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On the Viitna trail.

 

When you are driving on the highways a short break at a hiking trail freshens up during a long car trip. Stretching your back, fresh air, a moment for yourself and nature, tea and egg sandwiches. And it is of course particularly loved by the children.

 

In winter the hiking trails are the most comfortable places to stop for a nature pause – parking spaces are generally cleared (especially the Luitemaa roadside), the hiking trail is an easier walking path even with snowdrifts on roads (it is wise to take care where you step on plank paths in slippery and snowladen conditions ; also at Siniallika in springtime). Of course you will not meet the plants and migrant birds shown on the information displays, there are just attractive snow views and walks without over-energetic ambitions, sometimes even kept just to the start of the trail.

 

For the weekend we offer hikers four stopping places that are directly at the main road:

1.     Viru bog – turning towards Loksa from the St. Petersburg highway offers a pleasant chance to enjoy the silence of a bog.

2.     Viitnalakes Lake Linajärv and Lake Pikkjärv – you can walk around the picturesque lakes. In winter just a short walk to the lake shore will do too.

3.     Rannametsa viewing tower in Luitemaa – a wonderful glimpse of Tolkuse bog and the seashore.

4.     Saula siniallikad – even in winter you reach these lake-sized springs at the Tartu road. The 2011 December storm has thrown tree trunks on the trail in places but it is quite possible to use the trail.

The full-length article can be read in the journal “Loodusesõber” February issue.

Bring along a shovel in the car if you drive out for a hike in winter. Sometimes parking spaces need some clearing.