Karula offers different ways to experience nature and cultural history: forest trails, hiking routes, a cycling route and historical sites. The route details vary in length, format and facilities; these differences help you choose what to focus on. At different times of year, Karula National Park offers opportunities to relax and enjoy nature.
Landscape and trails
The Karula Pikkjärve protected area aims to preserve the landscape of Karula Pikkjärv and its surroundings, as well as the “nutrient-rich natural lakes” habitat type. The Karula Pikkjärve Landscape Protection Area also includes Karula village.
The Peräjärve Forest Nature Trail passes through several forest types. The long Karula Hiking Trail is a signposted circular route through Karula National Park, but it has no marked start or end point. Its facilities include three information boards, two jetties, a boardwalk and a wooden bridge. Another hiking option is the Ähijärve Trail, with a clearly specified length of 4 kilometres. Depending on your interests, you can focus on forest types, a signposted circular route with facilities, or a trail with a clearly stated length.
In the vicinity of Karula, children can be active and explore nature on the children’s trail by Ähijärv. There are also opportunities for boating and swimming at Ähijärv.
Cycling route and historical trails
The Karula Cycling Route is a 50-kilometre route through Karula’s hilly landscape and along several forest roads. The long Karula Cycling Route has four information boards. At 50 kilometres, it is a different scale from the hiking trails with specified lengths, so both the desired distance and the activity matter when choosing.
The Rebäse Landscape Trail is 7 kilometres long and passes through old agricultural landscapes. It goes past a farm first mentioned in 1586, and continues to Linnamägi Hill. Traces of a settlement from the Early Iron Age have been preserved on the hill. The farm and the hill offer two different historical perspectives along the same route. The Rebäse Trail is therefore longer than the 4-kilometre Ähijärve Trail.
Cultural history in the surrounding area
In the vicinity of Karula is Karula Church, which has operated in a converted manor granary since 1997. The church houses “Eucharist”, a stained-glass window by Estonian artist Dolores Hoffmann.
Several stone carvings typical of the 15th century have been preserved at the old Karula Church. These include a stone with two human figures, known as “Karula noorpaar”.
Lüllemäe Cultural Centre opened in 1927 as a community hall in a renovated tavern, enabling the local theatre group to rehearse year-round. Alongside religious art and historical stone carvings, local theatre life is another distinct cultural theme.
Practical information
There are no grocery shops in Karula National Park. If you are staying there, plan ahead and bring the food you will need.
For the main travel overview: Karula.
