Hiking trails

Otepää clearly stands out from the rest of Estonia thanks to its diverse terrain and varied nature. Beautiful hills, ancient valleys, forests, and numerous lakes enrich the landscape at almost every step. Several hiking trails and observation towers are located near Otepää, and the area even has its own national park where you can enjoy birdsong and natural beauty. RMK campfire sites are also close by, offering hikers a place to rest and have a meal. One of Otepää’s greatest prides is Lake Pühajärv, with its picturesque, winding shoreline and five small forested islands in the middle of the lake — often considered the most beautiful lake in Estonia.

Those who wish to seriously challenge themselves in conquering the “mountains” should head to the trails of Otepää. May and early June are the best times to admire the blossoms of the local groves and boreal forests and to enjoy the birdsong, photograph cowslip fields on the open slopes, listen to the gentle lapping of waves along the lakeshores, or take in the view of the tender green forest sea from observation towers.