Lake Verijärv nature studies trail

You'll need several people to measure the circumference of the ancient, nearly 400-year-old oak tree towering nearby Lake Pühajärv in Otepää! The trunk of this ancient tree has a circumference of 6.6 meters. It is called the War Oak because it has witnessed many historical events. Apparently, peasants of the Pühajärv Manor refused to work for the manor in autumn 1841 and the rebels were punished near the oak. The Pühajärve War was one of the first peasant uprisings against the landlords in Estonia, and in memory of it, an oak tree was planted nearby, where a memorial stone was erected on the 130th anniversary of the uprising. A beautiful park with walking tracks surrounds the tree today, and although the ancient tree is no longer in its full glory, it stands here to its full dignity, recalling times gone by.

The Emajõgi study trail is located a short drive from the city of Tartu and offers an experience for hikers and nature lovers. The circular study trail winds along the banks of the Emajõgi River, taking you into the surrounding greenery. Information boards along the trail provide details about the local flora and fauna, as well as the significance of the river to the Estonian landscape. The trail is well-maintained and easily accessible, making it suitable for everyone. The hiking trail has resting places, camping facilities, and a floodplain observation platform. The first 700 meters of the boardwalk are 1.2 m wide and are also suitable for those with strollers or wheelchairs. Come and discover the peace and charm of the Emajõgi study trail!

In Tartu County, near the Elva railway station, the Väike Väerada trail is one of the area's most popular hiking paths. It is special because of the wooden sculptures inspired by Estonian fairy tales and created by local artists. Small but mighty, Väerada has a healing effect on both the mind and body. The nature trail offers experiences for hikers of all ages and is suitable for exploration year-round. The attractive sculptures not only adorn the trail but also guide the correct path. The forest trail includes several resting spots and exciting attractions for children, making the journey even more enjoyable. The hiking trail ends at the Tartumaa Health Sports Center, where you can continue adventuring on other forest trails, play disc golf, or enjoy playground fun with children under the beautiful pines. Come take a walk in nature, discover fairy-tale sculptures, and let Elva Väerada offer you peace and experience in every season.

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.

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 trails have two possible starting points: in the parking lot of the Värska Sanatoorium or in the point on the side of Värska Sanatoorium across Värska Bay. The Pikalombi nature trails are 3.8 and 9.1 km long. The nature trails can be passed in autumn, spring and winter and on foot as well as by bicycle. On the boarded trail through the Velna bog the bicycle shall be pushed by hand. Good to know: There are 11 trail points along the trail. Point no. 6 lies by beautiful Lake Saarepää, offering an opportunity to make a fire and to have a longer break.

The 3-km-long circular forestry study trail, starting at Laari campfire site, is suitable for a peaceful walk for holidaymakers at the campfire site, nature lovers, and hikers with pets.The trail is very diverse - it runs along the paths and trails of the bright pine forest, the mysterious pine forest, and the eye-catching birch forest, over the Lambiniidu and a ditch, over which wooden bridges have been built.The trail is marked with signs and red dots on trees, the information boards on the trail introduce the surrounding nature and the different ways of forest management.

The hiking trail, which starts from Suur Taevaskoda, runs on the high banks of the Ahja River and on the tracks of the menu film The Last Relic. Suur Taevaskoda, the partially preserved Otten or Valgesoo watermill complex, the two-vaulted Otten mill bridge, and the miniature canyon, which became famous thanks to the film The Last Relic, picturesque views of the Ahja River, and a pit of a forest brothers' bunker can be seen on the hiking trail. The trail is marked with green colour on the trees and signs and there are several information boards on the trail. It is possible to camp and make a campfire at the Otten campfire site. When coming by car, the hike starts from Saesaare car park and therefore, the trail is about 2 km longer.