Discover Kastre: manor history, fortresses and hiking trails

Kastre brings together the history of a manor, medieval fortifications and trails along the Emajõgi. To get your bearings, it is worth distinguishing between the names and dates: Castor is probably identified with Vana-Kastre, while Uus Kastre refers to another fortress. The village also has a connection for hikers. In 2026, the RMK long-distance hiking route requires planning for the Kavastu ferry being out of service and the resulting detour.

Manor, fortresses and landscape history

Kastre Manor was founded at the end of the 13th century. The medieval fortress Castor is probably identified with Vana-Kastre, also known as Altenturm. Uus Kastre refers to another fortress, built in the 14th century east of the Emajõgi on its northern bank. Castor and Uus Kastre thus represent distinct historical references: the identification of Castor remains probable, while Uus Kastre is characterised by its construction date and riverside location.

A description from 1904 mentions a small park at Kastre Park and a path leading down to the Emajõgi. This adds a concrete landscape perspective to the names of the fortresses: the path connected the park with the riverbank. The date places this description of the park in a different period from the medieval references.

The dates also highlight different points: the manor was founded at the end of the 13th century, Uus Kastre was built in the 14th century, the park was described in 1904, and the nature centre building was completed in 2004. The two more recent dates refer to different things: a historical description of the park and the completion of a building.

Further historical references in the surrounding area

In Uue-Kastre, the Emajõe-Suursoo Nature Centre is housed in a building completed in 2004 on the ruins of a tavern. The year refers to the completion of the building; the tavern ruins are its older foundations. This site thus adds to the medieval fortification references a building completed at a later date with an older history.

Further afield, the ruins of Vana-Kastre Fortress are among the tourist attractions in Kastre Municipality. This reference extends the view beyond the village and places the ruins in the wider context of the municipality.

Hiking trails and river crossing

The RMK Peraküla–Aegviidu–Ähijärve long-distance hiking route crosses the Emajõgi at Kavastu and then reaches the village of Kastre. The Metsa hiking trail returns to a settled area in the village of Kastre. These details provide different points of reference: the river crossing at Kavastu is a landmark on the long-distance route, while Metsa leads back to a settled area. When comparing the trails, you can therefore treat the river crossing and the point where the trail returns to the village as distinct route features.

In 2026, the Kavastu ferry will be out of service for repair work. The RMK route therefore requires a detour of about 20 km: it goes from Räpina maantee across the Emajõgi via Luunja Bridge, then returns to the route. The distance is approximate, not an exact number of kilometres. If you are planning the route in 2026, check the RMK route information before setting out and include the detour in your plans.

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