Luhasoo nature trail

The 4.5 km long trail around Lake Lossijärv with its varied terrain and beautiful views offers visitors plenty of excitement and sights at any time of year.The trail starts at Alatskivi or by the Bed of Kalevipoeg. Alatskivi Castle and Castle Park, Hirveaed Garden, Sheep Bridge, Bed of Kalevipoeg, Lake Veskijärv, and Lake Lossijärv are all along the trail. There are two large information boards on the trail, log stairs in the Bed of Kalevipoeg, two bridges, signs, and small information boards that introduce the objects found in the protected area.

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 2.8 km Pähni forest trail starts and ends at the Pähni Nature Centre.The trail starts with an information board with introductory text, later on you have to follow the signs.There are 15 points of interest on the trail with information on different types of forests, species of trees and evidence of cultural heritage and animal activity. There is also a fire pit and shelters (4) where you can relax and take a break. The trail is partially covered with a wooden boardwalk (200 m).

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.

The Elva primeval valley hiking trail is a 15.5 km long trail located in the Elva landscape protection area with alternating terrain for those who want to hike for several days. On the trail, you will find various forest landscapes, sandstone outcrops, wonderful forest lakes, Viti observation tower, floodplain meadows, trenches, beavers, and the kingdom of ants. There is also a Witch's House and Adventure Trail on the trail.The primeval valley trail starts and ends at the Tartu County Recreational Sports Centre. The scheme of the hiking trail with camping and campfire sites (including the Illi camping area) can be found HERE. The black or yellow numbers on the track indicate the kilometers travelled.Please respect the nature while you're here!

The 3-km-long circular forestry study trail, starting at Laari campfire site, is suitable for a peaceful walk for holidaymakers at the campfire site, nature lovers, and hikers with pets.The trail is very diverse - it runs along the paths and trails of the bright pine forest, the mysterious pine forest, and the eye-catching birch forest, over the Lambiniidu and a ditch, over which wooden bridges have been built.The trail is marked with signs and red dots on trees, the information boards on the trail introduce the surrounding nature and the different ways of forest management.

The hiking trail runs along a gravel road in a forest and introduces the life of ants. There are information boards next to the gravel road, as well as signposts near the ant colonies. The trail can also be explored in a vehicle. The 3.6 km trail starts at the information board at the roadside.The hiking trail is located in Padakõrve Nature Reserve. Its most important values include one of the largest populations of Scottish wood ants, diverse forest communities, and a multifaceted landscape. The purpose of the protected area is to protect the Scottish wood ants, as well as other protected species and their habitats, the forest communities, and the Kärgandi kame field.

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.