I remember sitting at home on a very pleasant day back in my home country and thinking about a little trip into nature at least for several hours – or even one, that would work too. But there were always other factors popping up: either too many household chores, or plenty of assignments, or simply – no company, sadly. In Tartu, however, the situation changed for the better: I found myself in a company with three wonderful people, who are my good friends. The four of us started our adventures. When I claim we did some hike almost every weekend I am not joking – the reality is very close to it, indeed.
Our hiking gang 😎 (Photo by sarahgrrbriela)
However, the first hike I did was with my group mates at Taevaskoja at the end of September. This place fascinated me a lot as I had never seen such a landscape before. Some places really resemble the hiking trail on Blue Lakes in Belarus, so I also felt kinda home there. Moreover, it was a great way to clear my head and meditate a bit, as already at the very beginning we had a bunch of assignments and the weather was still suitable for spending the day outside.
Next weekend, in the beginning of October, my friend from ISA, Polina, randomly offered to visit one of the Estonian bogs in Alam-Pedja Nature Reserve and pick some cranberries, and I agreed because why not? 🙂 I have never been in a swamp area in my life before, although Belarus is very famous for its boggy southern region. So I thought that the time had come. We spent several hours there, just enjoying the sunset, quietness and calmness. And finding berries was also fun – you should really keep an eye out for them!
Hunting for some berries was partly successful 🙂
The next trip was in one week with our hiking gang in the neighborhood of Elva – the name of the trail in RMK is “Elva River Primeval Valley Hiking Trail”. It was my first 15 km hike, which appeared to be amazing, and refreshing, and educative as I found out about cold swimming (unfortunately, have not tried yet), learned more about my friends and Estonian traditions, and – as usual – relaxed! The place is charming, the views are breath-taking, there are spaces for camping and biking, so it is a very promising spot for the spring and summer leisure.
At the end of October we arranged a bike trip combined with a hike in Ilmatsalu, and it was so much fun! We were also extremely lucky with the weather, so the bare minimum we could do is enjoy. Works perfectly each time!
It was the beginning of November and guess what?.. Exactly! Another place, another pace, same people, same excitement. That time we visited the 2nd oldest tree in Estonia: it is still with us over a period of 700 years, which is definitely mind-blowing, or at least for me. We had also found another yellow rectangle from National Geographic and practiced our Estonian knowledge in a small cozy cafe while having a little break. The deepest immersion in the culture and, what matters most, real and true experience!
The 2nd oldest tree (and we’re soo small)
Looking in the bright future (Photo by sarahgrrbriela)
The time passed smoothly and winter was on its way, studies were becoming more and more tough, but we still decided to do another trip: a two-day hike in the Lahemaa National Park. We visited the northernmost point of Estonia – Purekkari Cape (if you are not really into the windy weather, it is better to hang out there somewhere in the summer), walked more than 25 km in a day, had a sleep-over in a very Russian speaking place and had fun in Tallinn in the evening at the Christmas market. This adventure was full of coldness, nature, self-reflection and deep thoughts, and it also required better preparation as the weather conditions were a bit harsh.
Lahemaa National Park and the Baltic sea
And now, considering the wonderful sunny Estonian spring is coming soon, I would like to encourage you to start exploring new surroundings as all of them have their own charm and are worth visiting. If you are on your way to move to Estonia, this is one of the things I would highly recommend you to try as soon as you reach here 🙂
Additionally here are some tips to make your hike more enjoyable, especially with changing and a bit unstable weather conditions:
- Wear warm clothes in layers, but not too much; otherwise you will sweat a lot while walking, but during the break the wind could harm some parts of your body; and never forget a hat 🙂
- Take some food, snacks, and both warm and cold drinks if possible;
- Hiking boots are your best friends;
- Plan the trip and check the other possible ways of reaching a place and back;
- Be flexible and choose the tracks according to our heart (but don’t forget to check the map from time to time)
- Motivate your friends, explore and share!
And this would be your best experience of Estonia!
Useful link for checking the tracks: https://loodusegakoos.ee/en
All pictures belong to the author, unless mentioned otherwise.
