Piusa River valley hiking trail

Peräjärve forest trail guides the hiker through different forest types - fresh boreal forest, dry boreal forest, boreal heath forest, carr, and swamp forest. You will get an overview of the different uses of the forests throughout history, a living example of this are the trees near the trail, which are used to extract resin from.The study trail can be visited all year round: in spring there're a lot of bird sounds and the daphne mezereum blooms, in summer and autumn the forest is full of berries and mushrooms, and in winter you can see interesting animal tracks in snow.

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 Kääriku Sports Centre Hostel was completed in 2017. The building has eight double rooms with all comforts (so-called coaches’ room) and 33 four-bed rooms with bunk beds. There is a rest room with a TV and a PS4 in each of the four wings of the building. Check-in takes place at the reception of Kääriku Hotel, where guests receive personal door cards or wristbands. Kääriku Sports Centre offers many activities in summer and in winter (skiing, hiking, cycling). There is a playground for children. You can also play tennis and other ball games, swim, camp, and grill.Come to Kääriku!

Climbing to the top of Munamägi Hill is worth the effort – the view covers more than 50 km. The absolute height of Väike or Otepää Munamägi Hill is 207.5 m (relative height exceeds 80 m). There is a spring on the north-eastern slope of Väike Munamägi (in the direction of Otepää) that has been considered the start of the Väike Emajõgi River for a long time. The boulder on the edge of the first plain is the biggest in the area – 250,000 kg. Take a look at the aerial panorama (picture by Joel Tammet).

Located next to the community of Misso, Pullijärv is a nice place to spend some time. If you don't feel like swimming, you can hike around the lake: the 3.6-kilometer-long trail is just the right length for the whole family. The trail rises here and there too: boys used to do ski jumps from its highest point onto the lake in winter.The trail begins and ends at the RMK Pullijärv rental hut, which is located on the north shore of the lake. In spring and fall, the trail can be really wet.

This private, cozy log cabin is in Setomaa, South Estonia, amidst fields and beautiful nature. There are rich mushroom forests nearby and the Võhandu River meanders through the landscape. The house has a sauna with all the amenities for guests. On the ground floor, there is an open-plan lounge with a small kitchenette, where you can prepare a delicious dinner or breakfast. On the upper floor, there are sleeping places and a small balcony for relaxing. Outside the house, you can enjoy your morning coffee on the terrace, listen to birdsong, and watch the sunset in the evening. We also welcome campers and four-legged friends!

The Upper Härma Wall, also known as Keldri wall, is Estonia's highest Devonian sandstone outcrop. At 150-metres in length, it extends to a height of 19 metres, compared to the valley's edge which reaches a total height of 43 metres. Lower Härma, or Kõlgusniidu Wall, is also close by with a total height of 20.5 metres. Lower Härma, a projecting rock face, is arguably one of the most beautiful walls in the Piusa Ancient Valley, well-known for its brightly coloured layers of clay and majestic pyramid shape. This beautiful area has the added benefit of being host to a fantastic campsite for those wanting to make campfires, located in the meadow at the bend in the river.

An exciting hiking trail runs along the banks of the Koiva River, which borders Estonia and Latvia. You can discover points important to both countries' cultural heritage along the trail! The trail is 22 kilometers long, so there and back comes to 44 kilometers. The trail introduces old Estonians' way of life and offers the opportunity to get acquainted with historical heritage in the middle of nature. The trail includes, for example, Taheva Manor, a windmill, the ruins of a hay barn, and ancient trees. There are several campfire sites and camping sites. The trail is signposted and equipped with information boards in Estonian, Latvian, and English, and it can also be completed by bike.