The trail starts near the largest lake in Karula National Park. Lake Ähijärv (total area 176 ha) and Ähijärve village are situated right in the heart of the national park. Biologists refer to the lake as a typical eutrophic lake, while fishermen speak of it as a good spot to catch zander, bream, pike, perch, eel and smaller species. Ähijärve village is located on the transition of two types of landscape—the expanse of natural landscape and semi-natural landscape. Peräjärve–Labassaare forests cover the southern shore of the lake. The southern peaks of Karula upland—Lossi and Kõrgemägi hills—are seen from the lakeshore, in the west the Plaagi hill rises against the horizon. Ähijärve village and freehold farms were established in the mid-nineteenth century, whereas human settlement in the area dates back to the 13th century—Sarik-Siimani farm, for example, was built on a burial ground from this period. Ähijärve village is surrounded by a dense network of roads, the layout of which has changed. The Ähijärve roads and paths trail brings these once often treaded paths back to life and runs along the pasture road, the shore path of Lake Ähijärv, footpath, forest paths, winter roads, horse roads and gravel road.
Sights
The trail introduces the nature, history and cultural heritage of the region.
Amenities
The trail starts at the visitor centre of Karula National Park and runs along the shore of Lake Ähijärv and old village roads. There are 15 information boards, 2 boardwalk sections along the trail. The trail is marked with wooden arrow signs and blazing on trees.
The trail is situated in Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type: study trail
Location info
Location : Võru County, Karula National Park
Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs to the visitor centre of Karula National Park. The Ähijärve roads and paths trail starts at the visitor centre.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type:
study trail
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Karula National Park
Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs to the visitor centre of Karula National Park. The Ähijärve roads and paths trail starts at the visitor centre.
Rebäse landscape trail starts from the parking area of the Tornimäe observation tower near a threshing barn in Rebäse. There are 16 boards with information in Estonian and English along the trail, and a parking area and campsite at the start of the trail. You might need sturdy boots to pass the trail as in rainy weather the trail may be partly muddy and the boardwalk slippery. The trail passes pastures so you might encounter curious but generally friendly cows on your way. Hikers can climb up the local “Mount Ararat” (103.1 m above sea level), admire Lake Raudjärv with its ice-cold water and pass the oldest farmstead, established in 1585, in the area. The trail also passes the Linnamägi hill with traces of settlement from Early Iron Age, a new beaver habitat and wild boar feeding sites. Up on the slope of the Tornimägi hill, hikers can admire the largest gullies of Karula upland in the shade of a thicket. The gully is a wonderful sight in early spring when snowdrop anemones are in full bloom. You can also make a detour and visit the Rebäse threshing barn, the fieldstone building near the parking area and the local manor’s bench-shaped flogging stone built into the rear wall.
Wires around the cattle enclosure may be electrified, please be careful when crossing them.
Sights
The nature, history and cultural heritage of the region.
The trail features 16 information boards in both Estonian and English, as well as footbridges and herd gates. The trail is marked with wooden signposts and colour markings on the trees. Due to snowbreakage and the wild boar activity, the path of the trail has changed slightly. Please observe the markings!
The trail is situated in Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type: study trail
Location info
Location : Valga County, Karula National Park
Rebasemõisa village, Valga municipality
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 1.5 km on Haabsaare–Saru road to the junction. Turn right (sign “Valga 32 km”). Drive 5.6 km on Valga–Lüllemäe–Litsmetsa road and turn left after the Rebasemõisa bus stop and then right immediately. Drive to the parking area of the Rebasemõisa observation tower, which marks the start of the trail.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type:
study trail
Location info
Location:
Valga County, Karula National Park
Rebasemõisa village, Valga municipality
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 1.5 km on Haabsaare–Saru road to the junction. Turn right (sign “Valga 32 km”). Drive 5.6 km on Valga–Lüllemäe–Litsmetsa road and turn left after the Rebasemõisa bus stop and then right immediately. Drive to the parking area of the Rebasemõisa observation tower, which marks the start of the trail.
VõimalusedStudy trailCampingFireplaceCovered fireplaceMaintenance during summerPublic transportParkimine
Võru County, Karula National Park
The nature trail/playground for children, situated near the visitor centre in Ähijärve village, welcomes younger visitors. There is a slide, observation platform, swings, sandbox, giant stride on the trail. The trail introduces erratic boulders and rocks, the difference between coniferous and deciduous trees, the most common bird species in the area, soil characteristics and traces of mammal’s activity.
The trail features nine information boards, observation platform with a slide, swings, a rope carousel, a plaque displaying animal tracks, four hollow bird egg poles and a soil profile, providing opportunities for active play, games, and puzzles. The trail is marked with wooden directional arrows. Worksheets to help consolidate what you have learned on the trail can be requested from the information point. Outdoor fireplaces at and Suuremäe campsite (4 fireplaces)
The trail is situated in Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type: study trail
Location info
Location : Võru County, Karula National Park
Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs to the Karula National Park’s visitor centre. Follow the wooden arrow signs from the visitor centre to the playground.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type:
study trail
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Karula National Park
Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs to the Karula National Park’s visitor centre. Follow the wooden arrow signs from the visitor centre to the playground.
VõimalusedCycling trailCircular trailCampingFireplaceMaintenance during summer
Võru County, Karula National Park
The trail runs through Karula National Park and has no marked starting or end point. The easiest access to the trail is at the Karula National Park’s visitor centre, where you can park your car and ask for the National Park map at the information desk. The trail is marked with plastic and tin signs.
Sights
The nature, cultural heritage and history of Karula.
Before going on a nature walk please read the rules of conduct. You can see the trail scheme here.
Restrictions
The trail runs through Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type: cycling trail
Location info
Location : Võru County, Karula National Park
In Karula National Park. The trail has no designated starting or end point.
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs pointing to the Karula National Park’s visitor centre, which lead you to the trail.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type:
cycling trail
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Karula National Park
In Karula National Park. The trail has no designated starting or end point.
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs pointing to the Karula National Park’s visitor centre, which lead you to the trail.
VõimalusedCycling trailCircular trailCampingFireplaceMaintenance during summer
Võru County, Karula National Park
The trail runs through Karula National Park and has no marked starting or end point. The easiest access to the trail is at the visitor centre of Karula National Park, where you can park your car and ask for the National Park map at the information point. The trail is marked with signs.
Sights
The nature, cultural heritage and history of Karula.
The trail is situated in Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type: cycling trail
Location info
Location : Võru County, Karula National Park
In Karula National Park. The trail has no designated starting or end point.
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs pointing to the visitor centre of Karula National Park, which lead you to the trail.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type:
cycling trail
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Karula National Park
In Karula National Park. The trail has no designated starting or end point.
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs pointing to the visitor centre of Karula National Park, which lead you to the trail.
The visitor centre is located in the centre of Karula National Park, surrounded by scenic hills and mysterious forests, and opening up breathtaking views of Lake Ähijärv. The visitor centre is at the border of Valga and Võru counties, away from big roads, so one has to plan their visit either by car or by bus, or maybe even on foot or by bicycle along the RMK Pearküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve Hiking Route. But the journey is worth it! A tired wanderer can have a rest here, find shelter from the rain, watch a documentary introducing the national park, or enjoy the permanent exhibition. For those who want to take a walk here or go hiking, there are several hiking trails that start near the visitor centre. Also the branch of the RMK Hiking Route leading to Peraküla starts here. There is a campfire site and a campsite right near the visitor centre by Lake Ähijärv. The centre's rooms are available for rent for seminars. Besides the enchanting scenery, the visitor centre offers good advice about the sights in the area, outdoor recreation opportunities, as well as advice on accommodation and where to eat. There are souvenirs, information folders and hiking route maps available in the centre. For groups we provide, if requested, various programmes which may also involve local farms.
Parking
Parking area for 20 cars.
Amenities
Information and promotional materials about Karula National Park. Maps of RMK recreation areas available.
The Visitor Centre is situated in Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Opening hours:
10 May to 31 Aug Mon to Sun 10.00–18.00 1 Sept to 9 May Wed to Fri 10.00–16.00 except on public holidays
Object type: visitor centre
Location info
Location : Võru County, Karula National Park
Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality, Võru County.
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs to the visitor centre of Karula National Park.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Opening hours:
10 May to 31 Aug Mon to Sun 10.00–18.00 1 Sept to 9 May Wed to Fri 10.00–16.00 except on public holidays
Object type:
visitor centre
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Karula National Park
Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality, Võru County.
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs to the visitor centre of Karula National Park.
The campsite is situated in Ähijärve village near the visitor centre of Karula National Park. The designated parking area is next to the campsite. The campsite leads to the lakeside parking area, which is the starting point of the 4 km Ähijärve Roads and paths trail, the 36 km Karula hiking trail and the 0.5 km long nature trail/playground for children.
Sights
Lake Ähijärv, the beauty of which can be admired on the hiking trail (starts at the campsite) and semi-natural landscapes (farms).
At the campsite there is a carpark, an information module and information boards, 2 two-seat dry toilets, an outdoor washroom with clean drinking water, 2 open fireplaces, 2 covered fireplaces, 2 sets of table-benches, 2 sets of covered table-benches, 10 benches, a light post, 2 woodsheds, a tree shelter, and a power supply on the wall of the woodshed.
The campsite is situated in Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type: campsite
Location info
Location : Võru County, Karula National Park
Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality, Võru County
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs to the visitor centre of Karula National Park. From the visitor centre follow the wooden signs to the campsite.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type:
campsite
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Karula National Park
Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality, Võru County
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 7 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and follow the signs to the visitor centre of Karula National Park. From the visitor centre follow the wooden signs to the campsite.
Peräjärve forest trail guides the hiker through different forest types—fresh boreal forest, dry boreal nemoral forest, and swamp forest. During the manor period the forests were the property of Vana-Antsla manor lord, who managed and used these for hunting. These hunting stories, Paruni (“Baron’s”) freshwater spring and pavilion at Hundiauk (“Wolf’s hole”) are still remembered in popular lore. The trail informs about the use of forests throughout the history—a fine example is the traces of resin collecting from trees by the forest trail. The trail features fascinating landforms: kettle basins, valleys of Hundiauk (“Wolf’s hole”), Säitsmäpõrguorg (“Valley of seven hells”). The trail passes Lake Peräjärv (“the furthermost lake”), the small overgrowing forest lake, which is the furthermost of the lakes in Ähijärve; hence the name. Also, traces of beaver activity can be seen on the lakeshore. The trail makes a detour to “Baron’s” spring and ends on the Lossimägi hill, the site of a former Vanamõisa manor lord’s hunting castle. The castle was destroyed in a fire in 1921. Tall thujas and larches, ruins of a stove and fieldstone cellar now mark the site of the beautiful two-floor building with balconies. From the Lossimägi hill you can admire the Haanja uplands rising against the horizon. The study trail is most captivating in spring when the forest resounds with chirping birds and mezereon is in bloom; in summer and autumn when forests are filled with wild berries and mushrooms; and in winter when tracks in the snow tell an interesting story about wild animal activities.
Sights
The trail introduces different forest types, forest management and conservation and cultural heritage.
Amenities
17 information boards along the trail. The trail is marked with wooden arrow signs and colour blazing on trees. An open fireplace at Peräjärve campfire site.
The trail is situated in Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type: study trail
Location info
Location : Võru County, Karula National Park
3 km south of the visitor centre of Karula National Park in Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 9.5 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and turn left to the parking area at the Peräjärve bus stop (sign “Peräjärve matkarada”). The hiking trail starts and ends next to the parking area.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type:
study trail
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Karula National Park
3 km south of the visitor centre of Karula National Park in Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 9.5 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and turn left to the parking area at the Peräjärve bus stop (sign “Peräjärve matkarada”). The hiking trail starts and ends next to the parking area.
VõimalusedHiking trail/Hiking OptionsFireplaceMaintenance during summerParkimine
Võru County, Karula National Park
From the campfire site you can start a 4 km hike on Peräjärve forest trail, the long Karula hiking trail or choose the 38 km Karula cycling trail. Tents are not allowed at the campfire site, but can be pitched in designated campsites—the closest are near lakes Ubajärv and Ähijärv.
The campfire site is situated in Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type: campfire site
Location info
Location : Võru County, Karula National Park
3 km south of the visitor centre of Karula National Park in Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 9.5 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and turn left at the Peräjärve bus stop (sign “Peräjärve matkarada”), drive to the parking area. The campfire site is next to the parking area.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type:
campfire site
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Karula National Park
3 km south of the visitor centre of Karula National Park in Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 9.5 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and turn left at the Peräjärve bus stop (sign “Peräjärve matkarada”), drive to the parking area. The campfire site is next to the parking area.
The campfire site on the shore of Lake Ubajärv is a nice resting spot for fishermen and gatherers of wild berries and mushrooms. In wet weather you can find shelter from rain.
Sights
Semi-natural landscapes, forests, Lake Ubajärv.
Camping
Maximum number of tents (for 4) allowed is 5.
Amenities
The campfire site has an information board, an open fireplace, a dry toilet, 1 shelter, a wood shed, 2 benches, a 2-compartment waste bin.
Parking
Parking for 3 cars.
Additional information
The campfire site is partly located in private land, so please show respect to the landowners.
The campfire site is situated in Karula National Park. Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
Contact
Telephone: +372 782 8350
E-mail: info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type: campfire site
Location info
Location : Võru County, Karula National Park
On the eastern shore of Lake Ubajärv, Rõuge municipality
Navigation instructions : Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 12 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and turn left 400 m after the Koemetsa bus stop (sign “Ubajärve”). Drive 4 km and turn right at the T-junction. Drive another 400 m, turn right at the large information board of Karula National Park, and drive to the campfire site.
By clicking on the map it will open the map application larger in a new window.
Telephone:
+372 782 8350
E-mail:
info.karula@rmk.ee
Object type:
campfire site
Location info
Location:
Võru County, Karula National Park
On the eastern shore of Lake Ubajärv, Rõuge municipality
Navigation instructions:
Drive 8 km from Antsla towards Haabsaare, turn right 50 m after the Haabsaare bus stop (signs “Karula rahvuspargi külastuskeskus 7 km”, “Saru 20 km”). Drive 12 km on Haabsaare–Saru road and turn left 400 m after the Koemetsa bus stop (sign “Ubajärve”). Drive 4 km and turn right at the T-junction. Drive another 400 m, turn right at the large information board of Karula National Park, and drive to the campfire site.
