RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route / Oostriku-Elistvere (76 km)
You can get to Oostriku campfire site along the gravel road that goes to the south from Koeru, with the sign directing towards the Norra springs. The same road takes the hikers through the springs area and also further over open landscapes to Tapiku, where the hiking route takes an abrupt turn to the left and goes through the massive state forest up to Siimusti mainly along straight forest rides. Starting from Siimusti, one can enjoy an asphalt road that continues to Härjanurme. After crossing the Pedja river, a gravel road first runs between fields, later turns left into a magnificent forest road. Please be careful when crossing the Tartu-Jõgeva Road. The tunnel under the nearby railway takes hikers to the other side. After Kassinurme, hikers are already at the edge of the Vooremaa area. From the gravel road to Elistvere one can enjoy wonderful views. The last kilometre is again asphalt and goes downhill.
Parking
Both Koeru and Elistvere Visitor Centre are excellent places to start and end the journey. Siimusti, which lies quite in the middle of this section, is a larger borough in the area. Parking possibilities are at all the official rest stops along the hiking route, as well as at other campfire sites along the way.
Water
Along this section there are the springs in Endla Nature Reserve, the Oostriku river, the fire pond at Hundissaare campfire site, the Pedja river at Härjanurme. Drinking water is available in Elistvere Visitor Centre during its opening hours.
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:
- Oostriku campfire site-Võlingi campfire site 3 km
- Võlingi campfire site-Hundissaare campfire site 15 km
- Hundissaare campfire site-Siimusti campfire site 14,5 km
- Siimusti campfire site-Kassinurme campfire site 19,5 km
- Kassinurme campfire site-Elistvere campfire site 24 km
Hiking Options
From the hiking route you can go to the following hiking trails: Sopa spring study trail (900 m) Võlingi spring hiking trail (2,4 km), Elistvere study trail (2 km).
Outdoor Fireplace
Covered Fireplace
Sights
In the western part of Endla Nature Reserve one can find man-made, limnocrene and rheocrene springs. The Sopa spring, the deepest one in Estonia is located a bit further away from the trail. Härjanurme Fish Farm is an excellent place for a break. There you can fish and eat freshly caught fish or take it with you to prepare later. The site of the sacred grove at Vaiga-Kassinurme hill fort is one of the oldest sacred places in Estonia. Here you can learn about the history of this ancient place and visit the restored part of the hill fort. Vooremaa offers spectacular views to the hiker in many places. One of the most scenic views opens from the Raigastvere tower. At Elistvere you can visit the Animal Park (for a fee). Those who want to stay longer in this area can visit the attractive Ice Age Centre, located by Lake Saadjärv, 8 km from Elistvere towards Tartu. Another option is the Vudila whole-family playland, 1.7 km towards Maarja.
Additional Information
Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
Restrictions
In the nature reserves that the hiking trail passes, certain restrictions have to be observed. The restrictions are listed on information boards. (Endla Nature Reserve, Siimusti Kurista Landscape Protection Area, Kassinurme hill fort, Vooremaa Landscape Protection Area, Elistvere manor park). Further information can be obtained from the Environmental Board +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
To get to Elistvere, drive 12 km from Tartu towards Jõgeva, then turn right (sign "Elistvere loomapark 10") and drive into Elistvere village. When coming from Tallinn: drive to Jõgeva, then towards Tartu up to Tabivere. Turn left there (sign "Elistvere loomapark 6") and drive into Elistvere village.