Elva primeval valley hiking trail and Illi camping area

The 3-kilometre-long Sangaste forest park trail is located in Kiidjärve-Kooraste Recreation Area and starts from the forest park behind the Sangaste Castle.The trail introduces the forest park, founded by Count Friedrich Magnus Berg, where nearly a few hundred different species of trees and shrubs are represented. The trail has signs, stairs, bridges, and information boards that introduce the forest park and the various species of trees. There's also a campfire site on the trail with a fire pit, benches, a toilet, and a wood shed, which can also be used as a shelter.Interesting fact: Estonia's tallest, a 42-metre-tall Douglas tree grows in the park. It's possible to visit the Sangaste Castle during opening hours.

Apteekrimäe forest track starts and ends by Otepää Sports Hall on Mäe Street. The 4 km track runs through the forest to Nüpli Sports Track and then back to the Apteekri forest, where it meets the forest path between Lake Marguse and Otepää Garden Town before returning to its starting point after crossing the Sulaoja bridge. The track can be used all year round.

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).

Murrumetsa Hiking Trail starts from the Pühajärve Manor Park and runs through Murrumetsa forest back to the park. It takes about 1-1.5 hours to pass the 3.5 km track. There are information boards next to the track that give information about the flora and fauna of our forests and cultivated landscapes. The track passes the ancient Pühajärv War Oak (circumference 6.98 m and height 22 m) and the commemorative stone to mark the Pühajärv War of 1841, which can be found among the oaks of Murrumets Forest. There are also rest areas and fire sites by the trail.

Among the approximately 1 km study trail introducing the life of wood ants, the hiker can feel like a giant in the minuscule world of ants. In an area of 20 hectares there are 200 ant hills, the biggest of which is 1.7 m high; you can also admire the record-high spruce (42 m). The trail has signs, information boards, and bridges crossing ant highways.The trail is for walking only. While hiking on the trail near ant hills, use only the bridges installed there. The Laari forest study trail starts on the other side of the railway.The civilisation of ants offers an experience for both children and adults.

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.

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.

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.