Hiking the Hills of Otepää

Slow travel, spending time in nature, health and wellbeing are becoming increasingly important to travellers. While many hiking trails in Estonia follow relatively flat forest paths, Otepää is a different story. Here, there are plenty of kilometres to explore – and plenty of climbs along the way. It is this varied terrain that makes Otepää one of Estonia’s most diverse hiking destinations, offering a suitable challenge for everyone, from a gentle walk to a full day of more demanding hiking.

The first steps for beginners

Otepää’s more than 20 kilometres of paved walking and cycling trails are an excellent way to start exploring the area on foot. The trails wind through scenic landscapes, allowing everyone to choose how far they want to go. You can simply turn around whenever you feel like it and make your way back.

The paved trails are also a good choice for those who prefer regular sports shoes and would rather not worry about wet grass or muddy paths. For a more romantic stroll, head to Pühajärv Park.

In the heart of the nature park

The RMK (State Forest Management Centre) hiking trails in Otepää Nature Park offer a stronger sense of being in the forest while remaining accessible to beginners and families with children. Altogether, the area has 23 kilometres of marked RMK trails.

The 3.5-kilometre Murrumetsa Hiking Trail partly follows a boardwalk and connects with the popular 16-kilometre Pühajärv Hiking Trail. The route around the lake takes you through forests, across boardwalks and bridges, and past beautiful viewpoints. Its varied terrain includes several climbs, the highest being the ascent to Hobestemägi, at 174 metres, via a flight of steps.

Apteekrimägi – a forest hike in the middle of town

Just a few minutes from the centre of Otepää begins the four-kilometre Apteekrimägi Forest Trail, which offers an insight into the origins of Otepää’s former name, Nuustaku.

Extensive hazelnut groves once grew on Apteekrimägi (Apothecary’s Hill), giving rise to the German name Nuustaku (from Nusstag, meaning “hazelnut day”). The trail circles four hills, the highest of which is the 170-metre Apteekrimägi itself.

A real challenge in Otepää

If you are looking for a more physically demanding hiking experience, the trails around Tehvandi and Kääriku are an excellent choice. At Tehvandi, you can choose between several running and hiking routes, while Kääriku offers almost 23 kilometres of trails in total. Tehvandi Hill rises to 190 metres, with the K90 ski jumping hill at its summit.

One of the most exciting routes is the 16-kilometre Kekkonen Hiking Track. The climbs and descents here are serious enough to leave you feeling as if you have spent the good hiking day. Good-grip hiking shoes are recommended, as is carrying enough drinking water. Hiking poles can also make the steeper sections considerably easier.

Otepää’s sporting heritage is also reflected in the legendary 60-kilometre Tartu Marathon route, a challenge for experienced hikers. Thousands of skiers take on these climbs and descents in winter, while in summer, more experienced hikers can experience the same terrain on foot. Completing the full route requires good physical fitness. In summer, some sections may be unmown, making the terrain slower and more demanding to cross.

Views and places to swim

A day of hiking in Otepää can easily be combined with a refreshing swim. Pühajärve Beach has several swimming spots, including the areas around Kiigemäe and Koolirand, while Kääriku also offers the chance to cool off after a long day outdoors.

For beautiful panoramic views, head to Otepää Hill Fort, the Tehvandi ski jumping hill viewpoint, Harimägi or Väike Munamägi. During the summer season, you can even take a lift to the top of Väike Munamägi. Harimägi rises to 211 metres, while Väike Munamägi reaches 207 metres.

Nature worth noticing

Otepää Nature Park is home to numerous protected species. There are around 12 pairs of lesser spotted eagles (Clanga pomarina) in the park, which is the best nesting site for this species in Estonia. The most notable of the park’s protected species are the northern goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), the northern crested newt (Triturus cristatus), the common spadefoot toad (Pelobates fuscus) and the slender naiad (Najas flexilis).

Accessibility of hiking trails

One of Otepää’s great advantages is that you can easily reach the starting and finishing points of your hike without a car. Buses from Tartu and Valga take less than an hour, and the bus connection between Otepää and Kääriku makes it easy to plan longer hikes, as you can use public transport to reach the trailhead or return from the end of the route when needed.

Before setting off, stock up on hiking snacks at Otepää’s shops. You can refill your water bottle at the Kääriku Sports Centre, where you can also stay overnight.

Maps and descriptions of all RMK hiking trails are available through a mobile-friendly map service, which also allows you to track your location while hiking.

In Otepää, you never have to choose between nature and an active lifestyle – the two naturally go hand in hand. Whether you are looking for a peaceful walk by the lake or a full day of challenging hiking, Otepää offers some of Estonia’s most varied hiking experiences, with hills, forests, lakes and scenic viewpoints along the way.