Ida-Viru County, Peipsi põhjaranniku Recreation Area
Important warning - please pay attention while travelling along the Aidu Hiking Trail! Movement takes place in the old quarry area, and attention should be paid to the ascents and descents, especially in snow and rain. 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 recommend. 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. Quarry waters are insidious. Heading out onto the ice is at your own risk, provided that you are confident of your safety.
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.
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.
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.
Water
Domestic water can be obtained from the water-filled mining canal.
