A nature study trail in the southernmost point of Estonia

Vällamäe 3,3 km long hiking trail offers a unique elevation change in Estonia. Vällamägi is Estonia's second highest hill, covered with ancient forest and steep slopes, with an elevation of 303.9 m above sea level. However, considering the 84 meters measured from the base to the peak, Vällamägi is the highest in relative height in Estonia. The slopes of the hill are very steep in places (incline of 35-40 degrees). Since 1992, Vällamäe forests have been designated as a spruce gene pool reserve. As you move along the trail, steep ascents and descents alternate, offering both a physical challenge and breathtaking views of the ancient forest shelters. The climb to the peak may momentarily make you feel like you've arrived in the mountains, not Haanja. The charm of Vällamäe lies in its primordial silence and touch of nature – you won't find crowded hiking trails here. Each season adds its own character to the trail: in spring, the air is filled with birdsong, in summer you may find berries in the forest, in autumn colorful leaves and an abundance of mushrooms delight the eyes, and in winter the slopes are covered with a dense layer of snow in silence.

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.

The Kaljupealse campfire site is located on the banks of the Võhandu River, in a beautiful pine forest. The riverside and high banks offer a beautiful view of the Võhandu River and sand outcrops. The campfire site has a roofed table and benches, a roofed grill, and firewood. The place is ideal for campers, fishing enthusiasts, and as a resting point for guests coming here with boats.Along the high sandy shores, through a beautiful pine forest, there is an unmarked hiking trail where you can enjoy beautiful views of nature or pick berries and mushrooms.

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.

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.

Tamme Outcrop hiking track is located on the eastern shore of Lake Võrtsjärv between the villages of Tamme and Neemisküla in Elva municipality. The area is rich in Devon sandstone outcrops from the Aruküla layer. Tamme Outcrop, which is located on the track, is an area where placoderms have been found and where valuable paleontological material has been collected since the second half of the 19th century.Ten information boards have been set up along the hiking track, which is almost 2 km long. They provide interesting information about the local natural environment. If you walk 1 km north on the track, you can turn back and hike back along a field or on a forest trail on the outcrop.

The Soontaga hiking trail is located at Kiidjärve-Kooraste recreation area. The hiking trail runs along the typical Southern Estonian mixed forests and arrives at the Väike-Emajõgi river. The hiking trail, which can be completed on foot, runs in a circle.There are several information boards at the hiking trail, which describe the nature of the area. The beautiful bodies of water at the hiking trail are equipped with bridges. In addition to the hiking trail there is the Soontaga campsite with campfire places at the recreation area.If you visit the hiking trail during the season, you might find forest berries or mushrooms on our journey.

The study trail is well-suited for getting acquainted with the development and vegetation of bogs and for observing pine cultures. A 1.8 km long circular study trail revolves around the Valgesoo bog. On the she study trail you can explore the bog vegetation, old pine plantation ("Baron's pine forest"), and a forest edge rich of Scottish wood ants. The whole trail is accessible by a wheelchair or stroller. To facilitate movement on the track, there is a track map and colour markings on the trees. There is an observation tower and a campfire site at the start of the study trail.Valgesoo bog is one of the 21 places worth discovering in Southern Estonia, which is suggested to be visited for those who are interested in nature.