Where to go

Peräjärve forest trail (4 km)

 
Võru County, Karula National Park
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.
Parking

For max 12 cars.

Amenities

17 information boards along the trail. The trail is marked with wooden arrow signs and colour blazing on trees.

Hiking Options

by walking

Outdoor Fireplace

Uncovered Fireplace Fire ring with a grill in the Peräjärve campfire site.

Berries-mushrooms

Cowberries, bilberries, mushrooms

Sights

The trail introduces different forest types, forest management and conservation and cultural heritage.

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 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.

Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.68501
Longitude: 26.52417
L-EST 97x: 650551
L-EST 97y: 6396462

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.
Coordinates:

Long-Lat WGS 84
Latitude: 57.68501
Longitude: 26.52417
L-EST 97x: 650551
L-EST 97y: 6396462