Hiking through the Kõrvemaa Landscape Protection Area. The Kõrvemaa Landscape Reserve is a 20,543 hectare area that is located mostly within the eastern area of Harju County. The Landscape Reserve represents the sparsely populated ‘kõrve belt’, which is rich in swamps and forests. This region was a Soviet army test site with restricted access only a few decades ago, but it has now become a popular location for outdoor activities. The nature reserve is special due to its diverse landscape. Within it you can find esker ranges, flat-topped hills, and sandy stretches. The large number of lakes (there are a total of forty) has given the area its nickname - the Switzerland of Estonia. The largest moors in Estonia (covering an area of approximately a hundred hectares) are in the Jussi Hills. The moors were formed as a result of military training exercises and forest fires, and today they provide panoramic views. This primeval-looking, but easily hikeable landscape is also recorded in the novel, The Master of Kõrboja, by Estonian author A H Tammsaare.
Hiking in Kõrvemaa is easy, because RMK has prepared various routes for hikers. Many of them start in Aegviidu, and the area is called the Aegviidu-Kõrvemaa recreation area. It is an excellent area in which to enjoy the beauty of nature in any season. You can hike, bike, ski, do a serious workout, or just take a good old walk. The recreation area is an excellent site for nature photographers, bird and animal watchers, and for picking mushrooms or berries. The area also has camping sites and outdoor fireplaces, where you can put your feet up and enjoy a picnic. Information being available at the Aegviidu Nature Centre. You can go to Aegviidu by train from Balti Jaam railway station in Tallinn. Elron trains timetable.
These nature trails are easy to tackle and offer some truly beautiful sights. You can take the train back to Tallinn, but you can also bring your tent and stay at the camp site for the night. Lodging is also provided at the area’s accommodation establishments:
1. Kõrvemaa Hiking and Skiing Centre is located 4.5km from Aegviidu railway station and many of the hiking trails pass through the centre’s grounds.
2. Nelijärve Holiday Centre is located 4km from the town of Aegviidu and provides hostel-type accommodation.
3. Pohla Bed & Breakfast is located in the town of Aegviidu.
NB: We recommend wearing waterproof footwear when hiking through the Landscape Reserve, because most of the terrain is boggy.
If you want to tackle the Estonian hiking trails then take look at these two videos she has made to help you plan your nature trip in Estonia.