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.
This part of the hiking route is definitely the most difficult one, as the trail goes up and down, meandering along the hills and valleys of the Haanja Uplands. To be able to enjoy the magnificent sights around you, it is recommended you complete this section of the hiking route on foot. Moreover, in the most exciting places cyclists and walkers are directed to different paths or roads.
Water
In this section, there are no natural water-bodies at Piusa, Haanja, Saunamaa and Luhasoo campfire sites.
Amenities
The trail is marked with white-green-white blazes, hiking trail signs and hiking route boards. The rest stops on this section of the hiking route and distances between them:
- Piusa campfire site-Härma campfire site 11 km
- Härma campfire site-Make campfire site 8 km
- Make campfire site-Kirikumäe campfire site 16 km
- Kirikumäe campfire site-Lake Kavadi campfire site 15 km
- Lake Kavadi campfire site-Vällamäe rental hut 6 km
- Vällamäe rental hut-Lake Vaskna campfire site 3 km
- Lake Vaskna campfire site-Haanja campfire site 5 km
- Haanja campfire site-Saunamaa campfire site 14 km
- Saunamaa campfire site-Luhasoo campfire site 19,5 km
- Luhasoo campfire site-Pähni forest hut 11,5 km
Parking
Parking is available in most campfire sites on this section of the hiking route. See further under the campfire sites on the hiking route.
Additional information
In places the actual hiking route may be slightly different from the one shown in the map. Please follow the marking in the nature. NB! Passing through Vastseliina fortress is costs 4 €.
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct
Restrictions
The hiking route goes through Piusa River Valley Landscape Protection Area, Kirikumäe Landscape Protection Area, Haanja Nature Park, Luhasoo Landscape Protection Area and Pähni Nature Reserve. This section of the hiking route is in the territory of several protected areas, so visitors should have general knowledge of their protection rules. All along the hiking route one should not forget that camping and making a fire is allowed only at places designated for those purposes.
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.
Water
Drinking water can be taken from Pähni Nature Centre and the visitor centre of Karula National Park during their opening hours; in summer at any time from outdoor shower facilities of the visitor centre.
Parking
For long-term parking, it is suitable to use the parking areas of Pähni Visitor Centre or the visitor centre of Karula National Park. It is also possible to park at most of the campfire sites on this section of the hiking route, except for Lõunatipu campfire site.
Amenities
The trail is signposted and marked with white-green-white paint marks on trees.
The rest stops on the trail and distances between them:
- Pähni forest hut-Paganamaa campfire site 14 km
- Paganamaa campfire site-Metsavenna campfire site 14 km
- Metsavenna campfire site-Lõunatipu campfire site 12 km
- Lõunatipu campfire site-Tellingumäe campfire site 27 km
- Tellingumäe campfire site-Alumati campfire site 14 km
- Alumati campfire site-Linnajärve campfire site 9 km
- Linnajärve campfire site-Kivi forest hut 4 km
- Kivi forest hut-Karula information point 11 km
- In addition, there are Kõrgeperve campfire site and Veski campfire sites on the trail.
Additional information
The hiking route goes through Pähni Nature Reserve, Paganamaa Landscape Protection Area, Mõisamõtsa Nature Reserve, Peetri River Landscape Protection area, Koiva-Mustjõe Landscape Protection Area and Karula National Park.
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct and
In some places, the route of the hiking trail in nature may differ from the one marked on the map. Please follow the signage marked in nature.
NB! Passing through Vastseliina fortress is costs 3 €. You can cross the trail free of charge with hiker`s passport or through the manor park.
Restrictions
This section of the hiking route is in the territory of several protected areas, so visitors should have general knowledge of their protection rules. All along the hiking route one should not forget that camping and making a fire is allowed only at places designated for those purposes.
In Kavastu village, the hiking trail crosses the Emajõgi River. Traditionally, this opportunity has been offered since 1899 (with a 16-year break), by the legendary cable ferry or some local boatman, but possibilities change with the seasons other factors, that is why your arrival and crossing the river requires some advance planning. On the other side of the river, after long and straight forest road and another road between open fields, hikers arrive at Võnnu where they can visit the local grocery store. The trail continues through the forest to Ahja campfire site. Next, there is the village of Ahja, where you can replenish your food supply in the shop or at an Olerex petrol station (open 06.00-22.00), visit the The Museum of Tuglas, explore the places familiar from the novel “Väike Illimar” by Friedebert Tuglas, or take a look at Ahja manor estate. From Ahja, continuing along the village landscape and roads between fields, the hiker reaches the Valgesoo campfire site on the edge of the bog, where it is possible to make a small detour to the Valgesoo study trail. From there you can head to the Sõnajala campfire site or the Kiidjärve Visitor Center on the banks of the Ahja River.
Sights
The sights in this section of the hiking route are the river Suur-Emajõgi, which can be crossed either by cable ferry or boat, Ahja manor and Valgesoo bog.
Camping
Tent camping at Kantsi, Ahja and Valgesoo campfire sites.
Amenities
The trail is marked with white-green-white blazes, hiking trail signs and hiking route boards. The rest stops on this section of the hiking route and distances between them:
Kantsi campfire site- Ahja campfire site 28 km
Ahja campfire site-Valgesoo campfire site 14 km
Valgesoo campfire site-Kiidjärve nature centre 3 km
Water
Please note that there is no water available near Kantsi, Ahja and Valgesoo campfire sites. Water is available in Kiidjärve Visitor Centre during the opening hours.
Parking
For long-term parking it is convenient to use the parking area at Kantsi campfire site or Kiidjärve Visitor Centre. In addition, parking is available at most campfire sites on this section of the hiking route.
Additional information
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct
Restrictions
On the hiking route one should not forget that camping and making a fire is allowed only at places designated for those purposes.
The longest section of Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route takes the hiker through the varied landscapes of Estonia. From Kiidjärve Visitor Centre, the trail goes along the amazing bank of the Ahja river towards the Taevaskoja outcrops, where one should step off the trail to study them. From Taevaskoja, the route proceeds over the field to Otteni rental hut and campfire site. Next, it passes the places where the film “The Last Relic” was shot and goes along forest roads towards Põlva. After leaving the lands of Mammaste Health and Sports Centre and the forest, the trail takes the hiker to the town of Põlva, where it is possible to replenish your supplies. Next, continuing along a cycling and pedestrian track, the trail arrives at the Rosma hill fort and the forest hiking trail. After Peri campfire site, the route continues on an asphalt road through the Peri village. Thereafter the trail follows a gravel road towards Saarjärve Holiday Centre. From Saarjärve, the trail continues along wonderful forest tracks to Koolma village, where the Võhandu river is crossed. After passing Leevi and Paidra campfire sites and through Lihtenstein village, it takes hikers to Meenikunno Landscape Protection Area. Walkers and cyclists go through the landscape protection area along different routes. From Meenikunno, the hikers go towards Värska, where it is possible to restock supplies and visit the Seto Farm Museum and the Tsäimaja cafe. Next, the route goes along the Laskevälja cycling trail through the varied Mustoja Landscape Protection Area. In Kolossova village we recommend visiting Vana Jüri Seebikoda – the artisan soap shop. From Matsuri hikers should go on the old railroad bed, which takes them towards the Piusa Caves.
Sights
Väike and Suur Taevaskoda (outcrops), Ahja river, scenes of the film “The Last Relic”, Võhandu river, Meenikunno bog, Mustoja Landscape Protection Area, Piusa caves.
Camping
Tent camping is possible at all the rest stops on this section, except for Liipsaare forest hut.
Amenities
The trail is marked with signs and colour markings at turns, as well as with kilometer markers. The rest stops on the trail and distances:
- Kiidjärve Visitor centre-Sõnajala campfire site 0,5 km
- Sõnajala campfire site- Otteni campfire site 8 km
- Otteni campfire site-Peri campfire site 12 km
- Peri campfire site-Leevi campfire site 20 km
- Leevi campfire site-Liipsaare forest hut 14 km
- Liipsaare forest hut-Mustjärve campfire site 4,5 km
- Mustjärve campfire sit-Valgjärve campfire site 1,5 km
- Valgjärve campfire site-Rebasmäe forest hut 4,5 km
- Rebasmäe forest hut-Värska campfire site 20 km
- Värska campfire site-Poogandi campfire site 16 km
- Poogandi campfire site-Lõunalaagri campfire site 9 km
- Lõunalaagri campfire site-Piusa campfire site 15 km
Water
In his section of the hiking route, non-potable water is not available near Liipsaare forest hut, and Lõunalaagri and Piusa campfire sites. Near Peri campfire site there is a small stream, which can be waterless in summer.
Parking
For long-term parking it is convenient to use the parking area at Kiidjärve Visitor Centre. In addition, parking is available in most campfire sites on this section of the hiking route.
Additional information
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct
Restrictions
This section of the hiking route is in the territory of several protected areas, so visitors should have general knowledge of their protection rules. On the hiking route one should not forget that camping and making a fire is allowed only at places designated for those purposes.
The hiking route goes through the Ahja river valley, Lake Kuulmajärv, Meenikunno and Mustoja Landscape Protection Areas and the Piusa Caves Nature Reserve. Further information about restrictions can be obtained from the Environmental Board info@keskkonnaamet.ee, +372 662 5999.
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.
Sights
Flood meadows of the Kasari river, Märjamaa karst area
Camping
At campsites and campfire sites along the hiking route.
Amenities
The trail is signposted and marked with white-yellow-white paint marks on trees. Rest stops on the trail and distances between them.
Visitor Centre of Matsalu-Rumba campfire site 29 km
Rumba campfire site- Hirvepargi campfire site 11 km
Hirvepargi campfire site-Susla campfire site 14 km
Susla campfire site-Kõrvetaguse campfire site 22 km
Kõrvetaguse campfire site-Varbola stronghold campsite 10km
Parking
The best facility for long-term parking is at the Visitor Centre of Matsalu National Park. A few cars can also be parked at each campsite along the hiking route.
Additional information
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct
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.
Sights
Rabivere and Kõnnu bogs, Paunküla hills
Amenities
The trail is signposted and marked with white-yellow-white paint marks on trees. Rest stops on the trail and distances between them:
- Varbola stronghold campsite-Rabivere campfire site 26 km
- Rabivere campfire site-Järlepa campfire site 29 km
- Järlepa campfire site-Naisteraba campfire site 16 km
- Naisteraba campfire site-Paunküla campfire site 19 km
- Paunküla campfire site-Voose campfire site 21,5 km
- Voose campfire site-Aegviidu Visitor Centre 22 km
Camping
At campsites and campfire sites along the hiking route.
Additional information
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct
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.
Sights
Neeruti hills and eskers, Porkuni Landscape Reserve
Camping
At campsites and campfire sites along the hiking route.
Amenities
The trail is signposted and marked with white-yellow-white paint marks on trees. Rest stops on the trail and distances between them.
- Aegviidu Visitor centre-Nikerjärve campsite 2 km
- Nikerjärv campsite-Tõõrakõrve campfire site 24 km
- Tõõrakõrve campfire site- Ohepalu campfire site 12,5 km
- Ohepalu campfire site-Eesjärve campsite 18 km
- Eesjärve campsite-Tissipuu campfire site 0,4 km
- Tissipuu campfire site-Leivaahjumäe campfire site 0,4 km
- Leivaahjumäe campfire site-Mardihansu campfire site 11 km
- Mardihansu campfire site-Rocet Base campfire site 17 km
- Rocet Base campfire site-Roela campfire site 20,5 km
Additional information
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct
Dear hiker! On the section between Voka Park and Sillamäe, near the “Aiandusühistu Mere”, there is a change in the trail route due to a collapse of the bank’s soil, please follow the new markings in nature!
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.
Camping
At campsites and campfire sites along the hiking route.
Amenities
The trail is signposted and marked with white-yellow-white paint marks on trees. Rest stops on the trail and distances between them.
Langevoja campfire site–Mummassaare campfire site 10 km
Roela campfire site–Seljamäe campfire site 14 km
Seljamäe campfire site–Punasoo campfire site 2,5 km
Punasoo campfire site-Soosaare campfire site 15 km
Soosaare campfire site-Uljaste campfire site 20,5 km
Uljaste campfire site–Aidu-Liiva campfire site 30 km
Aidu-Liiva campfire site–Aidu-Nõmme campfire site–Alulinna campfire site 14 km
Additional information
The canal must be crossed by a raft on the section of track passing through the Aidu quarry. On the high banks of the canals with open gravel, we ask bicycle tourists to choose bicycle trails. During the winter, there may be obstacles to cross frozen canals with rafts.
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct
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.
Sights
Tannenberg line, Museum at Sinimäed, Kurtna lakes, Pühtitsa Kuremäe convent, Agusalu sand dunes, Lake Peipus
Parking
The best option for long-term parking is at Visitor Centre of Alutaguse National Park. A few cars can also be parked at each campsite along the hiking route.
Amenities
The trail is signposted and marked with white-yellow-white paint marks on trees. Rest stops on the trail and distances between them.
Uusküla campsite–Alutaguse Visitor centre 5 km
Mummassaare campfire site–Liivjärve campfire site 29 km
Liivjärve campfire site–Martiska campfire site 5,5 km
Martiska campfire site–Konsu campsite 9 km
Konsu campsite–Jõuga lakes campfire site 18 km
Jõuga lakes campfire site–Iisaku hill campfire site 10,5 km
Iisaku hill campfire site-Liivamäe campfire site 4 km
Liivamäe campfire site-Seljandiku forest hut 2 km
Seljandiku forets hut–Kõrtsikraavi campfire site 2 km
Kõrtsikraavi campfire site–Rüütli campfire site 1,5 km
Additional information
In Estonian nature, there are still old explosive devices left from the war. If you have found an object resembling an explosive device, leave it untouched, mark the location and immediately report the discovery to the emergency number 112. More information on the website of the Estonian Rescue Board.
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct
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.
Amenities
The trail is signposted and marked with white-green-white paint marks on trees. The rest stops on the trail and distances between them:
- Nõva Visitor Centre -Allikajärve campfire site 1,2 km
- Allikajärve campfire site – Lepaaugu campfire site 10 km
- Lepaaugu campfire site – Keibu campfire I site 2 km
- Keibu campfire site I -Vihterpalu campfire site 13 km
Water
Drinking water available at Nõva Visitor Centre; non-potable water from Lake Allika, Lake Toates, Lepaauk, the Vihterpalu river.
Parking
The best facility for long-term parking is at Nõva Visitor Centre. A few cars can also be parked at each campsite along the hiking route.
Additional information
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct