Our main activity is organizing hikes and nature tours. You can order the service of a hiking guide and a nature guide, as well as hikes of different lengths and levels of difficulty at any time of the year. The main operating area of Karula hikes is the Karula National Park, which offers endless opportunities for discovery with its diverse landscape and interesting culture heritage!
During the hikes, the landscapes and cultural heritage characteristic of Karula are introduced. Many hikes can be adapted into hikes of the length and difficulty level that suit the customer! It is also possible to order hikes outside of Karula. Hikers can also join public hikes. Information about upcoming hikes can be found on the Facebooki ja Instagrami pages of Karula matkad, tickets are available in Fienta.
If you are interested and would like to receive a quote, please contact us by e-mail at karulamatkad@gmail.com
Introduction to Karula National Park
Hiking circuits of different lengths (2-6h) starting and ending from the Karula National Park Visitor Centre in Ähijärve village. Explore the main natural and cultural values of Karula National Park and hike along the shore of Lake Ähijärve, enjoying both lake and forest views. For a longer round trip, there is also the possibility to visit the Mäekonnu Lookout Tower during the hike.
Kaika hills hike
Hiking circuits of different lengths (2-6h) to discover the Kaika hilly landscape starting and ending at Kaika guesthouse. The Kaika landscape is considered to be the most representative hilly landscape in Estonia. The tightly packed small rounded hills offer hikers both beautiful views and challenging movement. Throughout history, the village of Kaika has been home to famous and interesting people, who will also be talked about on the hikes.
Rebasemõisa hike
Hiking circuits of different lengths (2-6h) in Rebasemõisa village, starting and ending in the Rebäse trail starting point. In Rebasemõisa you can see the highest hills of Karula National Park. During the hike, you will be introduced to the natural and cultural values of the village and told fascinating stories about the life of foxes ("rebane" means fox in estonian language).
"Õdri forests hike
Hiking circuits of different lengths (2-6h) in the forests around Lake Õdri. Explore the biodiversity of forests and hear about the importance of forests for people at different stages of history. Small lakes in the middle of the forests offer enchanting views. At the end of the hike, you will also see the hilly landscape and learn about local sustainable lifestyle.
Hike in the Perajärve forests
Hiking circuits of different lengths (2-6h) starting and ending at the beginning of the Perajärve hiking trail. The forest areas south of Lake Ähijärve with their old trees and bogs offer wonderful hiking opportunities. These are truly unique old diverse forest ecosystems. During the hike, you can explore the forest for signs of both animal and human activity.
Hike with a visit to the Navitrolla art studio
At least a three-hour hike starting and ending at the Mähkli bus stop. Hike through the beautiful domes of Mähkli village and take time to enjoy the views. The hike includes a visit to the Mäekonnu Lookout Tower and the studio of the famous artist Navitrolla in his home. We will talk to the artist himself and find out how he came to Karula and where he gets inspiration for his paintings.
30-hill hike
Longer 10km hike (4-5 hours) starting and finishing at Kaika guesthouse. The hike, originally put together to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Karula National Park, is unique in Estonia - where else could you visit 30 hills, each with its own name and story, in just 10 km! The hike offers plenty of views of the beautiful hilly landscape and takes the hiker on a journey of reflection on the past and future of Karula National Park - what life was like in the past and how people live here now!
Hike to strange place names
A longer two-day hike to places in Karula with strange names. The hike takes place in the less populated areas of the national park and also veers slightly outside the national park. You will hike through the different forests of the National Park, visit local small lakes and bogs, and learn about the history of the villages. We will hike on trails and also off-trail. We will stay vernight in the Karula National Park centre in Ähijärve, where it is possible to order a smoke sauna in the evening. The hike is organized as a public hike at least twice a year, but can also be booked separately.
Karula Karvane
A longer two-day hike, where 20 of the highest hills of the national park are visited. The hike is of medium difficulty, with both on-road and off-road sections. During the two days you will visit different parts of the National Park and get a good overview of its natural and cultural values. We will spend the night in tents and cook a meal on campfire, truly amazing experience! Each hiker who completes the full length of the hike will be awarded the title "Karula Karvane". The hike is organized as a public hike 2-5 times a year, but can also be booked separately.
SUP-trip on Lake Ähijärve
SUP-board trip on Lake Ähijärve. During the trip you will learn the basics of SUP-boarding and get acquainted with the natural and cultural values of Lake Ähijärve from the water. Suitable for beginners! The trip can be booked from May to September.
Sauna ja SUP-board rental
As an extra service, you can order a hot Finnish sauna at the Nõlvaku farmhouse and rent canoes and SUP-boards.
Hill Restaurant
Either separately or as part of the hike, it is possible to order catering in Karula National Park. Depending on the weather, you can dine either outdoors or under a roof. The menu can be combined to suit the customer from three parts: appetizer - homemade soup with side dishes - dessert. Simple and delicious!
Workshop "Out of the Comfort Zone"
During the workshop, we will discuss the comforts we are no longer used to living without. We will introduce tools to get around in nature and do some practical exercises such as lighting a fire with a firesteel, filtering water or orienteering with a compass. The workshop will last 2-3 hours.
Workshop "Insect Diversity"
Who would have thought that such small creatures could be so important? During the workshop, we will get to know representatives of different insect groups, talk about their importance in nature and to people. Together, we will catch insects with a net and identify them. The workshop will last 2-3 hours and will be held from May to August.
Workshop "Exercises on a SUP board"
Introduction to SUP boards for beginners and exercises for maintaining balance on a SUP board, riding it and maneuvering in groups of four near the lake shore. The duration of the workshop is 2-3 hours and is possible to order from May to September.
The hikes will be led by Paula Solvak, a local resident of Karula National Park, who holds a hiking guide's certificate (level 4, specialising in walking tours), a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in biology-geography teaching. Paula was awarded the title "Hiker of the Year 2024" by the Estonian Hiking Association. Through the years Paula has cooperated with the Environmental Board, RMK (State Forest Management Centre), Wanderlust Hikes and other organisations.
Karula Matkad is guided by the principles of sustainable tourism, the Nature Conservation Act, the National Park's conservation regulations and the right to the freedom to roam. The landscapes are used without harming nature and with respect for the well-being of local residents. The mission of the Karula hiking tours is to introduce hikers to the local nature, nature conservation and heritage culture of the Karula National Park, and through this to raise their environmental awareness and broaden their horizons. Awareness-raising for mental and physical health is also important.