RMK Liipsaare observation tower

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 viewing platform at Tehvandi's ski jumping hill is a unique attraction. From a height of 34 meters, watch ski jumpers training or competing or just enjoy the view. There is an entrance fee, and the platform is accessible by stairs or elevator. The viewing platform, which is part of the Tehvandi K90 ski jump complex, is 218 meters above sea level and offers a view of the city of Otepää and the surrounding landscape. The tower is the second tallest observation tower in South Estonia after the Suur Munamägi observation tower. Come and enjoy the views of the Otepää highlands in any weather!

Harimägi is one of the largest mesas in the Otepää Uplands (211 m above sea level). It is worth coming to Harimäe whenever you are near Otepää. The Harimäe Observation Tower is located 3 km from Kääriku in the direction of Sangaste. The height of the tower is 28 m, and the highest viewing platform is 24 m high. The tower offers views of the Otepää mountains and across the Väike Emajõgi valley to the Karula upland. Camping is also allowed at the tower. Good to know: Harimägi is also called 'Leenard and Leonhard's hill.' From 1816 to 1819, geodetic surveys were carried out here by the internationally recognised astronomer and surveyor Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struwe (1793–1864).

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).

From the 25-meter-high viewing platform of the Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Center's tower, visitors have a great opportunity to enjoy the enchanting landscapes around Pühajärve in every season. The modern glass-walled tower, built in place of the former wooden tower of Pühajärve Manor, which also operated as a café for years, offers expansive views of the surrounding area. From the top of the tower, there is a wonderful panoramic view of Pühajärve, Neitsijärve, and the picturesque forests and hilly landscape of Otepää Nature Park. In addition to regular visits, we offer the option to celebrate important events in the tower, by prior arrangement. Whether it's a birthday, anniversary, romantic surprise, engagement, or any other special moment, the unique ambience makes every event even more special. If desired, there is also the possibility to work remotely or spend a peaceful moment alone here. Good to know: To reach the top of the tower, you need to climb 152 steps.

Suur Munamägi is the highest peak in the Baltics, rising 318 meters above sea level. The 29.1-meter-tall observation tower at the top of the hill was completed in 1939 and offers breathtaking views up to 50 kilometers away in clear weather. From here, the true essence of Estonia’s landscape unfolds—vast forests stretching into the distance, shimmering lakes, rolling hills, and the scattered farmsteads of Old Võromaa. The views from the tower are different every time—spring brings soft green tones, summer a lush abundance of color, autumn radiant foliage, and winter paints the landscape with a fairytale-like white. This is why Suur Munamägi remains a unique destination throughout the year. Suur Munamägi has been a beloved attraction for over two centuries—the first observation tower was built here in 1812. The current tower is the sixth in its history; previous wooden or lower towers were gradually destroyed or dismantled. For this reason, the present tower is a historical gem of its own kind, combining both cultural and natural value.

The Valgesoo watchtower is located in the Valgesoo bog, which represents one of the 21 places worth discovering in South Estonia and is recommended for all nature enthusiasts.With its eye-catching design, the watchtower overlooks the Valgesoo bog, the pristine-looking primeval forest, and the Baron's pine forest (Parunimännik) and the study trail that runs through it. The 29.7 m high metal watchtower has three intermediate platforms, the last of which is 23.8 m high, with a wind screen and seat benches in the centre. The State Forest Management Centre's campfire site and camping area for up to five tents are nearby.

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.