RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route / Kantsi-Kiidjärve (44 km)
Võimalused
The Agriculture and Food Board warns about the spread of avian influenza. Please stay away from dead birds outdoors and ensure that your pets do not come into contact with them.
NB! If you find a dead bird, do not touch it or move it anywhere! Please report it to the Agriculture and Food Board by calling 605 4767 or 1247.
The Kavastu cable ferry is under maintenance in 2026 and will not operate. Therefore it has to take into account about a 20 km longer route from the Tartu-Räpina road across the Emajõgi river via the Luunja bridge and from there back to the trail route.
If necessary, hikers can stay overnight at the Kastre hunting lodge (est: jahionn; BL: 58.360337, 27.114432) located along the hiking route.
If arranged at least two days in advance, and subject to the service provider’s conditions and availability, it may be possible to cross the river at Kavastu by motorboat. For inquiries, please contact Humala Kalabaas: phone +372 5646 4557, email: kalabaashumala@gmail.com. State Forest Management Centre (RMK) is not responsible for the availability or suitability of this service.
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.