Kiidjärve Visitor Centre

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.

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.

Come walk with your family on the Taevaskoda hiking trail, located in the Ahja River Valley Landscape Reserve. The trail starts from the Taevaskodade parking lot and runs circularly along both banks of Ahja River, where the outcrops of Väike and Suur Taevaskoja, caves formed by springs, and picturesque views catch your eye.At the beginning of the hiking trail, there is an information board with a map of the recreational area and the trail. On the trail, signs in Estonian, English, and Russian will help you find the way. Visitors with a wheelchair or a stroller can travel along the alternative trail to Suur Taevaskoda, length 3 km. Good to know: you can see kingfishers flying around while walking in Taevaskoda.

The areas surrounding the rivers and bogs of Lake Peipsi have historically been sparsely populated due to the wet soil. The main means of transportation were rivers and waterways through the bog, which froze in winter. We invite you to explore these frozen winter roads with your family and pets! Most of the winter roads still exist today, and the most important one runs from Kodavere to Varnja. We will walk and hike through the bog along the old winter roads with Mesi Tare owner Marko and discuss their importance. We will have a picnic, and, if we are lucky, we will find especially sweet cranberries in the bog! We do part of the journey by karakat, a truck made by the locals to travel over the ice of Lake Peipsi. The hike will only take place during cold winters when there is ice!

Boat trips on Lake Peipsi take you to Estonia's largest lake aboard the historic cruise ship Arabella I. Built in 1922 and recently fully renovated, Arabella I is the oldest ship in use in Estonia. On board, you will find a cozy lounge, café area, modern amenities, and a peaceful atmosphere suitable for families, romantics, and culture enthusiasts. Cruises depart by arrangement from Tartu or the Emajõe-Suursoo Center, and the ship can also be booked for special events – from birthdays and seminars to photo sessions and festive receptions. If desired, a local guide, delicious snacks, or live music can be arranged on board. Arabella I offers an unforgettable experience on one of Estonia's most unique bodies of water – Lake Peipsi, where the traditions of Old Believer villages, rich natural heritage, and expansive horizons come together.

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.

Families with children are particularly welcome in the Lake Pühajärv Park as there are many opportunities to feed ducks and other birds when walking on the lakeshore. There is an exercise track by the northern part of the park. This is also the place where you will find the beach with a beach house, cafés, arbours and boat hire.The park used to be a part of the Pühajärv Manor Park and it was designed as a walking forest with paths already in the 19th century. The park is mainly a naturally grown forest.

This canoe trip in South Estonia, on the Võhandu River through a primeval valley, is suitable for anyone looking for untouched nature, adventure, and beautiful views! You do not need previous experience or canoeing skills because the canoes are stable, and the instruction beforehand is thorough. We organize canoe trips along the most attractive sections of the Võhandu River; trips can last from two hours to three days. The river valley is popular with hikers for its unique sandstone outcrops. The canoe trip includes equipment (canoes, paddles, life jackets, waterproof bags), instruction, shore security, and a car transfer to the endpoint.