Taevaskodade hiking trail (3 km)

NB! Since March 4, the dam bridge of the Saesaare hydroelectric station has been CLOSED for renovation. The trails have been rerouted over the Väikse Taevaskoja bridge.

Nea
r the outcrops and in the springwater caves is DANGEROUS TO LIFE - DANGER OF CAVE IN!
This 3 km signposted loop trail leads the visitor to picturesque outcrops and views of primeval forces, and also to the world of legends, folk tales and film industry. The trail is only for walking, part of the trail (to Suur Taevaskoda) is suitable for persons with reduced mobility.
The trail is for walking only!
Phone+372 676 7122
E-mail info.kiidjarve@rmk.ee
Type of objectHiking trail
Parking facilitiesSaesaare large parking area for 30 cars.
AmenitiesInformation boards, railings on steep slopes, bridges, stairs. The hiking trail map is available at the Kiidjärve Visitor Centre.
Camping facilities From Suur-Taevaskoja 1 km on foot in Otteni campfire site.
Wheelchair accessibility Inva-toilet is in the parking lot. With a wheelchair and a pram it is possible to move along the gravel road to Suur Taevaskoda, follow the directions, please. As the road goes up and down, a wheelchair user definitely needs a attendant.
Hiking options The trail is for walking only!
From Saesaare dam there is Kiidjärve-Taevaskoja-Kiidjärve hiking trail (11,8 km) on both sides of Ahja river. From Suur Taevaskoja You can hike to Otteni watermill and and back to Taevaskoda on the other side of the river. There is also RMK Peraküla-Aegviidu-Ähijärve hiking route.
SightsSuur Taevaskoda, Väike Taevaskoda (outcrops), Emaläte (Mother’s Spring), Neitsikoobas (Virgin’s Cave), Salakuulajakivi (Spy’s Rock), Savimägi (Clay Hill), Ahja River.
Berries and mushroomsBilberries, mushrooms
Additional information
  • In December 2023, trees with severe damage, which were already broken and dangerous for visitors, were cut along the trail. Since it is a conservation zone of the protected area, the trees are not removed in order to preserve the conservation values, but are left in the same place to enrich the natural diversity.
  • The parking area is kept clear of snow; no snow removal on the trail.
  • Before going on a nature walk please read the Environmental code of conduct (freedom to roam), rules of conduct and waste-sorting policy
  • Within 4 km you can visit the Kiidjärve visitor centre.
RestrictionsThe trail is situated in Ahja River Valley Landscape Reserve, information about restrictions can be obtained from the Environmental Board (+372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee). Public events for more than 50 people are subject to approval from RMK, more information from puhkus@rmk.ee
LocationPõlva County, in the Saesaare–Taevaskoja area. Object no 21 on the recreation area map.
Driving directionsDrive on Tartu–Põlva road towards Põlva, 6 km before Põlva turn left towards Taevaskoja. Continue 3.5 km along Kanariku–Kiidjärve road (Road no. 18146). Drive through Taevaskoja village, before the Saesaare bus stop there is a sign directing to Taevaskoda on the right. Drive about 400 m to Taevaskodade parking area.
Geographic coordinatesLong-Lat WGS 84
latitude: 58.115161
longitude: 27.047495
L-EST 97 x: 6445641 y: 679563