Description of the attraction
On the territory of the Haan Upland, there is a nature park created for the purpose of carrying out conservation and scientific activities on the territory of the highest region of Estonia. In the natural park, in addition to a large number of hills of different shapes and heights, you can also find valleys with small lakes, villages inhabited by residents who value and preserve age-old customs and traditions.
The Haan Upland is located in the southeastern part of Estonia, a small part of it is also in Latvia. The highest point is Mount Suur-Munamägi, which is 318 meters above sea level. Also on the territory of the park is the deepest lake in Estonia. It is called Rõuge Suurjärv, the maximum depth of the lake reaches 38 meters.
Haanja Nature Park is extremely attractive for tourists, especially those who like to have an active holiday. In summer and winter, you can conquer the highest point of the hill along a special trail. In this case, your journey will start from the Haanja village at the foot of the hill and end at the Vaatethorn observation tower, built on the very top of the Suur-Munamägi mountain. This tower was built in 1939, at that time its height was 25, 7 m. In 1969, repairs were carried out, as a result of which another floor appeared. The height of the tower has increased to 29.1 meters. In 1999-2005, the tower was repaired and updated. A glass café was built, and a permanent exhibition was set up. In 2005, a tower lift was built. From a height of 346, 7 meters, a magnificent view of Estonia opens within a radius of 50 kilometers.
There is another nature trail that is in demand among tourists. It is located on the Vallamag mountain, 304 meters high. The height of the mountain from the foot to the top is 84 meters. The trail runs along the slopes of the mountain, the angle of which sometimes reaches 35-40 degrees. At the top of Vällamäg, there is a peat bog with the largest peat deposits in Estonia (17 m). There is a popular omen associated with this mountain: if in dry weather the mountain “smokes” (steam comes from it), then expect an imminent rain.
Haanja Nature Park attracts many tourists in winter, when winter sports enthusiasts try to get here. The hilly landscape of Haanja literally attracts skiers and there is enough snow here until spring!
There is another interesting attraction in the park - the ancient Rõuge valley, the maximum depth of which reaches 75 meters below sea level. Also here is the Soloviev Valley, which has preserved traces of the ancient Estonian settlement that was once located here. In addition, she is known for a large number of sources.
