RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route / Kiidjärve-Piusa (121 km)
The longest section of Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route takes the hiker through the varied landscapes of Estonia. From Kiidjärve Visitor Centre, the trail goes along the amazing bank of the Ahja river towards the Taevaskoja outcrops, where one should step off the trail to study them. From Taevaskoja, the route proceeds over the field to Otteni rental hut and campfire site. Next, it passes the places where the film "The Last Relic" was shot and goes along forest roads towards Põlva. After leaving the lands of Mammaste Health and Sports Centre and the forest, the trail takes the hiker to the town of Põlva, where it is possible to replenish your supplies. Next, continuing along a cycling and pedestrian track, the trail arrives at the Rosma hill fort and the forest hiking trail. After Peri campfire site, the route continues on an asphalt road through the Peri village. Thereafter the trail follows a gravel road towards Saarjärve Holiday Centre. From Saarjärve, the trail continues along wonderful forest tracks to Koolma village, where the Võhandu river is crossed. After passing Leevi and Paidra campfire sites and through Lihtenstein village, it takes hikers to Meenikunno Landscape Protection Area. Walkers and cyclists go through the landscape protection area along different routes. From Meenikunno, the hikers go towards Värska, where it is possible to restock supplies and visit the Seto Farm Museum and the Tsäimaja cafe. Next, the route goes along the Laskevälja cycling trail through the varied Mustoja Landscape Protection Area. In Kolossova village we recommend visiting Vana Jüri Seebikoda – the artisan soap shop. From Matsuri hikers should go on the old railroad bed, which takes them towards the Piusa Caves.
Parking
For long-term parking it is convenient to use the parking area at Kiidjärve Visitor Centre. In addition, parking is available in most campfire sites on this section of the hiking route.
Water
In his section of the hiking route, non-potable water is not available near Liipsaare forest hut, and Lõunalaagri and Piusa campfire sites. Near Peri campfire site there is a small stream, which can be waterless in summer.
Amenities
- Kiidjärve Visitor centre-Sõnajala campfire site 0,5 km
- Sõnajala campfire site- Otteni campfire site 8 km
- Otteni campfire site-Peri campfire site 12 km
- Peri campfire site-Leevi campfire site 20 km
- Leevi campfire site-Liipsaare forest hut 14 km
- Liipsaare forest hut-Mustjärve campfire site 4,5 km
- Mustjärve campfire sit-Valgjärve campfire site 1,5 km
- Valgjärve campfire site-Rebasmäe forest hut 4,5 km
- Rebasmäe forest hut-Värska campfire site 20 km
- Värska campfire site-Poogandi campfire site 16 km
- Poogandi campfire site-Lõunalaagri campfire site 9 km
- Lõunalaagri campfire site-Piusa campfire site 15 km
Hiking Options
There are several shorter signposted hiking trails on this section, which can be completed in addition to the main route.
Outdoor Fireplace
Uncovered Fireplace
Covered Fireplace
Sights
Väike and Suur Taevaskoda (outcrops), Ahja river, scenes of the film "The Last Relic", Võhandu river, Meenikunno bog, Mustoja Landscape Protection Area, Piusa caves.
Additional Information
- The hiking route goes through the Ahja river valley, Lake Kuulmajärv, Meenikunno and Mustoja Landscape Protection Areas and the Piusa Caves Nature Reserve. Further information about restrictions can be obtained from the Environmental Board info@keskkonnaamet.ee, +372 662 5999.
- Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Restrictions
This section of the hiking route is in the territory of several protected areas, so visitors should have general knowledge of their protection rules. On the hiking route one should not forget that camping and making a fire is allowed only at places designated for those purposes.