Põlva: Bog Trails, River Landscapes and Culture

The Taevaskoda sandstone outcrops lie along the banks of the ancient valley of the Ahja River. Great Taevaskoda rises 22.5 metres above the river; the cliffs are part of the Ahja River Landscape Protection Area. This combination of cliff and river defines one of the region’s distinctive natural sites.

Walking through bog and river valley

The Taevaskoda hiking trail is a loop that follows both banks of the Ahja. There is also an alternative 3-kilometre route to Great Taevaskoda. This gives you the choice of a loop or a route with a clearly defined destination. In Valgesoo Bog, a 1.8-kilometre educational trail forms a loop. At its beginning there is an observation tower and a rest area with a fire pit.

Valgesoo offers different views of the landscape along the way: the educational trail passes bog vegetation and an old pine plantation before reaching a forest edge where many red wood ants live. Those interested in bog trails will also find a boardwalk in the Meenikunno Bog recreation area. It is accessible to strollers and wheelchairs. The recreation area also has hikers’ huts and an observation tower.

The Kaljupealse rest area also combines an outdoor break with the option to continue exploring: it has a covered table with benches, a covered grill and firewood. Nearby, an unmarked hiking trail runs through a pine forest alongside high sandy banks. Keep the lack of trail markings in mind when navigating.

Bird migration and paddling on the water

On the Räpina polder, beside Lake Lämmijärv, part of Lake Peipus, is an internationally important bird-breeding area. During migration, up to 1.5 million birds pass through the Räpina polder. The area’s importance as a breeding ground and the migration activity describe different aspects of this landscape: it is both an important nesting site and a route for large numbers of migrating birds.

Canoe and kayak trips on the Võhandu River are available from early spring to late autumn. Shorter trips last 2 to 6 hours, while longer trips last 1 to 3 days. There are different trip lengths to choose from for paddling excursions. If you are planning dates or a trip, check the current offerings in advance.

History, architecture and crafts

The Estonian Road Museum is located in the historic Varbuse postal station complex in Põlva County. The “Road Time” and “Mastering Machines” exhibitions, along with the open machinery hall, cover road construction, public transport and mechanical engineering. The museum is most conveniently reached by car. The historic buildings and exhibition themes give a visit a different focus from the hiking trails and bog landscapes.

The Mooste Manor estate includes a group of ancillary buildings in the historicist style and an English-style park. The former stable houses a concert hall with 500 seats. The restaurant at Mooste Viinavabrik offers carefully prepared modern dishes made with local ingredients. The architecture, concert hall and cuisine each showcase a different side of a visit to Mooste.

A guided tour of Sillapää Castle provides a brief overview of the history of the Räpina region, starting with its first mention in 1582. If you wish, the tour can be extended with a walk through the species-rich manor park. As tour offerings may vary, it is a good idea to check the latest visitor information before your visit.

Räpina Manor Park lies on a peninsula surrounded by the Võhandu River. Almost 800 species of trees and shrubs grow there. Räpina is also home to St. Michael’s Lutheran Church, completed in 1785. It is late Baroque, with walls of plastered natural stone; a painting by Carl Antropoff was created in the church in 1871.

The Karilatsi Open-Air Museum offers a glimpse into life in the historic Vana-Võromaa County around 100 years ago. Visitors can also learn about school life and farm work of the time across its 5-hectare site. Workshops on smoke sauna customs add to this insight into cultural history. Süvahavva Wool Workshop and Museum showcases a different kind of craft: you can see how wool is spun into yarn there; Villakalli Puut sells wool products and other local crafts on site.

Ahja Manor also offers connections to history and literature. It dates back to the Middle Ages and was first mentioned in 1553. The manor and park are associated with the book “Väike Illimar,” based on the childhood memories of Friedebert Tuglas, a folk poet from Ahja. The park includes a pond and a beautiful parkland area, both protected for their natural and heritage value. For a bike ride, the Kooraste cycling route passes through pine forests and along gravel roads; it is worth checking the current trail conditions before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Vastse-Kuuste Vald, Kõlleste Parish, Põlva, Kanepi, Värska, Valgjärve, Mikitamäe Parish, Laheda Parish, Ahja, Räpina, Põlva, Mooste, Pechorsky District, Mammaste, Pikajärve.

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