Palumägede hiking trail and campfire site

Lake Saadjärv is the only lake to make the top ten of both the biggest and deepest lakes in Estonia. It covers 708 hectares and is 25 metres deep at its deepest point.It is the largest lake in the Vooremaa region, located in the Vooremaa Landscape Protection Area on the border of Jõgeva County and Tartu County. Lake Saadjärv and its boulders are associated with the legends of Kalevipoeg, the Estonian mythological hero.Lake Saadjärv is a popular recreational area and it offers activities throughout the year. There are a number of enterprises near the lake which offer a number of exciting activities. Additionally, there are cultural sites, museums, places for spending the night, and several sandy public beaches with playgrounds.

The Nohipalo study trail is an interesting and educational hiking trail. There are 16 information boards on the three-kilometre trail, which give a good overview of hunting and forestry.The diversity of the nature makes the trail exciting – boreo-nemoral forests, eskers, and heath forests, where blueberries, lingonberries, and mushrooms can be picked depending on the season.On the study trail, you can admire the magnificent badger area and explore the traces of beavers. If you are lucky, you might even see an animal there.The Nohipalo study trail starts and ends at the Ilumetsa forest house.

Järvselja nature study trail introduces the forest surrounding the centre of forestry and research. The trail is diverse and passes through a number of forests. Here, you will see the King’s pine (Kuningamänd), which is over 380 years old, as well as spruces that are more than 40 meters high – making them one of the highest trees in Estonia.The trail runs partly on a boardwalk and the route is 1–5 km long. A good starting point is either the Järvselja Hunting Lodge or the guest house, where there are information boards with a map of the trails.Järvselja study trail and the primeval forest represent one of the best locations to discover in Southern Estonia, marked with the yellow frame of National Geographic.

The hiking trail, which is suitable for a pleasant walk, starts on the other side of the road opposite the Voorepalu campfire site and runs along an extremely varied landscape with several steep ascents and descents. The trail has information boards introducing past events and folklore and the highest point of the trail has a table and benches for resting. Rope railings have been installed on the steep slopes of the trail.The historical Postal Road runs between the campfire site and the hiking trail. Ristimänd tree and many other exciting places are on the trail with a varied landscape. Two cars can park at the campfire site.

The two Taevaskoda outcrops on the banks of the ancient valley of the Ahja River are one of the most frequently visited sites in southern Estonia. The sandstone outcrops and the ancient river form the most beautiful part of the Ahja River Landscape Reserve. Legends speak of caves, secret passageways and of demons and a mermaid with a golden comb. A walk from the Saesaare dam to the Small Taevaskoda outcrop, the Emaläte spring, the Neitsikoobas cave and the Large Taevaskoda outcrop, which rises 22.5 metres above the river, is worth undertaking in every season. The beautiful and exciting natural setting attracts hikers – it is a place that every Estonian visits at least once in their life!

In the heart of the town of Elva, located in Tartu County, lies the scenic Arbi Lake, offering visual beauty with its rich vegetation, illuminated nature trails, and surrounding pine forest, as well as plenty of activities for every visitor. The 1.2 km-long circular gravel path by the lake starts at the beach and is ideal for walking, running, and cycling. The promenade offers various leisure opportunities – here you can relax, enjoy the quiet and beautiful views, or taste currants picked directly from the bush. Near the lake is the Elva Cultural Center, where you can visit free exhibitions and learn about local life. Hansen Avenue, which intersects with the nature trail and offers excellent views of the lake, is a popular spot for walkers and has served as a romantic setting for several weddings. Along the nature trail, there are 10 information boards and stands that offer a comprehensive overview of life around Arbi Lake and its shores, revealing the long-term connection between humans and the lake.

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.

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.