Härma walls in the Piusa river ancient valley

The Soontaga hiking trail is located at Kiidjärve-Kooraste recreation area. The hiking trail runs along the typical Southern Estonian mixed forests and arrives at the Väike-Emajõgi river. The hiking trail, which can be completed on foot, runs in a circle.There are several information boards at the hiking trail, which describe the nature of the area. The beautiful bodies of water at the hiking trail are equipped with bridges. In addition to the hiking trail there is the Soontaga campsite with campfire places at the recreation area.If you visit the hiking trail during the season, you might find forest berries or mushrooms on our journey.

Cabins for hikers, an observation tower and a boardwalk attract many nature lovers to the Meenikunno bog. It is a beautiful recreation area. While walking down the boardwalk, you can see the most common bog plants: leather leaf, bog rosemary, crowberry, Marsh Labrador tea, and tussock cottongrass; at the edge of the bog, dwarf birches can also be found. There are also a number of different species of peat moss of various colours. The bravest hikers can try drinking bog water (it has an interesting taste!) from the overgrown ditch near the edge of the bog.Good to know: The boardwalk is pram and wheelchair accessible.

The hiking trail that encircles Lake Pühajärv starts near the centre of Otepää Nature Park. The 14 km trail takes you on a voyage of discovery around one of the most unique and beautiful lakes in Estonia. Covering the whole track takes from 3–6 hours. There are rest areas and barbecue sites along the way. Part of the track (approximately 2.2 km) runs along the Pühajärve–Kääriku exercise track by the Otepää–Kääriku highway. You can cover the track by foot or bike. Cyclists must bear in mind that there are parts of the track on which you will have to push your bike instead of riding it. The Angunina, Kiigemäe and Koolirand campfire sites are located on the trail. There, you can make a fire and camp.

Koorküla Valgjärv Lake and the campfire sites are located in Valga County, in the Sakala Recreation Area.Valgjärv Lake has beautiful sandy shores, making it a perfect destination for a family holiday. There is room for several groups of friends in the first campfire site and it is also possible to go swimming there. The second campfire site is perfect for people who value privacy. Camping is allowed in both sites.Good to know: be careful when swimming in the lake, as a manor used to be located at the bottom of the lake and people say that something/someone still lives there.

Lake Tündre campfire site and nature reserve are located in Valga County, Sakala Recreation Area.The shore of the beautiful Tündre Lake is perfect for a longer holiday. There is a shelter with a roof, a dry toilet, an information board, a campfire site with a roof and a barbeque grill, a woodshed, and a swimming site. There are a lot of fish in the lake and it is a perfect place for a swim in the summer. To launch a boat, go to the adjacent Tündre campfire site. The forests around the lake are full of berries and mushrooms.

The 2.2 km hiking trail in Kavadi runs along the banks of Lake Kavadi. The hiking trail begins and ends in New-Salus Park, which has a resting place, campfires with barbecue grilles and a campsite. The trail with the direction of travel winds both along the shore lane and under the forest. Lake Kavadi is considered the most articulated shore-lined lake in Estonia. The surface area of the lake is 27.4 ha. The current size and look have been acquired by the lake some 140 years ago when Baron C. FR. von Maydell, who bought the New-Salus mansion, swelled up three small swamp lakes.

There is a lovely recreation area on Aruküla hill in Kaarepere which is perfect for families, friends, and larger groups.There is a playground with swings and a slide, especially loved by younger children.You can rest under the shelter or on benches or your own picnic blanket. Barbecue facilities are also available on site.Visitors can also play disc golf (there is a rental point).The Struve Geodetic Arc is also located in the recreation area.The view of Vooremaa from the hill is magnificent and there is plenty of room for camping.

Erastvere is one of the oldest settlements near Põlva. There is an old manor park with the tallest lime-tree in Estonia, with the height of 35 m. A chapel of the noble German family von Ungern-Sternberg which is built on the foundation of the former Church of Mary and called after the last family member born in Estonia – Gerhard – is located in the middle of the park. The park also includes the fascinating Lake Erastvere which offers good opportunities to bathe, camp and spend a good time. The Ahja River starts from the north-eastern part of Lake Erastvere.