Hiking trail in the Rõuge Primeval Valley

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.

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the beautiful, untouched nature of the Selli-Sillaotsa educational trail. Trail is located in the Alam-Pedja nature reserve, 30 minutes by car from Tartu. The well-marked trail, winding over a bog, through the forest, and on a gravel road, with plenty of information boards, is flat and easy to navigate. From the 12 m high Suuretüki observation tower built of massive logs, you can enjoy beautiful views of the bog in any season! If you find yourself on the trail at the right time of year, you can treat yourself to edible berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries.

In Tartu County, near the Elva railway station, the Väike Väerada trail is one of the area's most popular hiking paths. It is special because of the wooden sculptures inspired by Estonian fairy tales and created by local artists. Small but mighty, Väerada has a healing effect on both the mind and body. The nature trail offers experiences for hikers of all ages and is suitable for exploration year-round. The attractive sculptures not only adorn the trail but also guide the correct path. The forest trail includes several resting spots and exciting attractions for children, making the journey even more enjoyable. The hiking trail ends at the Tartumaa Health Sports Center, where you can continue adventuring on other forest trails, play disc golf, or enjoy playground fun with children under the beautiful pines. Come take a walk in nature, discover fairy-tale sculptures, and let Elva Väerada offer you peace and experience in every season.

The hiking trail starting from Kiidjärve Visitor Centre runs along the banks of the picturesque Ahja River, where you can easily see different sandstone banks (Sõnajalamägi, Palanumägi, Oosemägi, Laaritsamägi, Mõsumägi, etc.). The trail runs along one shore to the Saesaare dam, over the bridge, and back along the other shore. The trail passes through Sõnajala campfire site, where you can pitch a tent. The trail also passes through the Roiupalu study trail campfire site.A map of the hiking trail can be obtained from the RMK Kiidjärve Visitor Centre.At times, the hiking trail runs along high shorelines and there are steep ascents. Please be careful!

The Rõuge primeval valley, which is 10km long and 52m deep, contains seven lakes: Kahrila Lake, Tõugjärv, Ratasjärv, Kaussjärv, Rõuge Suurjärv, Liinjärv, and Valgjärv. The lakes are connected by the Rõuge or Ajo River, which starts from the Tindi valley. The side valleys of the Rõuge primeval valley are Tindi, Külm, Mõhk, Ööbikuorg, Tinopeetri, Hinni, Sikasoo, and Järveotsa valleys. The most famous of these is Ööbikuorg, which borders the ancient hillfort from the north. In spring, during the blossoming of bird cherry trees, the valley resonates with the song of nightingales – hence the name of the valley. Several hiking trails run through Rõuge, including the popular Ööbikuorg hiking trail, which takes visitors through the primeval valley, past lakes and springs. The trail is suitable for families with children and is partially accessible by bicycle. In summer, you can swim and paddle in the lakes, while in winter, the same trails are enjoyed by skiers and sledders. In the Rõuge settlement, there is also Estonia's deepest lake – Rõuge Suurjärv (38m) – and the largest Nature Clock in Estonia, whose hands mark the passage of time in nature's rhythm.Good to know: At the edge of Ööbikuorg, there is a visitor center and the Pesapuu observation tower, which offers a view of the entire valley.

The total length of the hiking trail in the primeval valley of the Piusa River is 15 km from the ruins of the Vastseliina Episcopal Castle to Lindora or vice versa. You can take the trail on foot, but parts of it are also passable either by bike or car. The highlights of the reserve are the tall Devonian sandstone outcrops – the tallest of them is the wall of Härma Mäemine or the Keldre Wall (total height 43 m, length 150 m). There are two camping sites – under the Make Wall on the first third of the trail and under the Härma Lower Wall towards the end of the trail.The object is not lighted, which is why we recommend to visit it during the day.

The hiking trail, which starts from Suur Taevaskoda, runs on the high banks of the Ahja River and on the tracks of the menu film The Last Relic. Suur Taevaskoda, the partially preserved Otten or Valgesoo watermill complex, the two-vaulted Otten mill bridge, and the miniature canyon, which became famous thanks to the film The Last Relic, picturesque views of the Ahja River, and a pit of a forest brothers' bunker can be seen on the hiking trail. The trail is marked with green colour on the trees and signs and there are several information boards on the trail. It is possible to camp and make a campfire at the Otten campfire site. When coming by car, the hike starts from Saesaare car park and therefore, the trail is about 2 km longer.

The Tiksoja hiking trails located near Tartu are suitable for families, amateur athletes and dog owners. The 1-2km circle-shaped trails start from the Tiksoja campfire site parking lot. The versatile trails run along forest paths. The 700-meter trail with compacted gravel cover you will be able to walk with a baby carriage or wheelchair. The 1-kilometre trail features activity areas for children and a fenceless area for dogs, the 2-kilometer trail features an outdoor gym. The trails are characterised by various bridges and crossings, a boardwalk and information boards located at interest points.You can rest at the Tiksoja campfire site with two roofed bench-tables and campfires with grilling griddles.