“Everything was very nice, the administrator was friendly and accommodating, and exploring Taevaskoja’s nature on kick scooters was great fun. In short – we really enjoyed staying with you. All the best to your holiday centre!”
Hikes make an outing memorable
Taevaskoja is an ideal place to bring pupils to hike, get moving and explore the surroundings. The choice of hike depends on the pupils' age, the size of the group, the length of the outing and, of course, the season. Pupils who have visited us rate guided walking hikes, kick scooter trips and exciting water trips on the Ahja River very highly.
Which hikes are suitable for pupils?
When choosing a hike, it's worth considering the pupils' age, the group size, the length of the outing and the desired level of activity. Below you will find an overview of hikes that can be added to a school trip, study visit or school outing.
Canoe trip
Canoe trips are suitable for older pupils – from grade 8 upwards. Our canoe trips take place on the Ahja River, which is well suited for beginners' first canoe trip. On the trip you can see Taevaskoja's sandstone outcrops, which are millions of years old. The ride is made exciting by bends, trees lying over the river and larger stones that you have to manoeuvre the canoes between.
School trips with canoe trips have gone smoothly and safely. Before the trip, the instructor gives the pupils the necessary guidance, introduces the equipment and explains the basic paddling techniques. At the trickier spots of the canoe trip, the instructor spots the pupils from the bank and ensures safe passage. Along the way there are several lovely picnic spots where the young people can rest and eat a packed lunch.
Well suited for:
- for older pupils
- as part of a one-day school trip
- as the main event of a two-day school trip
- for pupils who enjoy more active pursuits
- for a class that wants to get to know the Ahja River and Taevaskoja's nature more closely
Canoe raft trip
When three canoes are joined together and a wooden platform is fixed on top, the canoes become a canoe raft. One raft holds 10-12 young people. Up to six people paddle at a time, while the others can simply enjoy nature on the raft and cheer them on. A canoe raft trip suits pupils who want to go out on the water but prefer slightly calmer movement and travelling together compared to a canoe trip.
Canoe raft trips have so far been one of young people's favourite trips. A canoe raft trip suits both younger and older pupils – even those who have no previous experience of water trips. The trip is safe, because at the trickier spots the instructor spots the pupils from the bank and ensures safe passage.
The best part is that on a canoe raft trip you can have a picnic on the canoe in the middle of the river. A school trip with a picnic is a special experience that young people have always been very happy with.
Well suited for:
- for pupils who prefer a calmer water trip
- for those with no previous experience of water trips
- as part of a one-day or two-day school trip
- for pupils who would like to enjoy nature and do things together
Guided kick scooter trip
Riding a kick scooter is something between walking and cycling. On the one hand, a kick scooter lets you move faster than on foot, and on the other, there's much more time to notice the surrounding nature than when whizzing along a forest road on an ordinary bike. A guided kick scooter trip suits pupils who like to move and explore the surroundings at a more active pace.
Our kick scooters are suitable for children from 140 cm tall. The kick scooter trip follows the trail where the cult film „The Last Relic“ was filmed. During the trip you will see Saesaare, Emaläte, Neitsikoobas and Suur and Väike Taevaskoda. Along the way, our guide tells the young people important facts about nature and history and shares exciting legends and stories about the surrounding area. Halfway through the trip you can have a nice picnic in the forest if you wish.
Well suited for:
- as the main activity of a one-day school trip
- for pupils who love being active
- for a class that would like to discover and learn more in a shorter time
- if you'd like to hear exciting stories about Taevaskoja
Guided walking hike
A guided walking hike suits a class that wants a calm and meaningful nature trip. The walking hike route also follows the trails of “The Last Relic”. Along the way you will also pass Saesaare, Emaläte, Neitsikoobas and Suur and Väike Taevaskoda. During the walking hike, the guide introduces the Taevaskoja area, tells exciting stories and legends connected with the place and helps you notice nature better. During the hike, pupils can have a picnic on the riverbank or in another beautiful spot.
Well suited for:
- for younger classes
- for a relaxed nature walk
- as part of outdoor learning
- as an activity for a day that supports class teamwork
- as an extra activity on a one-day or two-day school trip
Transport for water trips
For water trips, please bear in mind that the start and end points of the activity may be some distance from the holiday centre. Getting to canoe, canoe raft and snowshoe hikes requires a bus or other means of transport. Transport can be ordered separately if needed.
If the class is coming by train or you do not have your own bus available for the whole day, be sure to discuss your transport needs before we put together the quote.
Hike safety and preparation
On hikes, it is important that pupils are dressed appropriately for the weather and the activity.
Before water trips and kick scooter trips, participants are given instructions and an introduction to the necessary equipment.
Before the hike, the teacher and organiser should consider whether:
- pupils have clothing and footwear suitable for the weather
- any pupils have health-related restrictions
- anyone needs special attention or support
- there are enough accompanying adults
- transport is arranged (for water trips)
If you choose a water trip, a kick scooter trip or a longer trail, the teacher should make sure before arriving that the activity suits the age and abilities of the group.
What to consider before choosing a hike?
Every class is different. It is worth considering whether you would prefer a calmer pace and discovering nature, or more active and adventurous activities. At Taevaskoja you can choose a hike according to the pupils' age, confidence, physical fitness and your schedule for the day.
If you are not sure which hike would suit your class best, we will help you choose the right option.
Send us the following information:
- how old the pupils are
- how many children are taking part
- whether you would like a more active or a calmer activity
- whether you would prefer a hike on water or on land
- whether you are coming for one day or staying overnight
- whether you need transport to the start or end point of the hike
- whether you would like a programme with a hiking guide
Stories from visitors to Taevaskoja Holiday Centre
“I recommend the conference room at Taevaskoja Holiday Centre as a venue for further training, in-house training and information days. A spacious, roomy conference room with natural light in the middle of an old-growth forest. Tables and chairs can be arranged to suit the nature of the event. Service that makes you want to work together again.”
“When you arrive at Taevaskoja Holiday Centre, you feel like a welcome guest. The staff are, without exception, bright-eyed, friendly and accommodating people. And the cooks are probably the best in South Estonia.”
Questions about hikes
Taevaskoja is a great place for a school trip in any season! The most popular times are spring and autumn, when nature offers plenty to discover and the weather favours outdoor activities. A spring trip is ideal for celebrating the end of the school year, while an autumn outing helps strengthen class spirit and get the new school year off to an exciting start. Our activities are flexible and we will help you find the right programme and time for your class.
Bad weather doesn't have to spoil a good event! When putting together the programme, we take possible weather conditions into account and help find suitable alternatives. Light rain often doesn't stop outdoor activities, but in heavier rain we can adapt the programme as far as possible. Our aim is for the event to succeed in any weather.
Taevaskoja excursions are suitable for visitors of all ages – children, adults and seniors alike. We are flexible and adapt the content and pace of the excursion to the group's age, wishes and needs, so that everyone has a pleasant and memorable experience.
Yes, many activities are also suitable for children. Please let us know the children's ages when booking.
Taevaskoja is a place worth slowing down and enjoying the beauty of nature. By staying overnight, you can spend more time in the fresh air, discover beautiful hiking trails and enjoy a peaceful evening away from the bustle of the city. That way you don't have to rush anywhere and can make the most of your stay in Taevaskoja. A day full of experiences and a relaxing break in the heart of nature – what could be better?
Taevaskoja Holiday Centre is located in a peaceful and scenic setting, away from the bustle of the city and heavy traffic. We want all our guests to feel comfortable and safe here. The grounds are well suited to families, children's and youth groups, as well as adults. As anywhere in nature, it is worth following the usual safety rules here too and keeping an eye on younger children.
We organise events for smaller teams (from 8 people) as well as larger companies (up to 90 people). We take into account each group's size, wishes and the nature of the event to find the best solution. Let us know the number of participants and your initial ideas, and we will help put together the right event for your company.
Taevaskoja has plenty of exciting activities both for adventure seekers and for those who prefer a more relaxed time. Moving about in nature, shared adventures, team games and various group activities help colleagues get to know each other better and strengthen team spirit. We will help you choose activities to suit your team's wishes and goals.
Organise a trip to Taevaskoja
Write to us with when you would like to come, which grade the class is in and which activities you would prefer. We will help you choose a suitable hike based on the pupils' age and the purpose of the school trip.