RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route / Pähni-Ähijärve (105 km)
From Pähni the hiking route goes along forest, field and village roads to the Paganamaa area, which is rich in legends. The jewel of Paganamaa is the chain of lakes at Piirioja. The Estonian-Latvian border divides the lakes into two. From Paganamaa, cyclists and walkers have to continue along different ways. Walkers are directed into the wild forest and cyclists continue along forest and village roads to Metsavenna campfire site. There is a shop and a tourist farm which introduces the life of "forest brothers" (partisans hiding in the woods during WWII). Next, the trail goes through the village of Naha to the sourthernmost tip of Estonia. After that, it runs along forest tracks to the Tellingumägi hill, where it is possible to enjoy the view of the amazing curvy Mustjõgi river and its floodplains. The hiking trail continues through the beautiful and luminous pine stands of Koiva and the wooded Karula National Park to Ähijärve.
Parking
For long-term parking, it is suitable to use the parking areas of Pähni Visitor Centre or the visitor centre of Karula National Park. It is also possible to park at most of the campfire sites on this section of the hiking route, except for Lõunatipu campfire site.
Water
Drinking water can be taken from Pähni Nature Centre and the visitor centre of Karula National Park during their opening hours; in summer at any time from outdoor shower facilities of the visitor centre.
Amenities
The trail is signposted and marked with white-green-white paint marks on trees.
The rest stops on the trail and distances between them:
- Pähni forest hut-Paganamaa campfire site 14 km
- Paganamaa campfire site-Metsavenna campfire site 14 km
- Metsavenna campfire site-Lõunatipu campfire site 12 km
- Lõunatipu campfire site-Tellingumäe campfire site 27 km
- Tellingumäe campfire site-Alumati campfire site 14 km
- Alumati campfire site-Linnajärve campfire site 9 km
- Linnajärve campfire site-Kivi forest hut 4 km
- Kivi forest hut-Karula information point 11 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
Additional Information
- The hiking route goes through Pähni Nature Reserve, Paganamaa Landscape Protection Area, Mõisamõtsa Nature Reserve, Peetri River Landscape Protection area, Koiva-Mustjõe Landscape Protection Area and Karula National Park.
- Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct, rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
- In some places, the route of the hiking trail in nature may differ from the one marked on the map. Please follow the signage marked in nature.
- NB! Passing through Vastseliina fortress is costs 3 €. You can cross the trail free of charge with hiker`s passport or through the manor park.
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. All along the hiking route one should not forget that camping and making a fire is allowed only at places designated for those purposes.