Järvselja Primeval Forest Nature Study Trail

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.

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 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.

The Baltic Forest Trail is a hiking trail over 2,000 km long running through the Baltic States, of which 720 km are available for hiking in Estonia. The trail is divided into 50 one-day sections, each approximately 20 km long and marked with signposts. The trail sections have different difficulty levels so everyone can choose the most suitable one for themselves! The hiking trail passes through forested areas and two national parks, Lahemaa and Alustaguse National Parks. Along the way, you can observe trees of different species and places connected to historical events or legends. The trail is well-suited for bird and animal watching. The Baltic Forest Trail is part of the international European long-distance trail E11.

The 3.5 km trail introduces different forest communities. It can be accessed from the parking lot at the beginning of the trail or the Sihi and Papi campfire sites. The trail runs along boardwalks and paths of varied landscape. It also passes the burial ground of the Manteuffel family and a complex monitoring station. You can camp and make a fire under a cover at the Sihi and Papi campfire sites. The trail is suitable for visitors of all ages, as it is interesting and educational.

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.

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.

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.