Description of the attraction
Alam-Pedya Nature Reserve was established in 1994. It is spread over the territory of three counties: Tartu, Jõgeva and Viljandi. The area of Alam-Pedya is 260 square kilometers of swamps and floodplains, and all this beauty is practically untouched by man. In 1997, the reserve was included in the "Ramsari List", which means that its wetland areas are of international importance. In 2004, it became one of the bird and natural zones "Natura 2000".
The reserve is located in the former basin of Lake Vyrtsjärv. In addition to this reservoir, there are 12 more reservoirs on the territory of the reserve, the total length of which is about 115 km. Also, 55 rivers with a length of 55 km flow through the territory of Alam-Pedya.
In addition to water resources, there are many forest and bog communities within the boundaries of the reserve. However, in general, the landscape of the reserve is defined as swamp. There are 2 species of trees and shrubs, as well as 43 species of mammals, the most common of which are wolves, lynxes, wild boars, ermines, otters and others. The avifauna is most widely represented here, numbering about 196 bird species.
Alam-Pedya is open for visits, but you should inform the office of the environmental organization LKUKotkas in advance about your desire to explore the protected areas. Tourists are interested in the Kirnu hiking trail, which is 7 km long. At the beginning of the trail there is a parking lot for 8 cars, as well as an information board. To get to the beginning of the trail, turn towards Juriküla at the crossroads of Tallinn-Tartu and Purmani highways. The trail takes about 3 hours to complete. On the route there are 2 places equipped for making a fire: at the beginning of the trail and at the observation deck. Along the entire trail, there are small information boards introducing the nature reserve. Also, you will come across a suspension bridge across the river, which will surely cause you a lot of stormy positive emotions.
Alternatively, you can walk along the Selli-Sillaotsa nature study trail, which is 5 km long. Moreover, 4 km pass through a swampy landscape, and 1 km along a gravel road. The route will take about an hour and a half. At the end and at the beginning of the trail there are large information boards, along the trail itself there are smaller information boards. Also at the beginning of the route there is a parking lot for 5 cars. In some places the trail is covered with wood chips, there is an observation tower.
A visit to the reserve is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the wild untouched nature of Estonia, wetland virgin landscapes.
