Karula National Park

Nature in Karula National Park (total area 123 sq. km) is very versatile. In the northern part of the national park prevail semi-natural landscapes which have emerged as a result of millennia of human activity. Here sparsely situated farms alternate with strips of fields, pastures, forests and lakes. Most of the national park’s population has concentrated in this area. The southern part of the national park is covered with huge expanses of forest with smaller bogs and mires in-between. Karula National Park boasts the largest forest mass in Southeast Estonia, stretching far beyond the national park’s borders. More than 70% of the national park’s area is covered with forest.

With glacial retreat numerous lakes emerged in the hilly Karula area, 38 of which are located within the borders of the national park. The largest of the lakes is Lake Ähijärv (176 ha) with its rambling shoreline, and the deepest is Lake Savijärv (18 m).

The Centre for State Forest Management has been responsible for Karula National Park’s visitor management since February 2009.

Location	Võru and Valga counties, Antsla, Karula, Mõniste and Varstu municipalities
Attractions	Scenic Lake Ähijärv, Rebasemõisa Tornimägi (137.8 m above sea level), undulating landscape.
Activities	Hiking and cycling, camping, nature education, adventure tourism, fishing, nature photography.
Information	Karula National Park Visitor Centre
Phone	+372 782 8350
E-mail	info.karula@rmk.ee
Contact us	Ähijärve village, Antsla municipality, Võru County
Visitor restrictions	RMK Please see the visitor restrictions established in here
Protected area manager	Environmental Board of Estonia +372 662 5999, info@keskkonnaamet.ee
More information	Karula National Park
Files	A brochure of the Karula National Park was issued by Environmental Board 2019. Download PDF.
Additional information	In Estonian nature, old explosive devices left from the war, still can be found. If you have found an object resembling an explosive device, leave it untouched, mark the location and immediately report the discovery to the emergency number 112. More information on the website of the Estonian Rescue Board.