The total length of Taagepera hiking trail is 5.4 km. The trail starts and ends at Taagepera campfire site, which offers a possibility of camping and making campfire. Traces of beaver activity, wood ants and rich forests – with larches, firs, oaks etc. – can be seen on the trail along the Õhne river. The trail can also be completed in shorter rounds of 1.6 km and 4.0 km. More precise trail information can be found on the board.
Parking
The parking area seats 10 cars.
Amenities
The trail is marked with wooden signs.
Camping
In the campfire site Taagepera.
Sights
Taagepera Manor and park, Taagepera Church and graveyard, family burial place of the local barons, "Last Kiss", a sacrificial rock, underground cemetery, Õhne river.
Additional Information
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Contact
Telephone: +372 526 1924
E-mail: info.soomaa@rmk.ee
Object type: hiking trail
Location info
Location : Valga County, Sakala Recreation Area
Valga County, Tõrva municipality, Taagepera village, opposite Taagepera Manor
The hill fort of Lõhavere was occupied by a local Estonian chieftain Lembitu during the Late Iron Age. It is one of the most thoroughly studied hill forts in Estonia. Major archaeological excavations have been conducted on the site since the late 19th century and almost two thirds of the stronghold has been excavated. Many of the stronghold’s details correspond to the description of the castle written in the Livonian Chronicle by a priest called Henry of Latvia in 1215. The stronghold has been built on a moraine hill which rises 8 to 10 meters above the surrounding terrain. Encircling the top of the hill is a man-made sand wall, which was originally supported from inside by a 2.5 meter timber wall. Timber structures were built on the top of the wall. The main gate of the hill fort was on the north side and was probably protected by a wooden tower.
Parking
Parking for 13 cars, 3 buses.
Amenities
Gathering place with benches, information board and historical comic storyboards. A trail marked with arrows and a metal stair lead to the main gate of the hill fort. To return from the hill fort to the parking lot there is a wooden staircase.
Sights
A memorial
“To the defenders of Sakala 1217-1223”
designed by sculptor
Renaldo Veeber and architect Ülo Stöör was opened in 1969.
Additional Information
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Restrictions
The hill fort is a archaeological monument
Contact
Telephone: +372 526 1924
E-mail: info.soomaa@rmk.ee
Object type: rest stop
Location info
Location : Viljandi County, Sakala Recreation Area
Lõhavere village, Põhja-Sakala municipality, Viljandi county
Navigation instructions : Drive 31 km along Imavere–Viljandi road and turn towards Vändra. Drive 6.8 km up to Suure-Jaani junction, where the sign “Lõhavere linnamägi 2 km” directs to the right. Drive about 2 km through Kõidama village and turn left, following the sign “Lõhavere linnamägi”. Drive about 1.1 km and you are there.
Lõhavere village, Põhja-Sakala municipality, Viljandi county
Navigation instructions:
Drive 31 km along Imavere–Viljandi road and turn towards Vändra. Drive 6.8 km up to Suure-Jaani junction, where the sign “Lõhavere linnamägi 2 km” directs to the right. Drive about 2 km through Kõidama village and turn left, following the sign “Lõhavere linnamägi”. Drive about 1.1 km and you are there.
Mukri campfire site is located at the edge of the scenic Mukri bog at the beginning of Mukri nature study trail.
Parking
Parking for 10 cars or 2 buses.
Amenities
Open campfire site, large shelter, 2 picnic tables, dry toilet, information board, trash bin, 3 benches
Hiking Options
Mukri nature trail
Sights
Mukri bog
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 Mukri Landscape Reserve. 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: campfire site
Location info
Location : Rapla County, Mukri Nature Reserve
Mukri village, Kehtna municipality, Rapla County
Navigation instructions : From Tallinn: Drive to Rapla. From Rapla drive by Rapla-Türi road. From Lelle crossroads turn towards Eidapere and drive 15 km. From Eidapere turn left after the railroad crossing and drive 1.3 km. The campsite is on your right by the road.
From Tallinn: Drive to Rapla. From Rapla drive by Rapla-Türi road. From Lelle crossroads turn towards Eidapere and drive 15 km. From Eidapere turn left after the railroad crossing and drive 1.3 km. The campsite is on your right by the road.
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Restrictions
Located in Mukri Nature Reserve. 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: hiking trail
Location info
Location : Rapla County, Mukri Nature Reserve
Mukri village, Kehtna municipality, Rapla county
Navigation instructions : Drive to Rapla. From Rapla drive by Rapla-Türi road. From Lelle
crossroads turn towards Eidapere and drive 15 km. From Eidapere turn
left after the railroad crossing and drive 1.3 km. The trail is on
your right by the road.
Drive to Rapla. From Rapla drive by Rapla-Türi road. From Lelle
crossroads turn towards Eidapere and drive 15 km. From Eidapere turn
left after the railroad crossing and drive 1.3 km. The trail is on
your right by the road.
The observation tower is located on the Mukri nature trail and offers beautiful views of the Mukri bog, bog pools and forests. The trail has three branches, and the shortest way to the observation tower is along the middle branch, which does not have a separate parking lot. It is 670 m from the parking lot through the southeast branch to the observation tower.
Parking
Parking for 10 cars or 2 buses.
Amenities
Covered 18 meter high observation tower, information board
Sights
Mukri bog
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 Mukri Nature Reserve. 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 : Rapla County, Mukri Nature Reserve
Mukri village, Kehtna municipality, Rapla county
Navigation instructions :The observation tower’s location marker on the map shows the location of the study trail's parking lot. Drive to Rapla. From Rapla drive by Rapla-Türi road. From Lelle
crossroads turn towards Eidapere and drive 15 km. From Eidapere turn
left after the railroad crossing and drive 1.3 km. The trail is on
your right by the road.
The observation tower’s location marker on the map shows the location of the study trail's parking lot. Drive to Rapla. From Rapla drive by Rapla-Türi road. From Lelle
crossroads turn towards Eidapere and drive 15 km. From Eidapere turn
left after the railroad crossing and drive 1.3 km. The trail is on
your right by the road.
VõimalusedMatkarada/MatkavõimalusRingikujuline radaTelkimineMaintenance during summerParkimine
Järva County, Sakala Recreation Area
The trail is very difficult to pass!
The 9,7 km loop trail offers views of the varied natural landscape on the scenic banks of the Saarjõgi River. The trail provides a pastime for hikers who are not in a hurry to leave. The forest, quite wild-looking in places, and the secret tunnels made in the bank by beavers make the trail exciting and mysterious. The trail is marked with blue paint on trees. Please note that depending on the season of the year, some parts of the trail may be wet.
Parking
Saeveski parking area and Metsavenna campfire site.
Amenities
There are several information boards along the trail, introducing objects
Camping
Camping is possible at Metsavenna campfire site and Saeveski forest hut.
Sights
The trail largely follows the route of the river Saarjõgi with its valley, which in places is 5 m deep and 40-50 m wide. Varied landscape, different forest communities and cultural heritage objects. Along the trail there are the dunes of the onetime Baltic Ice Lake, popularly known as Kabelimägi hills.
Additional Information
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Restrictions
The trail is in Saarjõe Landscape Protection Area. 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: hiking trail
Location info
Location : Järva County, Sakala Recreation Area
Rassi village, Türi municipality, Järva county
Navigation instructions : On Imavere–Viljandi road, 31 km from Imavere turn towards Vändra and drive 11.3 km to the sign “Jälevere 4 km”. Follow the sign to the right and drive 9 km through Jälevere to the centre of Tõrvaaugu village, where the sign “Türi 23 km” directs to the left. Drive towards Türi to the Rassi bus stop (about 2.6 km) and the sign “Saeveski metsaonn” on the left. Follow the sign for about 4.4 km, then turn right (follow the sign “Saeveski metsaonn”). Drive about 400 m across the bridge and you’ll arrive at the parking area of Saeveski forest hut. When approaching from the direction of Türi, follow the sign “Rassi 19 km”. At the Rassi bus stop turn right towards Saeveski. When coming from the direction of Vändra, drive about 22 km along Vändra–Suure-Jaani road and then turn left towards Saeveski forest hut. Drive 4.6 km and turn right, drive 2.5 km to the road fork, keep right and continue ahead for 0.4 km. The study trail starts at the campfire site near the forest hut.
On Imavere–Viljandi road, 31 km from Imavere turn towards Vändra and drive 11.3 km to the sign “Jälevere 4 km”. Follow the sign to the right and drive 9 km through Jälevere to the centre of Tõrvaaugu village, where the sign “Türi 23 km” directs to the left. Drive towards Türi to the Rassi bus stop (about 2.6 km) and the sign “Saeveski metsaonn” on the left. Follow the sign for about 4.4 km, then turn right (follow the sign “Saeveski metsaonn”). Drive about 400 m across the bridge and you’ll arrive at the parking area of Saeveski forest hut. When approaching from the direction of Türi, follow the sign “Rassi 19 km”. At the Rassi bus stop turn right towards Saeveski. When coming from the direction of Vändra, drive about 22 km along Vändra–Suure-Jaani road and then turn left towards Saeveski forest hut. Drive 4.6 km and turn right, drive 2.5 km to the road fork, keep right and continue ahead for 0.4 km. The study trail starts at the campfire site near the forest hut.
The study trail is an excellent supplement to the Heimtali manor complex. To get to the start of the trail, drive towards Viljandi from the centre of Heimtali Manor. The parking area is near a small castle-like building – the old distillery. The trail passes the only Estonian lime forest in Heimtal and is intended for nature-lovers, who are interested in mighty broadleaved trees. The trunks of giant trees are covered with various rare mosses, many of which are characteristic species of the valuable habitat.
Parking
Parking for 2 buses, 10 cars.
Amenities
At the beginning of the trail there is a parking lot, information board, toilet. The trail is partly covered with chopped wood.
Camping
The nearest camping area and campfire site is at Sinialliku.
Outdoor Fireplace
The nearest camping area and campfire site is at Sinialliku.
Sights
The study trail is next to Heimtali distillery and introduces the most widespread broadleaved hardwood trees in Estonia.
Additional Information
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Contact
Telephone: +372 526 1924
E-mail: info.soomaa@rmk.ee
Object type: study trail
Location info
Location : Viljandi County, Sakala Recreation Area
Heimtali village, Viljandi municipality, Viljandi county
Navigation instructions : On Imavere–Karksi-Nuia road, 26 km from Imavere, turn right before Lake Viljandi towards Heimtali and drive 4.8 km to Heimtali distillery. The parking area is by the road on the right, and the study trail starts on the left side of the road, 30 m before the parking area. When coming from the direction of Pärnu, drive 41 km from Kilingi-Nõmme towards Viljandi, turn right towards Heimtali and drive 2.5 km to the centre of Heimtali. Turn left there, go past the round stable and the schoolhouse in the park and descend to the valley. The parking area is to the left of the road. Walk back 30 m along the road from the parking area to the start of the study trail.
Heimtali village, Viljandi municipality, Viljandi county
Navigation instructions:
On Imavere–Karksi-Nuia road, 26 km from Imavere, turn right before Lake Viljandi towards Heimtali and drive 4.8 km to Heimtali distillery. The parking area is by the road on the right, and the study trail starts on the left side of the road, 30 m before the parking area. When coming from the direction of Pärnu, drive 41 km from Kilingi-Nõmme towards Viljandi, turn right towards Heimtali and drive 2.5 km to the centre of Heimtali. Turn left there, go past the round stable and the schoolhouse in the park and descend to the valley. The parking area is to the left of the road. Walk back 30 m along the road from the parking area to the start of the study trail.
The study trail is well known for the small heart-shaped bog lake. The aerial photo of the lake decorates many publications of Viljandi County. The trail is excellent for groups, because the wood-chip path to the lake is wide enough. The path is also suitable for people with reduced mobility. Around the trail there are pine forests rich in bilberries, further in the bog both cloudberries and cranberries can be found. Possible to go for a rejuvenating swim in the bog lake.
Parking
Parking for 1 bus, 3 cars.
Amenities
At the parking area an information board and dry toilet. Wide wood-chip path goes through the bog pine forest to the heart-shaped Lake Parika Väikejärv. On lakeshore there is a recreation site with shelter, and a wooden pier with ladder. The trail around the lake is partly covered with wood chips and partly earth track. Short boardwalk takes you to bog pools. There are several recreation sites along the trail. The information boards along the trail are placed on massive carved wooden posts.
Camping
The nearest camping area and campfire site is at Lõhavere.
Berries-mushrooms
Cloudberries, bilberries, cowberries
Additional Information
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Restrictions
The study trail is situated in Parika Nature Reserve. 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: study trail
Location info
Location : Viljandi County, Sakala Recreation Area
Aimla village, Põhja-Sakala municipality, Viljandi county
Navigation instructions : Drive 30 km on Imavere–Viljandi road and turn left towards Tääksi, continue 9.2 km to the centre of Aimla village, and follow the “Parika väikejärve õpperada 2,1 km” to the left. Drive 2.1 km to the parking space, which is to the left of the road before the start of the study trail. When coming from Viljandi, turn from Tallinn road to Musta tee, and drive 13.7 km towards Põltsamaa to the Aimla tee bus stop. Turn left and drive 3.6 km to the centre of Aimla village and follow the sign “Parika väikejärve õpperada 2,1 km”.
Aimla village, Põhja-Sakala municipality, Viljandi county
Navigation instructions:
Drive 30 km on Imavere–Viljandi road and turn left towards Tääksi, continue 9.2 km to the centre of Aimla village, and follow the “Parika väikejärve õpperada 2,1 km” to the left. Drive 2.1 km to the parking space, which is to the left of the road before the start of the study trail. When coming from Viljandi, turn from Tallinn road to Musta tee, and drive 13.7 km towards Põltsamaa to the Aimla tee bus stop. Turn left and drive 3.6 km to the centre of Aimla village and follow the sign “Parika väikejärve õpperada 2,1 km”.
Kellissaare campfire site is located at the lake formed in a former sand quarry. The lake is suitable for swimming. A nice and peaceful place.
Parking
Parking for 5 cars.
Amenities
Campfire site, outdoor fireplace, benches around both campfire sites, table- benches- shelter, firewood shelter, dry toilet, 2 waste bins, information board.
Hiking Options
The campfire site is on the RMK Oandu-Aegviidu-Ikla Hiking Route.
Camping
Maximum number of tents (for 4) allowed is 5.
Sights
Former sand quarry and motocross tracks
Additional Information
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Contact
Telephone: +372 526 1924
E-mail: info.soomaa@rmk.ee
Object type: campfire site
Location info
Location : Pärnu County, Sakala Recreation Area
Mädara village, Põhja-Pärnumaa municipality, Pärnu County
Navigation instructions : Coming from Pärnu: drive along Vändra and after 9.5 km, just before the Mädara river, turn left. After 900 m, turn right and cross the Mädara River. Drive 3 km along sand dunes and motocross tracks. On the right side of the road there is a parking lot and the Kellissaare campfire site.
Coming from the north (Tallinn and Rakvere): Drive along the Rakvere-Pärnu highway towards Vändra and before Vändra, immediately after the Mädara river, turn right. Drive 3 km along sand dunes and motocross tracks. On the right side of the road there is a parking lot and the Kellissaare campfire site.
Mädara village, Põhja-Pärnumaa municipality, Pärnu County
Navigation instructions:
Coming from Pärnu: drive along Vändra and after 9.5 km, just before the Mädara river, turn left. After 900 m, turn right and cross the Mädara River. Drive 3 km along sand dunes and motocross tracks. On the right side of the road there is a parking lot and the Kellissaare campfire site.
Coming from the north (Tallinn and Rakvere): Drive along the Rakvere-Pärnu highway towards Vändra and before Vändra, immediately after the Mädara river, turn right. Drive 3 km along sand dunes and motocross tracks. On the right side of the road there is a parking lot and the Kellissaare campfire site.
The observation tower at Lake Parika is accessible by a boardwalk. The site is excellent for a quick excursion for travellers on the Tartu-Viljandi road. A short walk takes visitors to the observation tower at the edge of the Parika bog, where they can safely watch birds in the bog and on the lake.
Parking
For 3 cars.
Amenities
boardwalk, observation tower
Additional Information
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Contact
Telephone: +372 526 1924
E-mail: info.soomaa@rmk.ee
Object type: observation tower
Location info
Location : Viljandi County, Sakala Recreation Area
Viljandi County, Viljandi municipality, 18 km along Viljandi-Põltsamaa road
Navigation instructions : Drive 25 km along Põltsamaa–Viljandi road towards Viljandi. On the right side of the road the sign directs you to the hiking trail. Please park the car by the side of the road.
Viljandi County, Viljandi municipality, 18 km along Viljandi-Põltsamaa road
Navigation instructions:
Drive 25 km along Põltsamaa–Viljandi road towards Viljandi. On the right side of the road the sign directs you to the hiking trail. Please park the car by the side of the road.
