Arbi Lake Nature Trail

The Tamula lake beach is located in the city of Võru. The beach is interestingly designed, modernly landscaped and maintained, equipped with changing cabins and attractions offering various activities. You can play football and volleyball, climb on the net, build sandcastles, sunbathe on the grass or sandy beach. The beach promenade, 800 meters long, starts at the Tamula hotel and extends to the Roosisaare bridge. During the swimming season, lifeguards ensure safety. On the beach playground, children are welcomed in summer by climbing nets, ball courts, and various swings. In addition, it is pleasant to walk or simply enjoy the moment by Tamula lake — the mirror-like surface of the lake and birdsong create a peaceful atmosphere in every season. In the evenings, the beach offers views of picturesque sunsets, making this place a favorite for photographers and romantics. Nearby parks, cafes, and terraces offer the opportunity to enjoy coffee or ice cream with a view of the lake. Concerts and events are also organized along the promenade during the summer months, bringing life and buzz to the Tamula area.

Harimägi is one of the largest mesas in the Otepää Uplands (211 m above sea level). It is worth coming to Harimäe whenever you are near Otepää. The Harimäe Observation Tower is located 3 km from Kääriku in the direction of Sangaste. The height of the tower is 28 m, and the highest viewing platform is 24 m high. The tower offers views of the Otepää mountains and across the Väike Emajõgi valley to the Karula upland. Camping is also allowed at the tower. Good to know: Harimägi is also called 'Leenard and Leonhard's hill.' From 1816 to 1819, geodetic surveys were carried out here by the internationally recognised astronomer and surveyor Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struwe (1793–1864).

Drive along the Võru-Valga highway from Saru to Kuutsi-Tiitsa-Karisöödi-Ura-Naha (about 14 km). The trail is about 4.8 km long and it takes a couple of hours to walk it through. The trail starts under the oak-tree with a perimeter of about 4 metres in Naha farm and runs very close to the state border, so make sure you take your ID with you. Interesting to know: you cannot put your foot down on the southernmost point, as the geographically correct southernmost point of Estonia is situated about 5 steps away from the marked spot, just in the middle of the Peetri River.

The 4-km Emajõe river shore path starts from the Turu bridge between River Emajõgi and Anne channel, and it runs on the Natura 2000 protection area and offers spacious views of the Anne channel, River Emajõgi, ship and boat traffic, and Karlova harbour.The hiking trail features information boards, riverside picnic areas, and several bridges, you can also meet hobby fishermen there. During spring, the path may be flooded and provides an opportunity to enjoy the views of the flooded meadow. When the trail ends, you can walk the same way back. Another option is to turn left to the gravel road, which leads to the Ihaste cycling and walking road.

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.

Lake Põlva and its beach offer a variety of opportunities for active recreation and plenty of options for enjoying the water. By the lake you will find playgrounds, skateboarding and rollerblading areas and walking tracks. What makes the lake unique is the light installation on its island, where 150 different coloured lanterns light up the sky when darkness falls.

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 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.