Sangaste forest park trail

The hiking trail starts from the parking area near the Kütiorg Holiday Centre. The trail is diverse, with fairly steep and challenging terrain, so it's recommended to allow four to five hours to complete it. Along the trail, hikers get the best view of Estonia’s largest and most powerful ancient valley – Kütiorg – and can explore old mill sites and other cultural heritage landmarks. In the forested slopes of Kütiorg, there are spruce stands over a hundred years old, as well as exceptionally thick and tall aspen trees. Near the starting point of the trail, there is a campfire site equipped with a grill grate. Good to know: Part of the trail passes through private property, where dogs may roam freely.

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.

Come walk with your family on the Taevaskoda hiking trail, located in the Ahja River Valley Landscape Reserve. The trail starts from the Taevaskodade parking lot and runs circularly along both banks of Ahja River, where the outcrops of Väike and Suur Taevaskoja, caves formed by springs, and picturesque views catch your eye.At the beginning of the hiking trail, there is an information board with a map of the recreational area and the trail. On the trail, signs in Estonian, English, and Russian will help you find the way. Visitors with a wheelchair or a stroller can travel along the alternative trail to Suur Taevaskoda, length 3 km. Good to know: you can see kingfishers flying around while walking in Taevaskoda.

During the summer season, beautiful Pühajärve Beach awaits you in Otepää with its clean sand, swimming pier, and full-sized outdoor swimming pool. In the summer, the beach has lifeguards, several catering companies, SUP board rentals, and boat rentals offering row boats, canoes, and pedal boats. A special pier and changing room have been built for visitors in wheelchairs. During the winter, a winter swimming pool is open on the beach. Pühajärve Park, which surrounds the beach, invites both young and old to walk along its shady paths. Come to Pühajärve and enjoy a day at the beach!

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!

On the Vapramäe nature study trail (3.5 km), which is part of the Vapramäe–Vellavere–Vitipalu network, you can enjoy the eskers, read legends about Kalev's Son, and explore Põlismänd pine, the King's linden, Kerikmägi citadel, and much more.The nature study trail, marked with white-red-white, starts at the Vapramäe stop. There is also a picnic area with a campfire site on the hiking trail by the Elva River. You can go even further from the Vapramäe Nature House and visit the Tartu Observatory. It is easy to get there, because the domes of the observatory can be seen from afar.

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.

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.