Karula National Park

Karula National Park is the smallest, yet wonderfully diverse national park in Estonia. The park's rolling hills, forests, lakes, green meadows, and cultural heritage intertwine harmoniously. Karula National Park is home to 40 lakes, the largest of which is the picturesque Ähijärv, where the visitor center is located on its shore. Several rare species live here, offering true delight for nature enthusiasts. Karula National Park provides peace and quiet, making it an ideal place for hikers and those seeking a connection with pristine nature.

Hiking Trails

There are four well-known hiking trails in Karula National Park – the Ähijärv Trail (Ähijärve teerada), the Perajärv Forest Trail (Perajärve metsarada), the Rebäse Landscape Trail (Rebäse maastikurada), and the Karula Long Hike (Karula pikk jalgsimatkarada).

The Ähijärv Trail

The Ähijärv Trail is a 4 kilometer long circular hiking trail. The trail offers stunning views of the largest lake in Karula National Park (Ähijärv, 176 ha) and the birds that inhabit the lake. The Ähijärv Trail introduces the local nature, history, and, among other things, local folklore. The trail follows old paths that were once used, such as meadow paths, shoreline trails, footpaths, forest roads, winter roads, and horse trails. The trail also passes by the Veski campfire site.

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The Karula Long Hike

The trail is 36 kilometer long and circular, with no specific starting or ending point. The trail is mostly marked with yellow color markers, but the RMK „Loodusega koos” app is also a helpful guide along the way.



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Campfire Sites

Lõkkekohti Karula rahvuspargi territooriumil on....

The Ähijärv campfire site

Tasty campfire food in a scenic location – sounds perfect?

The Ähijärv campfire site (Ähijärve lõkkekoht), located by the largest lake in Karula National Park, is an excellent destination for nature lovers who, in addition to preparing food over the campfire, wish to explore and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

From the campfire site, you can head to the 4-kilometer-long Ähijärv Trail (Ähijärve teerada), which introduces the park’s cultural heritage and nature.

Next to the campfire site, there’s a swimming spot where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

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The Ähijärv campfire site

Tasty campfire food in a scenic location – sounds perfect?

The Ähijärv campfire site (Ähijärve lõkkekoht), located by the largest lake in Karula National Park, is an excellent destination for nature lovers who, in addition to preparing food over the campfire, wish to explore and enjoy the stunning surroundings.

From the campfire site, you can head to the 4-kilometer-long Ähijärv Trail (Ähijärve teerada), which introduces the park’s cultural heritage and nature.

Next to the campfire site, there’s a swimming spot where you can enjoy a refreshing swim.

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Mäekonnu observation tower

From the 25-meter observation tower, beautiful views of Karula's cultural heritage landscapes can be enjoyed.

Hiking Service

Karula Matkad offers a great opportunity to step off the main trails and explore the nature, culture, and history of the area.

2024 Hiking Personality of the Year, Paula Solvak, is an experienced nature enthusiast who ensures a pleasant and informative hiking experience for participants, allowing them to enjoy the peace and beauty of Karula National Park’s stunning nature.

Discover Karula National Park in Estonia

Video by Keskkonnaamet