For visitors

The Ahja River Valley Landscape Protection Area is a highly popular recreation area. Its main attractions are the sandstone outcrops of the Ahja River meltwater valley, the forest and picturesque landscape views. The area is visited by nature lovers, berry and mushroom pickers, hikers (including water hikers) and sports enthusiasts. In addition, visitors can board the riverboat Lonny for a pleasure trip on the Saesaare reservoir. Most visitors come here for the Taevaskoda nature trail.

In 2012, a booklet was made in Estonian and English to introduce the Ahja River Valley Landscape Protection Area.

 

The Ahja River Valley Landscape Protection Area gets a lot of visitors. Therefore, it is essential to use the existing roads and paths. Scraping the outcrops is punishable. If you see the outcrops being damaged, call the state helpline on 1247.

KIIDJÄRVE VISITOR CENTRE

The Kiidjärve Visitor Centre is located in the village of Kiidjärve. The centre introduces the meltwater valley of the Ahja River, the Valgesoo bog as well as other natural values and objects of heritage culture. It provides information about RMK’s hiking and recreation opportunities and accommodation, catering and active recreation options in the area. In the outdoor classroom, visitors can learn about the types of forest and the forest life cycle. The centre offers various study programmes and trips for children and adults alike and organises forest and nature events.

STUDY AND HIKING TRAILS

Roiupalu study trail

The study trail starts at the Kiidjärve Visitor Centre, runs along the banks of the Ahja River up to Palanumägi and then circles back to the Hatiku Stream and the car park of the visitor centre. The trail is 3.2 km long and its attractions are the Sõnajalamägi outcrop, the Palanumägi outcrop, the Linasoo bog, the Kunnimägi hill, a spruce with atypical bark, the tallest pine, a sacrificial rock, the Hatiku Stream and the Ahja River.

Taevaskoda nature trail

The nature trail starts at the Saesaare car park, runs along the banks of the Ahja River up to the Large Taevaskoda and back to the car park along the opposite bank of the river. The trail is 3 km long and its attractions include the Large Taevaskoda, the Small Taevaskoda, the Emalätte (mother’s spring) cave, Neitsikoobas (maiden’s cave), Salakuulajakivi (spy’s rock), Savimägi (clay hill) and the Ahja River.

Taevaskoja-Kiidjärve-Taevaskoja hiking trail

The hiking trail starts at the Saesaare car park, runs along the banks of the Ahja River up to the information point of the Kiidjärve Visitor Centre and back to the car park along the opposite bank of the river. The trail is around 12 km long.

Taevaskoja-Otteni-Taevaskoja hiking trail

The hiking trail starts at the Large Taevaskoda and runs along the banks of the Ahja River up to the Otten bridge and from there back to Taevaskoja.

Campfire and camping sites:

Otteni arched watermill bridge Photo: Mari Kala
Otteni arched watermill bridge Photo: Mari Kala