Oandu-Aegviidu-Ikla hiking route is a long hiking trail that goes through the whole country, from border to border, from sea to sea. The trail is 370 km long and begins from North-Estonia Lahemaa National Park, goes through Kõrvemaa Landscape Reserve and Soomaa National Park – one of Europe’s biggest bog landscapes. The end of the trail goes on through the forests of Pärnu County reaching finally the small fisherman’s villages of South-West coast and the beautiful sandy beaches of Liivi Bay.

The trail is marked with kilometer posts, signs on turning points and white-red-white paint markings. There are 6 big information boards by the trail that talk about forestry, the legacy of forestry of the past times, culture and recreation.
As a rule, there is no drinking water on our campsites (exept, if stated otherwise on website – f.e. Võsu campsite). Tap water is available in nature centres on the trail. Water can be taken from natural bodies of water (rivers, lakes) and make it drinkable by adding disinfection tablet or by boiling.

Files for GPS devices

Trail in gpx format suitable for Garmin GPS devices (to load this file in your GPS we suggest BaseCamp, you can download it from Garmin’s homepage):

Section I Oandu-Aegviidu-Ikla/Oandu-Kalmeoja (40 km)

This section starts at the RMK Oandu visitor centre, there is a good place to park your car. Starting to move from Oandu, you can get a good overview of the beautiful Lahemaa. The campsites are nice and a pleasant stay for the tired traveler.

Campfire site      Nõmmeveski campfire site, Kalmeoja campfire site

Campsite            Oandu campsite, Võsu campsite

Section II Kalmeoja – Aegviidu (38 km)

At the beginning of this section the hiker has to cross Viru bog. After Viru bog the RMK Hiking Route crosses Tallinn-Narva highway and enters North-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve. North-Kõrvemaa Nature Reserve is a well known place among Estonian hikers. With its diverse landscapes, beautiful forests and solitary lakes it is certainly one of the most interesting parts of the hiking route.

Visitor Centre      Aegviidu Visitor Centre

Campfire site      Kalmeoja campfire site

Campsite            Järvi Pärnjärve campsite, Järvi Pikkjärve campsite, Nikerjärve campsite, Jussi campsite, Paukjärve campsite

Section III Aegviidu – Hirvelaane (61 km)

The third section passes through Kõrvemaa Landscape Proection Area, where the nature is beautiful and diverse. This section also feature one of the longest boardwalks in Estonia – the boardwalk over Kakerdaja bog is over 3,5 kilometers long.
After Kakerdaja bog there are 17 km of hiking trails alternating with gravel roads through Kõrvemaa to the Paunküla Reservoir Lake.
After the Paunküla Reservoir hiker has to cross Tallinn – Tartu highway and then the trail goes along gravelly village roads, finally reaching Rapla County.

Visitor Centre      Aegviidu Visitor Centre

Campfire site      Napu campfire site, Noku campfire site, Kalajärve campfire site, Mägede campfire sites, Hirvelaane campfire site

Campsite            Hiieveski campsite, Nikerjärve campsite

Section IV Hirvelaane – Kellissaare (70 km)

This section goes through the central Estonian Sakala Recreation Area. There are 5 possibilities for spending the night: Kellissaare, Kabelimäe, Luite and Hüpassaare campfire site and Saeveski forest hut.
A sight worth seeing is C. R. Jakobson’s farmstead at Kurgja, there is also a tavern where you can eat and drink traditional Estonian food. Another possibility to have a proper warm meal is at the Vanaõue Holiday Centre. The section ends at another important cultural sight, composer Mart Saar’s House Museum at Hüpassaare.

Campfire site      Mukri campfire site, Tillniidu campfire site, Loosalu campfire site, Hirvelaane campfire site, Kellissaare campfire site

Section V Kellissaare – Hüpassaare (28 km)

This section of the RMK Hiking Route goes through Rapla County passing old villages and farmsteads. Loosalu-Paluküla nature trail and Mukri nature trail offer a change in scenery. Most beautiful natural sights are Loosalu and Mukri bog and Paluküla Reevimägi Hill.
Bigger populated places along the trail are Vana-Kaiu, Paluküla and Lelle. In Lelle there is a shop and railroad connection to Tallinn.

Campfire site      Luite campfire site, Kabelimäe campfire site, Kellissaare campfire site, Hüpassaare campfire site

Forest hut           Saeveski forest hut

Section VI Hüpassaare – Kopra (56 km)

This section goes through Soomaa National Park. Soomaa Nationa Park was created to protect bogs, meadows, forests and cultural heritage. This 390 km² area on the edges of Viljandi and Pärnu County away from big population is a place more known for it’s fifth season when melting snow rises the water in Halliste and Navesti River creating an enormous flood.
Also by the Hiking Route there is Soomaa Nature Centre where you can get maps and brochures and watch the exposition and a film introducing Soomaa National Park.

Visitor Centre      Soomaa National Park Visitor Center

Campfire site      Hüpassaare campfire site, Kõrtsi-Tõramaa campfire site, Mulgi meadow campfire site, Pertlimetsa campfire site, Läti campfire site, Kopra campfire site

Forest hut           Oksa hay barn forest hut, Oksa granary forest hut

Section VII Kopra – Ikla (74 km)

This last section of the Hiking Route goes through the forests of Pärnu County. There are several stopping points where you can camp and spend the night.
Kabli Visitor Centre welcomes visitors to discover their new exhibition. The trail passes by Kabli Birdstation, a good spot to observe the bird migration in autumn. The village of Kabli has it’s roots in shipbuilding. Also by the trail is the house museum of Captain Markson.
And the hungry hiker should definitely make a stop at the Kabli Bakery.
The official ending point of the Hiking Route is in Ikla where Estonia ends and Latvia begins. Those who wish to wonder on could take a look at Latvian village Ainaži.

Visitor Centre      Kabli Visitor Centre

Campfire site       Kilingi-Nõmme campfire site, Priivitsa campfire site, Kopra campfire site

Forest hut            Laiksaare forest hut

Campsite             Krapi campsite, Lemme campsite, Lake Rae campsite

In 2018, the centenary year of the Republic of Estonia, the third RMK hiking route Penijõe–Aegviidu–Kauksi was opened. The three existing routes now form a network of hiking trails, where hikers can choose the beginning and the end of their journey and, for example, hike from Oandu to Penijõe as all the branches of the hiking route meet at Aegviidu.

The 613-km RMK Penijõe–Aegviidu–Kauksi hiking route, which runs on its way through six counties, starts at Penijõe manor in Matsalu National Park and goes through the open flood meadows of the Kasari river towards Rapla County, where it meanders between bogs, large forests, ancient forts and fields towards Harju County, Paunküla hills and finally to Aegviidu, the capital of hiking.

The longer part of the new route, however, is to the east of Aegviidu. In Lääne-Viru County, the route runs along narrow and high eskers over the Neeruti hills, through abandoned military bases to Tudu wetland area at the border of Ida-Viru County.

In Ida-Viru County, the view on the route changes considerably: there are the industrial landscapes of Kiviõli and Püssi with the semicoke and ash hills, the former open quarry of Aidu and the mining park and museum of Kohtla-Nõmme. Also the tall semi-coke plateaus of Kohtla-Järve can be seen from the route.

On the northern coast, the hiking route goes on and under the high coastal klint and visits Estonia’s highest coastal escarpment at Ontika and highest waterfall at Valaste, offering scenic views on the sea and the forest at the foot of the klint, as far as Sillamäe.

The trail eventually turns to the south and goes through the former battlefields of the Battle of Tannenberg Line and the neglected mining settlements, past the Kurtna lakes, through the forests of Agusalu and Alutaguse to the end point at Kauksi on the northern shore of Lake Peipus.
The trail is signposted and marked with white-yellow-white paint marks.

File for GPS devices

Trail in gpx format suitable for Garmin GPS devices (to load this file in your GPS we suggest BaseCamp, you can download it from Garmin’s homepage):

Section I Penijõe-Varbola (84 km)

The route starts at the Visitor Centre of Matsalu National Park at Penijõe and runs along existing roads and paths towards Varbola. On the way one can see the scenic flood meadows of the Kasari river, where tens of thousands of birds migrating through Estonia stop over during spring and autumn migration seasons. Then there is the former trackbed running to Virtsu, and the karst areas of Märjamaa. Next, the hiking route travels on ancient coastal formations to Varbola stronghold, which is one of the largest forts in Estonia and was used from the 12th to 14th century. The route also goes through the parks of several well-known or less known manors.

Visitor Centre         Matsalu National Park Visitor Center

Campfire site         Penijõe campfire site, Rumba campfire site, Hirvepargi campfire site, Susla campfire site, Kõrvetaguse campfire site

Hiking trail             Penijõe hiking trail (3,2-7 km)

Other                      Varbola stronghold

Campsite                Varbola stronghold campsite

Observation Tower  Kloostri observation tower , Penijõe observation tower

Section II Varbola-Aegviidu (134 km)

In Rapla County, the hiking route goes through the Rabivere and Kõnnu bogs that extend between the small towns of Hageri and Hagudi. Both bogs are located in a hollow and bordered by plateaus. Next, the trail runs through Kohila municipality and the Naisteraba bog in Mahtra Nature Reserve to Paunküla hills in Harju County, where hikers can walk up and down the eskers that were formed during the post-glacial period and offer a pleasant change from the flat terrain. After Paunküla, the trail takes the hiker to Aegviidu, where all the three routes of the RMK hiking trail meet.

Visitor Centre      Aegviidu Visitor Centre

Campfire site      Paunküla campfire site, Voose campfire site, Rabivere campfire site, Järlepa campfire site, Naisteraba campfire site

Hiking trail          Paunküla hills hiking trail (total length 12 km)

Other                   Varbola stronghold

Campsite             Varbola stronghold campsite

Section III Aegviidu-Roela (106 km)

From Aegviidu, the trail runs further in Lääne-Viru County, past the town of Tapa to Ohepalu and Neeruti villages, goes through Porkuni village and through the former Soviet missile base territory to the cone dryer at Roela.

Visitor Centre        Aegviidu Visitor Centre

Campfire site        Roela campfire site, Tõõrakõrve campfire site, Ohepalu campfire site, Tissipuu campfire site, Mardihansu campfire site, Rocket Base campfire site

Nature trail           Neeruti nature trail (1,5 km ja 3,5 km)

Information point  Roela Cone Hut Museum

Campsite              Nikerjärve campsite, Eesjärve campsite

Section IV Roela-Mummassaare (156 km)

Going through Tudu forests, the hiking route arrives at Ida-Viru County. The urban part of the trail starts near Uljaste: it goes through the small towns of Sonda and Kiviõli to Püssi. Next, the hiking route takes you through the former Aidu quarry and the Kohtla-Nõmme mining museum to the sea, where it is possible to enjoy amazing views of the Ida-Viru industrial landscapes. The hiking route runs along the northern coast to Toila park and from there, through Voka park to Sillamäe, and to Mummassaare campfire site in Udria Landscape Reserve.

Campfire site       Roela campfire site, Uljaste campfire site, Aidu-Liiva campfire site, Aidu-Nõmme campfire site, Alulinna campfire site, Langevoja campfire site, Toila campfire site, Mummassaare campfire site

Hiking trail           Uljaste hiking trail (3,8 km)

Other                    Oru park

Information point  Roela Cone Hut Museum

Study trail             Seljamäe study trail (7 km)

Section V Mummassaare-Kauksi (133 km)

The last section of Penijõe–Aegviidu–Kauksi hiking route starts at the sea on the northern coast of Estonia, goes past the Kuremäe Convent, then along forest roads to Iisaku, heading to Kotka hiking trail and then further to the inland sand dunes (kriivas) of Agusalu. Next, the trail runs past large mires to Lake Peipus, and along the northern shore of the lake to Kauksi.

Visitor Centre        Alutaguse National Park Visitor Center

Campfire site        Liivjärve campfire site, Rääkjärve campfire site, Martiska campfire site, Jõuga lakes campfire site, Iisaku hill campfire site, Kõrtsikraavi campfire site, Rüütli campfire site, Agusalu campfire site, Mummassaare campfire site

Hiking trail            Kurtna hiking trail (9 km), Kotka hiking trail (6,7 km)

Forest hut              Seljandiku forest hut

Campsite               Konsu campsite, Uusküla campsite, Kauksi campsite

Observation Tower Iisaku observation tower

In 2013, a new branch was added to the existing Oandu-Aegviidu-Ikla route, taking visitors from Aegviidu to Ähijärve. The new branch was created according to the same principles as the first one, i.e. the existing trails and rest stops were connected into one route. This branch is slightly longer, being originally 628 km long.
In 2015, one more section was added to this new branch – the 192-km trail from Peraküla to Aegviidu, which now, together with the Aegviidu-Ähijärve section, make up the RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route.

RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route goes through nine counties and a number of protected areas, offering along its current 812 kilometres lots of amazing sceneries of Estonia: the spectacular sand and shingle beaches of West Estonia, the dark forests of Harju county, the wonderful grain fields in the fertile Järva county, the impressive wetlands of the Endla bog and Emajõe-Suursoo Reserve, the hilly and light-filled pine forests of Põlva county and Estonia’s best of the best landmarks in Võru county.
The trail is signposted and marked with white-green-white paint marks.

File for GPS devices

Trail in gpx format suitable for Garmin GPS devices (to load this file in your GPS we suggest BaseCamp, you can download it from Garmin’s homepage):

Section I Peraküla-Vihterpalu (27 km)

Estonia’s longest hiking route starts at Nõva Visitor Centre at Peraküla and runs at first along a nearly century-old cobblestone road to solitary woods and then to the seaside. Along the trail there are spectacular lakes, amazing sandy beaches and wonderful villages.

Visitor Centre     Nõva visitor centre

Campfire site     Allikajärve campfire site, Keibu campfire site II, Keibu campfire site I, Lepaaugu campfire site, Vihterpalu campfire site

Rest stop           Toatsejärve rest stop

Section II Vihterpalu-Ohtu (46 km)

In this section the hiking route runs mostly along earth tracks and gravel roads through nice pine stands. Several interesting and significant landmarks can be found along the trail, for example Harju-Risti church, Padise monastery, the former open mine at Rummu, and Vasalemma Manor.
At Harju-Risti, Padise and Vasalemma there are shops where hikers can restock their food.

Campfire site     Padise campfire site, Ohtu campfire site, Vihterpalu campfire site

Section III Ohtu-Alavere (83 km)

This section of the hiking route is quite varied. Although most of the route goes along larger and smaller gravel roads, the trail introduces also some long, narrow and relatively wild paths, which can be challenging to pass. There are study trails along the route, for example the Metsanurme-Üksnurme history and nature study trail. There is also a patch of bog on this route – namely, the Saarte bog in Kiili municipality. In addition, the hiking route runs through the Tuhala-Nabala Nature Reserve, formed for the protection of the karst area. Due to its closeness to Tallinn, in this section one must also cross several larger main roads.

Campfire site     Metsanurme campfire site, Ohtu campfire site, Alavere campfire site, Saula campfire site, Saarte bog campfire site

Section IV Alavere-Aegviidu (32 km)

In this section, the hiking route reaches the forests of Kõrvemaa area. In Alavere there is a shop where food supplies can be restocked. Also the Jägala and Jänijõgi rivers are along the route. The end point of this section is at Aegviidu Visitor Centre.

Visitor Centre     Aegviidu Visitor Centre

Campfire site     Krani campfire site, Alavere campfire site

Section V Aegviidu-Oostriku (107 km)

This part of the route starts from the yard of Aegviidu Visitor Centre and meanders its first 30 kilometres in the same track with the Oandu-Ikla hiking route. On Matsimäe esker, the trails branch at the hiking hotel “Rabav”, where the Ähijärve direction turns south.
The trail goes over the Seli bog to Simisalu, thereafter to Vargamäe and then over the Kodru bog to Järva-Madise. Here the classic nature hiking ends for some time, as the trail winds through Järva county mainly along roads that are mostly lined with fields and grasslands.
Among larger places on the trail there are Järva-Madise, Aravete, Järva-Jaani and Koeru, where hikers can restock their supplies, enjoy civilization or even end or start their journey.
The route runs through Koeru along its main street and then, outside the borough, goes towards the Norra springs area. The trail goes along a gravel road to the western part of the Endla Nature Reserve.

Visitor Centre     Aegviidu Visitor Centre

Campfire site     Mägede campfire site, Napu campfire site, Noku campfire site, Matsimäe quarry campfire site, Kurisoo campfire site, Rava campfire site, Oostriku river campfire site, Kalajärve campfire site, Tamme campfire site

Campsite            Nikerjärve campsite

Section VI Oostriku-Elistvere (76 km)

This section of the hiking route starts with the miraculous springs area in the western part of Endla Nature Reserve. The hiking route continues up to Hundissaare campfire site between forests and meadows along a gravel road. From Hundissaare, the route meanders in the massive forest along gravel forest rides up to the Jõgeva-Põltsamaa Road and then along a forest road to Siimusti campfire site.
The hiking route goes through Siimusti, then along an asphalt road to Härjanurme, next it crosses the Pedja river and runs along gravel roads between fields and in magnificent forests up to the Tartu-Jõgeva Road and the railway. The tunnel under the railroad takes hikers to the other side.
One can stop at Kassinurme campfire site. When leaving the site, a wonderful view opens from the top of the drumlin. The gravel road continues along the scenic Vooremaa area with its varied landscape. The trail passes Lake Raigastvere and proceeds to Elistvere Nature Centre, where it is possible to replenish drinking water supplies and ask for information. Parking area for cars and buses, an excellent place to start and end the hike.

Campsite            Oostriku river campfire site, Siimusti campfire site, Hundissaare campfire site, Elistvere campfire site, Purskava allika campfire site, Kassinurme campfire site

Section VII Elistvere-Kantsi (80 km)

A paved road runs to Maarja, thereafter it is a gravel road to the Papi campfire site in a beautiful pine forest at Lake Saare. From there it is possible to go to the Kaiu lakes along a paved road. On this way there are five campfire sites with camping possibilities. The hiking route continues mainly along forest paths and rides through the diverse landscape of the Kaiu kame area and Selgise hills up to Kukemetsa rental hut. From the rental hut, the route takes the visitor along village roads to Tähemaa campfire site and thereafter, along gravel and village roads to Kantsi campfire site at the side of the river Emajõgi.
A nature centre has been established in the former Kantsi tavern. There is also the start of the Emajõe study trail.

Visitor Centre     Elistvere animal park and visitor centre

Campfire site     Papi campfire site, Elistvere campfire site, Lake Kaiu campfire site, Tähemaa campfire site, Tammeluha campfire site, Jõemõisa campfire site, Kalamehe campfire site, Kukeseene campfire site

Hiking trail        Tammeluha hiking trail (3 km)

Forest hut           Kukemetsa forest hut

Section VIII Kantsi-Kiidjärve (44 km)

When you start off at Kantsi campfire site, see that you will arrive at Kavastu in time to catch the cable ferry. Namely, at Kavastu you can cross the river Emajõgi on the cable ferry, walkers are also taken across by boat. On the other side, the trail first goes along an asphalt road up to Kastre village. Then it continues along straight forest rides and paths and later between fields to Võnnu. After Võnnu, the trail goes along gravel and forest roads to Ahja campfire site. From the campfire site you will arrive at Ahja, where there is a shop, cafe, Ahja manor and a pharmacy. On the way there is also a swimming place which is refreshing in hot weather.
The trail goes on to Valgesoo Landscape Protection Area. There is a campfire site and it is possible to complete the 2 km Valgesoo study trail and take a look at the wonderful bog scenery through the yellow frame of the National Geographic.
Kiidjärve Visitor Centre is located in Kiidjärve village on the bank of the scenic Ahja river. The nature centre is a good place to start and end your hike, as there is a parking area for cars. During the opening hours of the nature centre you can replenish your drinking water supplies and ask for information.

Visitor Centre     Kiidjärve Visitor Centre

Campfire site     Ahja campfire site

Study trail          Valgesoo study trail (1,8 km)

Section IX Kiidjärve-Piusa (121 km)

From Kiidjärve, the trail continues along the bank of the Ahja river up to Taevaskoja and then on to Otteni rental hut. The hiking trail passes the places in which one of the most popular Estonian films “The Last Relic” was shot. Next, the trail goes through the town of Põlva, the villages of Peri, Leevi and Paidra to Meenikunno Landscape Protection Area. In the landscape protection area, there are two lakes quite near one another – Lake Valgejärv, one of the most clear-water lakes in Estonia, and Lake Mustjärv, one of the most brown-water lakes in Europe.
At Värska, the journey continues through the former Värska ‘Southern Camp’ to Piusa Caves.

Visitor Centre           Kiidjäve Visitor Centre

Campfire site           Sõnajala campfire site, Leevi campfire site, Valgjärve campfire site, Mustjärve campfire site, Värska campfire site, Poogandi campfire site, Lõunalaagri campfire site, Otteni campfire site, Peri campfire site, Paidra campfire site, Piusa campfire site

Hiking trail              Meenikunno hiking trail (5,8 km), Lõunalaagri hiking trail (1,8 km)

Rental hut                Otteni rental hut, Päikeseloojangu rental hut, Luige rental hut, Värska rental huts

Forest hut                Liipsaare forest hut, Rebasmäe forest hut

Observation Tower   Liipsaare observation tower

Section X Piusa-Pähni (103 km)

Here the route continues towards Võru County. This section could be well characterised using the words “the largest”, “the tallest”, “the deepest”… The trail goes along the bank of the Piusa river, the river with the greatest drop, passes Härma wall, the highest sandstone outcrop in Estonia, Suur-Munamägi, the highest peak, and Lake Rõuge Suurjärv, the deepest lake in Estonia.
After Luhasoo Landscape Protection Area the trail gets to Pähni village, where you can find RMK Pähni Nature Centre. Here it is good to start and end the hike. During the opening hours of the nature centre you can replenish your drinking water supplies and ask for information.

Visitor Centre    Pähni Visitor Centre

Campfire site    Lake Kavadi campfire site, Lake Vaskna campfire site, Haanja campfire site, Lõunatipu campfire site, Cycling trails campfire site

Hiking trail        Kirikumäe hiking trail (3,2 km), Lake Kavadi hiking trail (2,2 km), Vällamäe hiking trail (3,3 km – red indication), Piusa river valley hiking trail (15 km)

Rental hut         Vällamäe rental hut

Forest hut          Pähni forest hut

Study trail         Luhasoo study trail (5 km), Paganamaa study trail (3,8-4,7 km)

Section XI Pähni-Ähijärve (105 km)

This section of the route is characterised by curvy village and forest roads, undulating open fields, numerous lakes and hills, and lots of berries and mushrooms in the forests in summer.
From Pähni the hiking route goes along forest, field and village roads to the Paganamaa area, which is rich in legends. The jewel of Paganamaa is the chain of lakes at Piirioja. The Estonian-Latvian border divides the lakes into two. From Paganamaa, cyclists and walkers have to continue along different ways. Walkers are directed into the wild forest and cyclists continue along forest and village roads to Metsavenna campfire site. There is a shop and a tourist farm which introduces the life of “forest brothers” (partisans hiding in the woods during WWII). Next, the trail goes through the village of Naha to the sourthernmost tip of Estonia. After that, it runs along forest tracks to the Tellingumägi hill, where it is possible to enjoy the view of the amazing curvy Mustjõgi river and its floodplains. The hiking trail continues through the beautiful and luminous pine stands of Koiva and the wooded Karula National Park to Ähijärve. At the visitor centre there it is good to start and/or end your hike. During the opening hours of the visitor centre you can replenish your drinking water supplies and ask for information. Accommodation is available in the building next to the visitor centre.

Visitor Centre    Pähni Visitor Centre, Karula National Park Visitor Center

Campfire site    Tellingumäe campfire site, Alumati campfire site, Kõrgeperve campfire site, Veski campfire site, Linnajärve campfire site, Lake Ähijärv campfire site, Metsavenna campfire site, Lõunatipu campfire site, Paganamaa campfire site

Forest hut          Pähni forest hut, Kivi forest hut

Campsite           Suuremäe campsite

Study trail         Paganamaa study trails (3,8-4,7 km)

The RMK Hiking Route now extends to the western islands of Estonia.

In autumn 2021, a new branch of the RMK Hiking Route was opened on the island of Hiiumaa – the Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve branch – or the Hiiumaa branch – of the Hiking Route. This branch is an extension of the Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking trail, which runs in mainland Estonia.

Like on the mainland, the hiking trail is blazed with white-green-white marks.
Being just 234 km long, it is the shortest and the most compact branch of the hiking route, running around and through Hiiumaa. The distance between the beginning and the end of the trail is actually only three kilometres.

Regardless of the relatively moderate length, the trail offers much diversity and extremely beautiful and powerful nature experiences.
The Hiiumaa trail runs through most of the reserves on the island.
A large portion of the hiking route trail can be passed on foot only, because it goes over delicate landscapes that would perish under wheels.
The trail starts at Heltermaa Harbour and its first part runs mainly along village roads and local roads. After Kärdla, the capital of Hiiumaa, the trail is completely different – more than 100-km long nature trail which passes through places with very low population density, the most exciting and scenic landscapes of the island: the forests of the Tahkuna peninsula, sand dunes, beaches and different military structures on the northern coast of the island. Thereafter the hiking trail takes a turn to the centre of Hiiumaa, going past the loose sand area of Kaibaldi and the wetland and bog areas of the central Hiiumaa, and finally returning towards the coast.
Back on the coast, the trail takes a tour of the Kõpu peninsula, offering magnificent views from high coastal dunes, visiting beautiful beaches at Ristna cape, and stopping at one of the symbols of Hiiumaa – the Kõpu lighthouse. On Kõpu peninsula you will also find the RMK Ristna Visitor Centre.

After Kõpu, the trail heads again towards the centre of the island, through the Vanajõe valley and over Leemeti hills, to Tihu forest hut deep in the woods.
At Tihu forest hut, an extension of the trail starts, which takes hikers to Sõru harbour at the southern tip of Hiiumaa.
The wild nature trail ends at Tihu forest hut and next the trail goes mainly through agricultural landscapes and along local roads up to the island of Kassari, visiting the sights there.
On the way back from Kassari to Hiiumaa, the trail runs over the sea – in dry weather, the path is quite dry but in case of strong winds or elevated sea levels, the water may be knee-high there. In poor weather, it is possible to return to Hiiumaa along the road.
The trail finally arrives at Suuremõisa village and to Saare alvars, where the end point of this branch of the hiking route is at Sarve campsite, about 3 km from the Port of Heltermaa. This completes the tour of the island.

File for GPS devices

Trail in gpx format suitable for Garmin GPS devices (to load this file in your GPS we suggest BaseCamp, you can download it from Garmin’s homepage):

Section I Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve/Heltermaa-Kärdla (32 km)

The first section of the Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve branch of the RMK Hiking Route (aka Hiiumaa branch of the RMK Hiking Route) starts at the Port of Heltermaa.

Campfire site      Remmelko campfire site, Säärenina campfire site, Autobaasi campfire site

Section II Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve/Kärdla-Ristna (107 km)

The second section of Hiiumaa branch of the RMK Hiking Route starts at the centre of Kärdla.
While the first section runs mainly along village roads and local roads, the second section is different.

Visitor Centre      Ristna Visitor Centre

Campfire site      Autobaasi campfire site, Ränkaja campfire site, Laasimetsa campfire site

Hiking trail          Kärdla hiking trail (4 km)

Forest hut            Kapasto forest hut, Kalurikoja forest hut

Campsite            Tõrvanina campsite, Luidja campsite, Palli campsite, Mägipä campsite, Hirmuste campsite

Study trail           Palli study trail (1,5 km), Neljateeristi study trail (3 km), Hirmuste study trail (1,3 km), Ristna study trail (1,5 km)

Section III Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve/Ristna-Tihu (36 km)

The third section of Hiiumaa hiking route starts at Ristna visitor centre and ends at Tihu forest hut.
Some of the best known sights of Hiiumaa are located at this section: the idyllic Kaleste beach, Kõpu lighthouse, Korbi hills, etc.
This section of the route also runs mostly in unpopulated forest areas.

Visitor Centre     Ristna Visitor Centre

Campfire site     Vanajõe valley campfire site

Hiking trail         Leemeti hiking trail (2+3 km)

Forest hut           Leemeti forest hut, Tihu forest hut

Study trail          Kaleste study trail (1,8 km), Rebastemäe study trail (1,5 km), Vanajõe valley study trail (1 km), Tihu study trail (1,2 km)

Section IV Heltermaa-Ristna-Sarve/Tihu-Sarve (56 km)

The final part of the Hiiumaa branch of RMK Hiking Route starts at Tihu forest hut and takes the hikers back towards Heltermaa – to Sarve campsite, located just 3 km from the port. Hikers may also want to head for Sõru harbour, where they can take the ferry to Saaremaa island.
On this section of the trail, distances between rest stops are very long and therefore hikers need to prepare for the journey more carefully.

Forest hut           Tihu forest hut

Campsite            Sääretirbi campsite, Sarve campsite

Study trail          Tihu study trail (1,2 km), Orjaku study trail (0,7-2 km)

Where to go

Tõramaa wooded meadow campfire site’s observation tower

 
Viljandi County, Soomaa National Park
The observation tower is located near the Halliste River in the Tõramaa wooded meadow campfire site. From the tower it is possible to observe animals and birds, ancient oak trees, the undulating water field or the frozen expanse during high water.
Parking

Parking area for 3 cars

Amenities

A wooden observation tower with an open top

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace

Sights

Restored flood-meadow, the Halliste River, forested meadow, large wild animals, attractive bird species

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

Located in Soomaa National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: +372 526 1924

E-mail: info.soomaa@rmk.ee

Object type: observation tower

Location info

Location : Viljandi County, Soomaa National Park

Tipu village, Põhja-Sakala municipality, Viljandi County

Navigation instructions : The observation tower’s location marker on the map shows the location of the campfire site’s parking lot.
The campfire site of Tõramaa wooded meadow is located in Tipu village, on the border of Viljandi and Pärnu counties, at the end of the path going from the Kõpu-Jõesuu road (24 km from Kõpu) to the meadow.
When coming from the direction of Tallinn-Pärnu-Tori, drive to Tori, turn onto the Võlli road that leads to the national park. Drive 6 km along the Jõesuu road to Jõesuu village and before driving into the village, turn right onto Kõpu-Jõesuu road. It is 14.4 km to the Nature Centre of the national park and the campfire site of Tõramaa wooded meadow from there. When you get to the sign directing you to the Nature Centre, drive 500 m, where a sign directs you to the 2.2-km trail that takes you to the campfire site.
When coming from Tartu or Viljandi, drive along Tartu-Viljandi-Pärnu road to the settlement of Kõpu. After passing the cemetery, turn right to the Kõpu-Jõesuu road – it is 23.8 km to the Tõramaa campfire site. When you get to the sign, turn left, where a 2.2-km trail takes you to the campfire site.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.422235
Longitude: 24.996989
L-EST 97x: 558253.7
L-EST 97y: 6476195.3

Telephone:
+372 526 1924
E-mail:
info.soomaa@rmk.ee
Object type:
observation tower
Location info
Location:
Viljandi County, Soomaa National Park
Tipu village, Põhja-Sakala municipality, Viljandi County
Navigation instructions:
The observation tower’s location marker on the map shows the location of the campfire site’s parking lot.
The campfire site of Tõramaa wooded meadow is located in Tipu village, on the border of Viljandi and Pärnu counties, at the end of the path going from the Kõpu-Jõesuu road (24 km from Kõpu) to the meadow.
When coming from the direction of Tallinn-Pärnu-Tori, drive to Tori, turn onto the Võlli road that leads to the national park. Drive 6 km along the Jõesuu road to Jõesuu village and before driving into the village, turn right onto Kõpu-Jõesuu road. It is 14.4 km to the Nature Centre of the national park and the campfire site of Tõramaa wooded meadow from there. When you get to the sign directing you to the Nature Centre, drive 500 m, where a sign directs you to the 2.2-km trail that takes you to the campfire site.
When coming from Tartu or Viljandi, drive along Tartu-Viljandi-Pärnu road to the settlement of Kõpu. After passing the cemetery, turn right to the Kõpu-Jõesuu road – it is 23.8 km to the Tõramaa campfire site. When you get to the sign, turn left, where a 2.2-km trail takes you to the campfire site.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.422235
Longitude: 24.996989
L-EST 97x: 558253.7
L-EST 97y: 6476195.3

Where to go

Tuhu hiking trail’s observation tower (50 m from the parking)

 
Pärnu County, Tuhu Nature Reserve
At the beginning of the Tuhu hiking trail is the 5 m high unique observation tower TREPP (stairs), which was completed in 2017 by RMK in cooperation with the Estonian Academy of Arts.
If you come to the boardwalk of the hiking trail from the side of Karuse-Kalli road, the distance to the observation tower is 900 m.
Parking

Roadside parking for 4 cars

Amenities

5 m high wooden observation tower surrounded by a textile cover. Boardwalk.

Hiking Options

Tuhu hiking trail

Sights

Tuhu mire, fascinating flora, birdlife and fauna

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

Located in Tuhu Nature Reserve. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: +372 513 8783

E-mail: info.matsalu@rmk.ee

Object type: observation tower

Location info

Location : Pärnu County, Tuhu Nature Reserve

Kiska village, Lääneranna municipality, Pärnu County

Navigation instructions : The location marker of the observation tower shows the location of the beginning of the hiking trail on the map.
On the 54th kilometer of the Risti-Virtsu road (road no. 10) turn left towards Karuse. Drive 12 km along the Karuse-Kalli road, then the sign "Tuhu hiking trail" is shown to the left. Buses can be parked on the roadside (the parking space is 500 m at the start of the hiking trail), the car can be parked in the parking pocket by the observation tower.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.572353
Longitude: 23.831496
L-EST 97x: 490196
L-EST 97y: 6492495

Telephone:
+372 513 8783
E-mail:
info.matsalu@rmk.ee
Object type:
observation tower
Location info
Location:
Pärnu County, Tuhu Nature Reserve
Kiska village, Lääneranna municipality, Pärnu County
Navigation instructions:
The location marker of the observation tower shows the location of the beginning of the hiking trail on the map.
On the 54th kilometer of the Risti-Virtsu road (road no. 10) turn left towards Karuse. Drive 12 km along the Karuse-Kalli road, then the sign "Tuhu hiking trail" is shown to the left. Buses can be parked on the roadside (the parking space is 500 m at the start of the hiking trail), the car can be parked in the parking pocket by the observation tower.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.572353
Longitude: 23.831496
L-EST 97x: 490196
L-EST 97y: 6492495

Where to go

Narva jõe campfire site

 
Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park
Narva jõe (Narva river) campfire site  is located at the intersection of the picturesque Poruni and Narva rivers, on the edge of the Puhatu bog. Here you can meet many rare species of animals and plants, for example eagles belonging to the first protection category.
Parking

Poruni hiking trail's parking lot for 10 cars

Water

Water from Poruni river

Amenities

Covered fireplace with grillrest, 4 benches, lean-to shelter, firewood shelter, picnic table with roof, DC 

Hiking Options

Poruni hiking trail (5 km)

Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Fireplace Covered fireplace with grillrest

Sights

Poruni river and old forests, Narva river

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

The campfire site is situated in Puhatu Narure Reserve. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: +372 5681 5722

E-mail: info.alutaguse@rmk.ee

Object type: campfire site

Location info

Location : Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park

Alutaguse municipality, Ida-Viru County

Navigation instructions : At the 36th km of the Jõhvi-Vasknarva road, turn left (sign "Porun hiking trail"). From there, drive 12 km to the border guards' cordon, turn left (sign on crossroad) and drive straight for 4 km to the barrier, to the left of which is a parking lot where you can leave your car. The campfire site is on the Narva river side of the Poruni hiking trail
NB! For those coming from the direction of Narva, Google Maps offers the wrong road through Auvere, which leads to a dead end. The only access is from the Jõhvi–Vasknarva road.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.1713556
Longitude: 27.8600322
L-EST 97x: 656553.1 
L-EST 97y: 656553.1 

Telephone:
+372 5681 5722
E-mail:
info.alutaguse@rmk.ee
Object type:
campfire site
Location info
Location:
Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park
Alutaguse municipality, Ida-Viru County
Navigation instructions:
At the 36th km of the Jõhvi-Vasknarva road, turn left (sign "Porun hiking trail"). From there, drive 12 km to the border guards' cordon, turn left (sign on crossroad) and drive straight for 4 km to the barrier, to the left of which is a parking lot where you can leave your car. The campfire site is on the Narva river side of the Poruni hiking trail
NB! For those coming from the direction of Narva, Google Maps offers the wrong road through Auvere, which leads to a dead end. The only access is from the Jõhvi–Vasknarva road.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.1713556
Longitude: 27.8600322
L-EST 97x: 656553.1 
L-EST 97y: 656553.1 

Where to go

Ovintse campfire site

 
Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park
The campfire site is located on the banks of the picturesque Poruni river, whose primeval valley is under the special attention together with  Puhatu Wetland Complex. Here you can meet many rare species of animals and plants, for example eagles belonging to the first protection category.
Parking

Poruni hiking trail's parking lot for 10 cars

Water

Water from Poruni river

Amenities

Covered fireplace with grillrest, 4 benches,  firewood shelter, picnic table with roof, DC

Hiking Options

Poruni hiking trail (5 km)

Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Fireplace

Sights

Poruni river and old forests, Narva river

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

The campfire site is situated in Puhatu Nature Reserve. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: +372 5681 5722

E-mail: info.alutaguse@rmk.ee

Object type: campfire site

Location info

Location : Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park

Alutaguse municipality, Ida-Viru County

Navigation instructions : At the 36th km of the Jõhvi-Vasknarva road, turn left (sign "Porun hiking trail"). From there, drive 12 km to the border guards' cordon, turn left (sign on crossroad) and drive straight for 4 km to the barrier, to the left of which is a parking lot where you can leave your car. After 500 m on right, on the other side of the ditch there is Ovintse campfire site. Right at the beginning of the Porun hiking trail on the bank of the river, and on the ruins of the old Ovintse ranger's place.
NB! For those coming from the direction of Narva, Google Maps offers the wrong road through Auvere, which leads to a dead end. The only access is from the Jõhvi–Vasknarva road.

Telephone:
+372 5681 5722
E-mail:
info.alutaguse@rmk.ee
Object type:
campfire site
Location info
Location:
Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park
Alutaguse municipality, Ida-Viru County
Navigation instructions:
At the 36th km of the Jõhvi-Vasknarva road, turn left (sign "Porun hiking trail"). From there, drive 12 km to the border guards' cordon, turn left (sign on crossroad) and drive straight for 4 km to the barrier, to the left of which is a parking lot where you can leave your car. After 500 m on right, on the other side of the ditch there is Ovintse campfire site. Right at the beginning of the Porun hiking trail on the bank of the river, and on the ruins of the old Ovintse ranger's place.
NB! For those coming from the direction of Narva, Google Maps offers the wrong road through Auvere, which leads to a dead end. The only access is from the Jõhvi–Vasknarva road.
Where to go

Poruni hiking trail (5 km)

 
Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park
The 10 km (back and forth) Poruni hiking trail runs along the banks of the Poruni River to the Narva River and returns to the starting point from there. 12 information boards have been placed along the trail. They introduce the nature of the region, the floodplain forest, native broad-leaved forest, draw attention to the geological formations sometimes exposed on the banks of the river and the military history that characterizes the region.
Poruni hiking trail is marked with blue painted rectangles on trees and metal signposts.
Parking

Parking for 10 cars

Water

Water from Poruni river

Amenities

2 covered fireplaces with grillrest, 3 information stands, 12 information boards, lean-to shelter, 2 firewood shelters, 3 dry toilets

Hiking Options

Available

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace

Sights

Poruni River, primeval forest, the legacy of military operations, Puhatu bogs

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

The campfire site is situated in Puhatu Nature Reserve. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: +372 5681 5722

E-mail: info.alutaguse@rmk.ee

Object type: hiking trail

Location info

Location : Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park

Alutaguse municipality, Ida-Viru County

Navigation instructions : Drive 36 km on Jõhvi–Vasknarva road, turn left (at the sign to the Poruni hiking trail). Drive 12 km to the border guard station, turn left (follow the sign at the junction) and drive 4 km to the road barrier. The parking area is to the left; here you can leave your car. Walk about 400 m forward and find the start of the Poruni hiking trail on the left. 

NB! When driving from Narva direction,  Google Maps offers a trip trough Auvere, which is a wrong way. The only way to access the hiking trail is from Jõhvi–Vasknarva road.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.1743389
Longitude: 27.7975472
L-EST 97x: 6565680.9
L-EST 97y: 717038.7

Telephone:
+372 5681 5722
E-mail:
info.alutaguse@rmk.ee
Object type:
hiking trail
Location info
Location:
Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park
Alutaguse municipality, Ida-Viru County
Navigation instructions:
Drive 36 km on Jõhvi–Vasknarva road, turn left (at the sign to the Poruni hiking trail). Drive 12 km to the border guard station, turn left (follow the sign at the junction) and drive 4 km to the road barrier. The parking area is to the left; here you can leave your car. Walk about 400 m forward and find the start of the Poruni hiking trail on the left. 
NB! When driving from Narva direction,  Google Maps offers a trip trough Auvere, which is a wrong way. The only way to access the hiking trail is from Jõhvi–Vasknarva road.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.1743389
Longitude: 27.7975472
L-EST 97x: 6565680.9
L-EST 97y: 717038.7

Where to go

Rüütli campfire site’s observation tower (700 m from the parking)

 
Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park
The observation tower is located 700 m from Rüütli campfire site’s parking lot. The tower offers the view on the varied landscape of Rüütli bog. Geese and cranes stop in this place on their migration route. Sometimes you may see the bald eagle, the osprey and the peregrine falcon flying here.
Parking

Parking for 10 cars

Amenities

The observation tower is 13 m, the highest platform is on 10 m

Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Fireplace

Sights

Rüütli bog, sand ridges formed during the retreat of Lake Peipsi, different forest growth types, raised bog flora, bog islands, bog pools.

Additional Information

Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

The campfire site is situated in Muraka Nature Conservation Area.
According to the nature conservation rules, motorised vehicle traffic is prohibited outside roads and paths. Campfires can be made only in designated sites.

Contact

Telephone: +372 5681 5722

E-mail: info.alutaguse@rmk.ee

Object type: observation tower

Location info

Location : Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park

Alutaguse municipality, Ida-Viru County

Navigation instructions : The observation tower’s location marker on the map shows the location of the campfire site’s parking lot.
Drive 36 km on Jõhvi–Tartu road, turn right after Iisaku small town (sign to Kotka hiking trail) and drive 1.2 forward, turn left at the junction to the road taking to the sand bank (follow the roadside signs). Drive 2 km to the parking area, where you can leave your car, and walk about 800 m to the campfire site on a bog island.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.059907
Longitude: 27.254092
L-EST 97x: 686623
L-EST 97y: 6551316

Telephone:
+372 5681 5722
E-mail:
info.alutaguse@rmk.ee
Object type:
observation tower
Location info
Location:
Ida-Viru County, Alutaguse National Park
Alutaguse municipality, Ida-Viru County
Navigation instructions:
The observation tower’s location marker on the map shows the location of the campfire site’s parking lot.
Drive 36 km on Jõhvi–Tartu road, turn right after Iisaku small town (sign to Kotka hiking trail) and drive 1.2 forward, turn left at the junction to the road taking to the sand bank (follow the roadside signs). Drive 2 km to the parking area, where you can leave your car, and walk about 800 m to the campfire site on a bog island.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.059907
Longitude: 27.254092
L-EST 97x: 686623
L-EST 97y: 6551316