on the top of the tower.Tourists that reach the top are offered picturesque views of the Nightingale Valley and the rest of Võru County. Pesapuu is opened around the clock.