The 9 Best Hiking Trails in Laane-Viru County, Laane-Viru County

The Viitna nature studies trail forms part of the Viitna nature reserve and is 7 km long. It begins near the Viitna holiday village, and the trees along the path are marked for navigation. Along the trail you will see a variety of landscapes and lakes formed by the movement of the continental ice sheet.

The Oandu-Vosu hiking trail is situated in Lahemaa National Park and is 9.5 km long. It begins at the Oandu camping area and continues through to the Vosu camping area. The majority of the path follows the ancient Seljaku way through the forests of the Koljaku-Oandu terraces. You will see a diverse range of landscapes and forest communities.

The 3 km long Rakvere oak grove hiking trail, outside of the city centre, is a showcase for oak trees which are between 150 and 220 years old. Along the trail you will see a wide variety of mosses, plants and trees, and hear and see many birds. The trail will also take you by the cemetery for German soldiers and the ‘Okaskroon’ memorial to those deported to Siberia.

Altja was first mentioned in written records in 1465 and is a typical seaside village, with all of its houses stretching along one street. The Uustalu and Toomarahva farms at Altja are typical coastal farms and have been restored by Lahemaa National Park. On the point at Altja you can see the fishing net sheds which were reconstructed on the basis of old photographs and the memories of the villagers. The village also has its own swing and tavern, where you can try local dishes.

The Ojaaarse forest trail is located in Lahemaa National Park and is 3.5 km long. It begins in the car park next to the Ojaaarse nature house and then winds through the bright pine forests between the Kuresoo and Pikapollu creeks. A large number of heritage culture sites can be found along the trail: boundary stones; old forest vistas; mileposts; and more. Along the trail you will find out about folk beliefs in regard to local birds, animals and medicinal plants.

The 1 km long ‘beaver trail’ is located in Oandu, in the Lahemaa National Park, and takes around half an hour to cover. It passes through the Altja River valley, in which you will see a diversity of plant and animal life. You will spy beaver activity in the valley too: the dams they build, their dens on the banks of the river and the trees whose trunks they gnaw through. The trail is a great place to stop in Lahemaa National Park if you're on a long journey.

The Seljamae Hiking Trail forms part of the Tudusoo Nature Reserve and is 5 km long. It starts and ends in the same place: the car park, pavilion and area for fires between the Punasoo and Jarvesoo bogs. There are 7 points of interest along the trail plus a viewing tower where you can take in the sights of the surrounding countryside. You will see Seljamagi hill, pine forests, bog ponds and the Podraallikad springs.