Peräjärve forest trail guides the hiker through different forest types - fresh boreal forest, dry boreal forest, boreal heath forest, carr, and swamp forest. You will get an overview of the different uses of the forests throughout history, a living example of this are the trees near the trail, which are used to extract resin from.The study trail can be visited all year round: in spring there're a lot of bird sounds and the daphne mezereum blooms, in summer and autumn the forest is full of berries and mushrooms, and in winter you can see interesting animal tracks in snow.
A beautiful bog lake hides in the shade of a pine forest in the northern part of the Lulli bog next to Lake Võrtsjärv. The natural lake is large (23 ha) and very shallow (there is only a metre of water here).The hiking trail starts at the information stand in the car park. Further on, the boardwalk leads directly to the water, which offers scenic views of the lake and the surrounding bog landscape. The short hiking trail (2.3 km) runs around the lake. It is impossible to get lost here, because the trail is circular and everyone finally gets back to the starting point.In the second half of the summer, cloudberries, blueberries, cranberries, and mushrooms can be picked from the surroundings.
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).
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 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 7-kilometre-long Rebäse landscape trail is located in the Karula National Park. The trail runs through old farm landscapes, passing the oldest farmstead in the area and the Linnamägi hill with traces of settlement from the Early Iron Age. Hikers can climb up the local "Mount Ararat", see Lake Raudjärv with its ice-cold water, and admire one of the largest gullies of Karula upland.You may need sturdy boots to pass the trail because in rainy weather the trail might be muddy and the boardwalk slippery. The trail also passes pastures, so you might encounter curious but generally friendly cows. Be careful around farm fences, they may be electric!
Between the forests of Elva is a mysterious body of water – Lake Vaikne. The beautiful forest lake is a sight in itself and enchants visitors with its charming nature and silence at any time of the year. The lake has also won the attention of the poet J. Kärner, who at one time often came here to gather inspiration.The place is suitable for a responsible holidaymaker who prefers less populated places and wants to have a breath-taking experience. The lake is suitable for swimming – the water is clean and very warm.Use the wooden bridge to dive into the lake!Swimming is at your own risk!The area is illustrated by the wooden sculptures of the Nature Energy Trail.
The hiking trail starts from the parking area near the Kütiorg Holiday Centre. The trail is diverse, with fairly steep and challenging terrain, so it's recommended to allow four to five hours to complete it. Along the trail, hikers get the best view of Estonia’s largest and most powerful ancient valley – Kütiorg – and can explore old mill sites and other cultural heritage landmarks. In the forested slopes of Kütiorg, there are spruce stands over a hundred years old, as well as exceptionally thick and tall aspen trees. Near the starting point of the trail, there is a campfire site equipped with a grill grate. Good to know: Part of the trail passes through private property, where dogs may roam freely.