Where to go

The tallest Douglas fir in Estonia

 
Valga County

Estonia’s tallest Douglas fir is most likely growing in the state forest near RMK’s Tellingumäe observation tower and campfire site, along with other similar Douglas firs, larches, and pines. The tower offers a good view of the magnificent trees.
In 2023, RMK and the employees of the Estonian University of Life Sciences measured the trees with the help of a ground-based laser scanner, and it turned out that one of them reaches a height of 44 metres. This tree is marked with an information board.
Growing in the same group as the Douglas firs on Tellingumägi are pines and larches of an honourable age. Like the Douglas firs, they are nearly 140 years old (estimated to begun growing in 1886).


The trees grow on the forest land of the former Taheva Manor. It is not known how these trees found their way into the soil 140 years ago, but at that time Taheva Manor was owned by Maximilian von Wulf, who was also the last owner of the manor.
Forty-four metres is an impressive height for a tree; however, a Douglas fir can also grow to nearly 100 metres in height. As a species, the Douglas fir is alien to Estonia. The homeland of the tree is North America and Asia.


The wood of the Douglas fir is strong, mainly used in construction. In Estonia, Douglas firs mostly grow in green areas.
In his Estonian language book Mõtsa ja Tagasi, Jaan Kaplinski has suggested that the Douglas fir could be called ‘tuglas’. ‘I think that it is best to call it the ‘tuglas’, the older name was Douglasia.’

Parking

Parking for 10 cars in the Bike path campfire site parking lot

Amenities

The tree is marked with an information board

Additional Information

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

Contact

Telephone: +372 501 9564

E-mail: info.pahni@rmk.ee

Object type: rest stop

Location info

Location : Valga County

Laanemetsa village, Valga municipality, Valga county

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.600484
Longitude: 26.333603
L-EST 97x: 6386664.01
L-EST 97y: 639512.57

Telephone:
+372 501 9564
E-mail:
info.pahni@rmk.ee
Object type:
rest stop
Location info
Location:
Valga County
Laanemetsa village, Valga municipality, Valga county
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.600484
Longitude: 26.333603
L-EST 97x: 6386664.01
L-EST 97y: 639512.57

Where to go

The highest aspen in Estonia

 
Valga County, Haanja-Karula Recreation Area

The tallest known aspen in Estonia (Populus tremula) has a height of 43.2 metres. The aspens growing next to it also have a height exceeding 43 meters. The exceptional height of the aspen was revealed by analysing remote sensing data, after which RMK employees and researchers from the Estonian University of Life Sciences also measured the tree with an electron tachymeter.
The diameter of the tree at chest height was measured to be 49.4 cm in 2021. The age of the tree was estimated to be 93 years, based on the growth rings from the core sample collected in the same year. Until 2021, the 41.6-metre-tall aspen tree growing in the Järvselja Forest District, in Tartu County, was believed to be the tallest aspen in Estonia. The area is famous for the activities of Count Friedrich Georg Magnus Berg (16 February 1845-22 March 1938). He paid special attention to oaks, with oak alleys located only a few hundred metres from here. Whether Count Berg’s hand was at work with the birth of this aspen tree is unknown.


Parking

by the road

Amenities

The tree is marked with an information board

Additional Information

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

Contact

Telephone: +372 501 9564

E-mail: info.pahni@rmk.ee

Object type: rest stop

Location info

Location : Valga County, Haanja-Karula Recreation Area

Tiidu village, Otepää municipality, Valga county

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.935479
Longitude: 26.238892
L-EST 97x: 6423761
L-EST 97y: 632607

Telephone:
+372 501 9564
E-mail:
info.pahni@rmk.ee
Object type:
rest stop
Location info
Location:
Valga County, Haanja-Karula Recreation Area
Tiidu village, Otepää municipality, Valga county
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.935479
Longitude: 26.238892
L-EST 97x: 6423761
L-EST 97y: 632607

Where to go

Värska rental hut II

 
Võru County, Räpina-Värska Recreation Area

The rental hut is open for use from 01/04 ̶ 30/09!

Värska Rental Hut II is located on the shore of Lake Õrsava. You can enjoy your morning coffee on the hut’s large terrace. Next to the house there is a campfire site with grill rests, table-benches, and a dry toilet. Here you can swim, play ball, fish, hike on the Õrsava Lake Hiking Trail or take you bike and head for the Laskevälja cycling trail. The surrounding patch of forest contains both berries and mushrooms in summer and autumn.

Booking terms and conditions

Booking terms and conditions for RMK nature houses and rental huts

Estonian State Forests Management Centre (RMK) shall abide by the following terms and conditions for booking and cancelling the booking of nature houses and rental huts:

  • Pre-sales invoice shall be paid by the due date as specified on the invoice.
  • The customer shall have to cancel the booking, if he/she has decided not to use the nature house or rental hut.

In case the customer has not paid the invoice by the due date, RMK is entitled to cancel the booking.

RMK nature houses and rental huts can be booked online www.nordicrent.ee or weekdays Mon-Fri from 9.00 to16.00 the phone +372 676 7532 also via e-mail at puhkus@rmk.ee

Persons under the age of 18 are allowed to book and use the nature house and rental hut only together with an adult..

For each nature house and rental hut, the number of customers who can use the facility at the same time is limited and that number is specified in the description of the nature house and rental hut on RMK homepage. The number of users does not include children aged 1-3.

An advance booking can be made for a nature house and rental hut for up to seven days.
Within seven days from advance booking the booking has to be confirmed in writing, otherwise the booking will be void. If the customer wants to use extra services in addition to renting the nature house (nature programme, hiking, transport etc.), RMK shall make a respective offer.

After booking or confirming the advance booking, the customer shall receive a pre-sales invoice for the whole sum. If the booking is made earlier than 21 days before using the service, the customer shall receive a pre-sales invoice for the whole sum, which must be paid within 14 days after booking. If the booking is made later than 14 days before using the service, the customer shall receive a pre-sales invoice for the whole sum, which must be paid immediately.

The pre-sales invoice shall be paid by the due date shown on the invoice. After the payment of the invoice has been received, RMK shall issue a regular invoice to the customer, if requested, to confirm the booking.

With the pre-sales invoice the customer shall receive the contact information of the caretaker of the nature house/rental hut and information how the customer receives the keys to the nature house/rental hut. The customer him/herself shall agree with the caretaker about the time of arriving and leaving.
RMK reserves the right to change the quoted prices.

An online booking of a nature house or rental hut can be cancelled on weekdays Mon–Fri by email to broneering@nordicrent.ee
An email booking of a nature house or rental hut can cancelled on weekdays Mon–Fri from 9:00 to 16:00 by email to puhkus@rmk.ee

Cancelling date is the date when RMK receives information about cancellation of the booking. If the customer proves that cancellation was sent in good time to be delivered by the intended time, RMK shall accept the cancellation, even if it is delivered later or is not delivered at all.  

If the booking of the rental hut is cancelled 14 days or more before using the service, the customer shall be refunded the advance payment less the service fee (2,00 EUR).

If the booking is cancelled later than 13 days but earlier than 73 hours before using the service, the customer shall be refunded 75 percent of the total sum.

If the booking is cancelled later than 72 hours before using the service, no refund shall be made to the customer.

If the booking is cancelled before starting to use the service due to the illness, involvement in an accident or death of the customer or a person close to the customer, the customer is entitled to full refund.
In this case the customer shall have to inform the RMK Nature Management Department immediately of cancelling the booking. Within two weeks at the latest certification (from the doctor, police etc) on the cause of cancelling the booking needs to be provided and sent to:
RMK Visitor Management Department, Sagadi Village, Haljala Municipality, 45403 Lääne-Viru County. If the booking is cancelled for the above-mentioned reasons during the time of using the service, no refund shall be made to the customer.

If the customer wants to change the time or place of using the service, it will be regarded as cancellation of the earlier booking and making a new booking.

RMK shall be entitled to cancel a booking due to force majeure (natural disaster, high risk of forest fire, strike etc.), in which case RMK shall inform the customer as soon as possible. In this case the customer is entitled to full refund of the payment. The customer shall not be compensated for possible additional costs incurred.

The customer shall return the key to the rental hut according to the instructions received.

The customer (person who has made reservation) ensures that all people who are using the house follow the house rules that are introduced while house was handed over for their use. The customer (person who has made reservation) ensures that all visitors follow the generally accepted quiet time (23.00 to 6.00) of RMK´s nature houses and rental huts.

6.1. Use of the rental hut
The estimated time of arrival of customers at the rental hut is 14.00, the estimated time of leaving is 12.00.
Rental huts have spartan furnishing only – a bench, a table and a fireplace. Customers have to bring sleeping gear and other necessary items with them. The user of a rental hut shall ensure that the hut and the furnishings of the hut remain in good order when he/she leaves.

6.2 Use of nature house
Estimated time of arriving of customers at the nature house is 16.00, estimated time of leaving is 12.00.
User of the nature house shall ensure that the rooms and the furnishings of the nature house remain in good order after he/she leaves.

7.1. The customer shall be liable to compensate to RMK for damage caused by negligent use or misuse of the nature house or rental hut..

7.2. At the request of RMK, the customer undertakes to pay a contractual penalty to the extent of double charge for using the rental hut, in case the actual number of users of the rental hut exceeds the permitted number of users established for the rental hut.

7.3. The customer undertakes to pay the contractual penalty in the sum 130,00 EUR at the request of RMK, in case  the actual number of users of the nature house exceeds the permitted number of users established for the nature house.

Any complaints shall be filed to the caretaker of the nature house or rental hut immediately when a problem emerges. If it is impossible to find a satisfying solution to the problem on site, a complaint shall be sent in writing to RMK Visitor Management Department, Sagadi Village, Haljala Municipality, 45403 Lääne-Viru County within one week after using the service. RMK shall handle the complaint within one month.

All disputes shall be settled by negotiation. If agreement cannot be reached by negotiations, the dispute shall be settled pursuant to the procedure prescribed by law.

RMK shall not be liable to compensate damages or expenses resulting from natural conditions, such as e.g. mosquitoes, mice or unexpected weather changes.

RMK processes personal data in compliance with the European Union data protection regulation and accordingly to the valid Terms and Conditions of Data Protection in RMK.

Parking

The rental hut is not accessible by car, parking in the parking area for 5 cars about 100 m from the hut.

Amenities

Furnished with a table, benches, refrigerators, a fireplace, a sauna, but no kitchen. There are campfire sites, a ball court, boat deck and dry toilets nearby. Guests must bring their own bedding. Drinking water from a natural freshwater spring.
Firewood in shed 100 m from the hut. Water for the sauna must be brought from the lake.

Hiking Options

On the Õrsava hiking trail.

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace Fire rings with a grill.

Sights

A good spot for a lakeside summer family holiday where you can go swimming in the lake or walking in the forest, learn about Mustoja Landscape Protection Area with its largest and most prominent kames and eolian landforms with sand plains, Õrsava hiking trail and Seto Farm Museum.

Additional Information

  • Advance booking is required!
  • Clean the rooms before leaving the rental hut.
  • The object is equipped with firewood.
  • Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Restrictions

Persons under the age of 18 can book and use the rental hut only when accompanied by an adult. The hut is not available for use during winter.

Contact

Telephone: View availability in the calendar and book online at www.nordicrent.ee by clicking on the book button:
Book button image
Same-day bookings can not be made online!

E-mail: puhkus@rmk.ee

Object type: rental hut

Hind: 55 €/day
Pet 5 €/day

Location info

Location : Võru County, Räpina-Värska Recreation Area

Lobotka village, Setomaa municipality, Võru County

Navigation instructions : Drive on Tartu–Värska road and before arriving at Värska, turn right (sign to Treski). Drive about 10 m and turn left. Follow the arrow signs to the Värska and Luige rental huts.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.947251
Longitude: 27.634193
L-EST 97x: 715113
L-EST 97y: 6428688

Telephone:
View availability in the calendar and book online at www.nordicrent.ee by clicking on the book button:
Book button image
Same-day bookings can not be made online!
E-mail:
puhkus@rmk.ee
Object type:
rental hut
Price:
55 €/day
Pet 5 €/day
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Räpina-Värska Recreation Area
Lobotka village, Setomaa municipality, Võru County
Navigation instructions:
Drive on Tartu–Värska road and before arriving at Värska, turn right (sign to Treski). Drive about 10 m and turn left. Follow the arrow signs to the Värska and Luige rental huts.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.947251
Longitude: 27.634193
L-EST 97x: 715113
L-EST 97y: 6428688

Where to go

Metsavenna campfire site Võrumaa

 
Võru County, Haanja-Karula Recreation Area

This campfire site was designed primarily as a rest stop for hikers on RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route.

Parking

Parking near the campfire site.

Water

Water is available from the Vaidva river.

Amenities

Fire ring, table and benches, dry toilet

Hiking Options

Hiking on the RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve Hiking Route. 600 m from the site is the start of Mõisamõtsa nature trail.

Camping

The maximum number of tents (for 4) allowed is 5.

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace Fire ring with a grill.

Sights

Vaidva river, Metsavenna farm, watermill of Vastse-Roosa manor

Additional Information

The campfire site is located in private land, so please show respect to the landowners.
From Metsavenna Farm it is possible to book different services and study the history of partisans (Forest Brothers). Near the campfire site you can also find the Metsavenna shop.
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct (freedom to roam), rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy

Contact

Telephone: +372 501 9564

E-mail: info.pahni@rmk.ee

Object type: campfire site

Location info

Location : Võru County, Haanja-Karula Recreation Area

Vastse-Roosa village, Rõuge municipality, Võru County

Navigation instructions : On Võru-Valga Road (road no. 67), 37 km from Võru, turn left at Mõniste intersection (when coming from Valga, 44 km and turn right, follow the sign "Ape, Mõniste"). Drive 6.5 km and turn left after the Vaidva river bridge and Mehka intersection. The campfire site is on the right, just before the mill dam.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.571917
Longitude: 26.663647
L-EST 97x: 6384219
L-EST 97y: 659360

Telephone:
+372 501 9564
E-mail:
info.pahni@rmk.ee
Object type:
campfire site
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Haanja-Karula Recreation Area
Vastse-Roosa village, Rõuge municipality, Võru County
Navigation instructions:
On Võru-Valga Road (road no. 67), 37 km from Võru, turn left at Mõniste intersection (when coming from Valga, 44 km and turn right, follow the sign "Ape, Mõniste"). Drive 6.5 km and turn left after the Vaidva river bridge and Mehka intersection. The campfire site is on the right, just before the mill dam.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.571917
Longitude: 26.663647
L-EST 97x: 6384219
L-EST 97y: 659360

Where to go

Kirikumäe campfire site Järvamaa

 
Järva County, Endla Nature Reserve

A campfire site located on the bank of the Põltsamaa River.

Parking

Roadside parking

Amenities

Fire ring, information board, 2 benches

Camping

The maximum number of tents (for 4) allowed is 2.

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace

Sights

Põltsamaa River, riparian habitats

Additional Information

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

Restrictions

Situated in Endla Nature Reserve. To organise a public event with more than 20 participants, drive an off-road vehicle and go on a boating trip, a permit must be obtained from the protected area manager. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee

Contact

Telephone: +372 676 7030

E-mail: info.elistvere@rmk.ee

Object type: campfire site

Location info

Location : Järva County, Endla Nature Reserve

Järva municipality, Järva County

Navigation instructions : On Tallinn–Tartu road at Mäeküla junction turn towards Koeru (sign “Koeru 34 km”). Just before Koeru take a turn to the right (follow the sign “Norra-Oostriku allikad 7 km”). Drive 11.8 km and turn left (follow the sign “Kirikumäe lõkkekoht”) and then drive 2.6 km to the Põltsamaa River.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.871222
Longitude: 26.104030
L-EST 97x: 621353
L-EST 97y: 6527674

Telephone:
+372 676 7030
E-mail:
info.elistvere@rmk.ee
Object type:
campfire site
Location info
Location:
Järva County, Endla Nature Reserve
Järva municipality, Järva County
Navigation instructions:
On Tallinn–Tartu road at Mäeküla junction turn towards Koeru (sign “Koeru 34 km”). Just before Koeru take a turn to the right (follow the sign “Norra-Oostriku allikad 7 km”). Drive 11.8 km and turn left (follow the sign “Kirikumäe lõkkekoht”) and then drive 2.6 km to the Põltsamaa River.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 58.871222
Longitude: 26.104030
L-EST 97x: 621353
L-EST 97y: 6527674

Where to go

Aidu hiking trail (4 km)

 
Ida-Viru County, Peipsi põhjaranniku Recreation Area

The Aidu Hiking Trail runs along the excavation area of the closed quarry, rising at times to the high slopes of the tranches and then descending again into the valley, where you can get an overview of the afforestation of the quarry areas. Along the way there are water-filled excavation areas, one of which must be crossed by a raft. The trail circles around the Aidu-Nõmme campfire site. 

Water

Domestic water can be obtained from the water-filled mining canal.

Amenities

Car park, covered fireplace, covered table and benches, lean-to shelter, dry toilet, waste bin, and wood shed at the Aidu-Nõmme campfire site. There are 3 large and 9 small information boards, 1 raft.

Hiking Options

available

Outdoor Fireplace

Covered Fireplace

Maintenance
Year-round maintenance
Maintenance during summer
Maintenance during winter
Sights

The Aidu quarry is one of the most unique artificial landscapes, which is finding increased reuse, both in the form of tourism and sports activities. The open-pit mine ceased operation in 2012 due to the depletion of reserves. After the quarry was closed, the driveways and mining areas began to fill with water. Thus, in the middle of a rocky desert, Estonia’s very own collection of light blue lagoons emerged, where carbonate rocks and limestone partially dissolve in water and begin to form gypsum. The water reflected from the gypsum crystals causes a beautiful light blue colour. As you pass through the quarry, please pay attention. Movement is along the old quarry area, and attention should be paid to ascents and descents. In two places, the water-filled excavation area must be crossed with a raft. Crossing in the raft is at your own risk. If possible, plan the crossing during daylight. For safety reasons, there should be no more than 4 people on the raft; or even fewer in the case of large people. The raft is propelled by the force of your hands, by pulling the rope attached to the shore. We ask that the people on the raft maintain their balance; squatting is recommended. Rocking the raft or hanging from the railings is prohibited. When crossing the canal with children, an adult must also be present on the raft.

Additional Information

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

Contact

Telephone: +372 5681 5722

E-mail: info.alutaguse@rmk.ee

Object type: hiking trail

Location info

Location : Ida-Viru County, Peipsi põhjaranniku Recreation Area

Aidu-Nõmme village, Lüganuse municipality

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.335665
Longitude: 27.144702
L-EST 97x: 6581701.7
L-EST 97y: 678915.0

Telephone:
+372 5681 5722
E-mail:
info.alutaguse@rmk.ee
Object type:
hiking trail
Location info
Location:
Ida-Viru County, Peipsi põhjaranniku Recreation Area
Aidu-Nõmme village, Lüganuse municipality
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 59.335665
Longitude: 27.144702
L-EST 97x: 6581701.7
L-EST 97y: 678915.0