The Emajõgi study trail

there are three different hiking trails with a length of 3.8 km, 4.3 km and 4.7 km in the Paganamaa , just off the Latvian border in plus, there's a gazebo in . All trails begin at the Paganamaa bonfire site, where a beautiful view of Paganamaa nature can be enjoyed from the tower. on the trails, you'll see a mixed forest with a primeval forest appearance and an old Kazik, with Kikkajärv and greater Mudajärv on the road. at the beginning of the hiking trails, there's also a resting place, which is a good place for bonfire making, camping, camping.

Located in the manor park of the same name, the Helme caves, are an unrivalled sight in Estonia. Situated to the north of castle ruins, the caves have a white Burtniek layer of sandstone walls standing 3 m high. Unfortunately for cave lovers though, some of the better known caves have already collapsed. Once comprised of seven interlinked chambers, the biggest of which was known as the Church of Moses. Peppered with springs, the caves have a long history; and over the years they have been dug out and used as shelters when needed. Did you know...?: In ancient times the Helme caves were also known locally as the gateway to Hell.Kivialune (under the rocks) was a shelter for Old Estonians during the wars.

The Pikksaare hiking trail begins at the swimming and camping area by Lake Pangodi. While walking along the hiking trail, you can enjoy peace and idyllic views of the lake and the surrounding nature and make a short detour to the War of Independence Memorial. The directional signs placed along the trail will help make the hike smoother. The hiking trail passes the Pangodi campfire site, where you can take a short break, as there is a shelter, a barbecue area, a nice swimming spot, and opportunities for camping. Come and spend a nice day in nature with your family or friends!

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.

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!

The Valga/Valka–Ape narrow gauge railway was opened to traffic in 1900 and the last trains ran here in 1970.Today, most of the old railway embankment is used as a hiking trail that runs through forests and fields on gravel and dirt roads.On the Valka–Žuldin and Koikküla–Hargla section, the trail is redirected to larger roads, because the former railway dam is mostly impassable there.Many old railway photographs and historical stories related to the railway have been attached to the old sleepers on the railway dam.There is a resting place in Hargla.

Lake Verijärv nature studies trail is around 1 km long and has 9 information boards showcasing plants, trees, bushes, birds and animals. The trail runs through the Lake Verijärv ancient valley and wood. There are signs along the trail as well as three barbecue areas with benches.There are various legends about Lake Verijärv. It is said that the lake got its name centuries ago when slaves were punished in the old cellar that stood on the shore and their blood turned the water red. Another legend speaks of the nasty lord of Kasaritsa Manor, who was drowned by his coachman with his carriage and horses while driving home one night.