Tellingumäe observation tower and recreational area

Among the approximately 1 km study trail introducing the life of wood ants, the hiker can feel like a giant in the minuscule world of ants. In an area of 20 hectares there are 200 ant hills, the biggest of which is 1.7 m high; you can also admire the record-high spruce (42 m). The trail has signs, information boards, and bridges crossing ant highways.The trail is for walking only. While hiking on the trail near ant hills, use only the bridges installed there. The Laari forest study trail starts on the other side of the railway.The civilisation of ants offers an experience for both children and adults.

Between the forests of Elva is a mysterious body of water – Lake Vaikne. The beautiful forest lake is a sight in itself and enchants visitors with its charming nature and silence at any time of the year. The lake has also won the attention of the poet J. Kärner, who at one time often came here to gather inspiration.The place is suitable for a responsible holidaymaker who prefers less populated places and wants to have a breath-taking experience. The lake is suitable for swimming – the water is clean and very warm.Use the wooden bridge to dive into the lake!Swimming is at your own risk!The area is illustrated by the wooden sculptures of the Nature Energy Trail.

The 100-km-long downriver marathon runs on the Võhandu River in Võru and Põlva counties and is open all year round on ice-free days.The marathon starts from Võru town, on Lake Tamula and ends in Võõpsu village, Põlva County. The Võhandu River is surrounded by steep forest banks and numerous upright sandstone outcrops. There are several springs and spring caves in the rock walls and valleys. The Võhandu River provides a great rowing experience.Every year, on the third weekend of April, the world’s largest paddle marathon, the Võhandu Marathon, takes place on the Võhandu River, with 1,200 boats and more than 2,500 participants.

Karula National Park is Estonia's smallest national park, characterized by a hilly landscape rich in lakes, with 60 lakes on the highland. The national park is open to everyone: families, backpackers, and nature enthusiasts, offering various opportunities for relaxation and hiking. At the visitor center located by Lake Ähijärv, you can get information about the opportunities available in the national park, and the permanent exhibition there introduces the history, nature, folk culture of the Karula region, as well as the modern lifestyle. The heart of the national park is Lake Ähijärv, which is ideal for boating, swimming, and enjoying nature. Hiking enthusiasts are awaited by well-maintained trails that lead through forests, wooded meadows, and hilly landscapes, offering views unique to Karula. Popular destinations include the Rebäse hiking trail, Lüllemäe observation tower, and Kaika hillocks, which offer a great view of the rolling landscape. The national park has plenty of camping and bonfire sites, as well as natural swimming spots, making it suitable for both day trips and longer vacations.

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.

The Pikksaare hiking trail begins at the swimming and camping area by Lake Pangodi. While walking along the hiking trail, you can enjoy peace and idyllic views of the lake and the surrounding nature and make a short detour to the War of Independence Memorial. The directional signs placed along the trail will help make the hike smoother. The hiking trail passes the Pangodi campfire site, where you can take a short break, as there is a shelter, a barbecue area, a nice swimming spot, and opportunities for camping. Come and spend a nice day in nature with your family or friends!

The 3.5 km trail introduces different forest communities. It can be accessed from the parking lot at the beginning of the trail or the Sihi and Papi campfire sites. The trail runs along boardwalks and paths of varied landscape. It also passes the burial ground of the Manteuffel family and a complex monitoring station. You can camp and make a fire under a cover at the Sihi and Papi campfire sites. The trail is suitable for visitors of all ages, as it is interesting and educational.

The hiking trail that encircles Lake Pühajärv starts near the centre of Otepää Nature Park. The 14 km trail takes you on a voyage of discovery around one of the most unique and beautiful lakes in Estonia. Covering the whole track takes from 3–6 hours. There are rest areas and barbecue sites along the way. Part of the track (approximately 2.2 km) runs along the Pühajärve–Kääriku exercise track by the Otepää–Kääriku highway. You can cover the track by foot or bike. Cyclists must bear in mind that there are parts of the track on which you will have to push your bike instead of riding it. The Angunina, Kiigemäe and Koolirand campfire sites are located on the trail. There, you can make a fire and camp.