Discover Vihi: Nature, Hiking Trails and River Activities

In the village of Vihi, a habitat for the goshawk is permanently protected; the Sakala Road hiking trail and activities at Vanaõue also shape the visitor experience. You can plan your trip around different interests: a protected landscape, a historic hiking route or activities on the Navesti.

Nature in the Village of Vihi

The “Vihi kanakulli püsielupaik” area covers 11.25 hectares and is located in the village of Vihi. It is permanently protected as a habitat for the goshawk. This gives the nature theme in Vihi a clear connection to a specific area and species.

Hiking Trails with a Historic Connection

The Sakala Road hiking trail follows forest paths that C. R. Jakobson used on his way from Kurgja via Vanaõue to Viljandi to deliver the newspaper “Sakala.” The route thus connects hiking with Jakobson’s historic journey and the name of the newspaper. One section passes through a pine forest shaped by sand dunes.

To reach the start of the Sakala Road hiking trail, the route description specifies taking the turn toward Vändra off the Imavere–Viljandi road, then driving 16.8 kilometres across the bridge over the Navesti. A longer hike offered from Vanaõue covers 12.7 kilometres and leads to the Carl Robert Jakobson Farm Museum in Kurgja.

Moor landscapes are also part of the hiking opportunities: Vanaõue offers guided hikes along forest paths and through the bog. For active holidays, Vanaõue describes the Navesti Nature Reserve as a landscape where bog communities and sand dunes meet. So, alongside the historic route, forest and moor landscapes are also a focus.

Canoeing on the Navesti

Vanaõue organizes canoe trips on the Navesti. The river has fast-flowing sections as well as calmer stretches passing riverside farms and extensive meadows. The Vanaõue–Kootsi route takes 1.5 to 2 hours and includes a three-person canoe, paddles, life jackets, an introduction and transport back to the starting point at Vanaõue. As operational details may change, check the information before your trip.

More Activities at Vanaõue

The archery events on the Sakala Road hiking trail combine hiking with shooting at 3D targets. The event covers 3 kilometres; the targets depict a wild boar, a fox and a hare. It can also take place in a field without a hike. Booking details may change, so it is advisable to check in advance.

Paintball takes place in the forest or on a purpose-built field. Equipment includes a marker, clothing, a mask and gloves. Operational details for this activity may also change.

For 2026, Vanaõue offers trout fishing. Guests can have the chefs grill or bake their catch on site, or have it salted to eat at home later. Check availability before your trip.

For planning your day, the longer hike and the canoe route offer different points of reference: the hike is listed as 12.7 kilometres, while the canoe trip takes 1.5 to 2 hours. This lets you consider the hiking distance and time frame separately when choosing your activities.

Discover more destinations: Pinska, Paistu, Kõpu, Vaibla, Mõisaküla, Suislepa, Viljandi, Valma.

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