Pikalombi nature trails

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 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.

A beautiful bog lake hides in the shade of a pine forest in the northern part of the Lulli bog next to Lake Võrtsjärv. The natural lake is large (23 ha) and very shallow (there is only a metre of water here).The hiking trail starts at the information stand in the car park. Further on, the boardwalk leads directly to the water, which offers scenic views of the lake and the surrounding bog landscape. The short hiking trail (2.3 km) runs around the lake. It is impossible to get lost here, because the trail is circular and everyone finally gets back to the starting point.In the second half of the summer, cloudberries, blueberries, cranberries, and mushrooms can be picked from the surroundings.

You'll need several people to measure the circumference of the ancient, nearly 400-year-old oak tree towering nearby Lake Pühajärv in Otepää! The trunk of this ancient tree has a circumference of 6.6 meters. It is called the War Oak because it has witnessed many historical events. Apparently, peasants of the Pühajärv Manor refused to work for the manor in autumn 1841 and the rebels were punished near the oak. The Pühajärve War was one of the first peasant uprisings against the landlords in Estonia, and in memory of it, an oak tree was planted nearby, where a memorial stone was erected on the 130th anniversary of the uprising. A beautiful park with walking tracks surrounds the tree today, and although the ancient tree is no longer in its full glory, it stands here to its full dignity, recalling times gone by.

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.

Elistvere study trail is located in Elistvere village, Tartu County. The trail is 2 km long back and forth and starts at the Elistvere Animal Park. At the end of the study trail you will find the magical Lake Elistvere with an observation tower offering a great view to the flora surrounding the lake and animals running in the bushy greenery. The information boards at the road help the visitors and there are several observation platforms. The trail can be completed in a wheelchair and with a children's stroller as well.The study trail can be accessed only during the opening hours of the animal park. The animal park has an entrance fee.

The recreation area by Lake Pangodi is a popular holiday destination, offering a variety of opportunities to enjoy nature. In the holiday complex, you can swim, camp, and make a campfire. The large lawn by the sandy beach has a children's playground with active holiday elements and a volleyball court. At the beginning of the recreation area, there is a parking lot that can accommodate up to 30 cars. The Pangodi camping area is by the lake, where you can find three campfire sites with canopies and benches. Along the Pikksaare hiking trail (1 km) starting from the car park, you will reach the Pangodi campfire site, which is about 500 m from the crowded camping area in the Pangodi park forest. Be respectful to nature!

Kisejärve hiking trail is 6 km long and runs along former horse roads and swamp borders (rubber boots are recommended). The hiking trails takes you past several lakes, valuable nature and bog communities and you can also see the results of the activities of beavers.