Taevaskoja is one of the most beautiful places in Estonia, located in Põlva County on the banks of the Ahja River. Sandstone outcrops, old-growth forest, a river, a bog – the nature here is enchanting and the views are truly breathtaking. Worth exploring are both the famous Taevaskoja caves and the various hiking trails, which stretch for more than 40 km in the surrounding area.
On the right bank of the Ahja River lies one of Estonia's most beautiful natural sights - Suur Taevaskoda. It is the highest sandstone outcrop in the area, rising 22.5 metres above the river.
Legends tell of caves and secret passages hidden in the Suur Taevaskoda cliff, of devils, a terrible serpent and a mermaid with a golden comb. On the edge of the rapids a little upstream from Suur Taevaskoda lies a boulder called the Witch's Stone, or the Eavesdropper's Stone. According to legend, an enemy envoy who had come to eavesdrop on the elders' council hid behind it and was later turned to stone by magic.
Another favourite spot for visitors is Väike Taevaskoda, where the sandstone outcrop reaches a height of 13 metres. Here, springs have carved the Emaläte (Mother Spring) cave and the Neitsikoobas (Maiden's Cave) into the cliff face, and several exciting legends are associated with them. In terms of cultural history, Väike Taevaskoda is also known as a filming location of the film „The Last Relic“.
At Väike Taevaskoda, springs have carved two caves into the cliff face: Neitsikoobas (Maiden's Cave) and Emaläte (Mother Spring). Neitsikoobas is about 5 m high and 14 m deep. The Kuldallikas (Golden Spring) flows out of the cave. Several legends are associated with Neitsikoobas, the best known being the story of a lovely maiden who sits at a loom weaving cloth. If you listen quietly, you can hear the clatter of the loom from the cave. The maiden only comes out of the cave once a year, on Midsummer Night.
A spring flows out of Emaläte that is quite cool (+6 °C), clean and good-tasting. That is why over the ages it has been a popular place to fetch water and wash one's eyes. The Emaläte spring is believed to have healing properties: it improves eyesight and brings family happiness.
Beside the Taevaskoja outcrops flows the Ahja River, one of the most popular places for canoe and kayak trips. There are more than 40 sandstone outcrops along the river banks, and the stretch of river between Koorvere and Kiidjärve has small drops and rapids that anyone can manage. If you want to try a canoe trip, the Ahja River is the most suitable and beginner-friendly place for it.
The Ahja River is home to many species of fish and birds. If you're lucky, you may spot a kingfisher here, the symbol of Taevaskoja. And why not go fishing too – the Ahja has brown trout, pike, perch and other fish.
The Taevaskoja area is suitable for both an active holiday and more leisurely exploring. The surrounding area has 40 km of hiking trails of varying length and difficulty.
One of the most popular hiking trails in Taevaskoja. It is a 3-kilometre loop that passes through Väike and Suur Taevaskoda. The trail starts from the Taevaskoja car park and loops along both banks of the Ahja River. The Taevaskoja hiking trail starts from the RMK Taevaskoja car park in Saesaare, Põlva County.
Those who wish can also do longer loops - visit Otteni or hike as much as 12 km around the Saesaare reservoir.
A short drive from Taevaskoja is the 2-kilometre Valgesoo hiking trail. It is also suitable for children and older people. At the start of the trail there is an observation tower with a good view of the bog and its numerous peninsulas. While barbecuing, making campfires and camping are not allowed in Taevaskoja, Valgesoo has several barbecue sites, a woodshed, shelters, a toilet and camping spots.
The Saesaare reservoir was formed in 1952, when a dam almost 9 metres high was built on the Ahja River, creating a 54-hectare reservoir. The Saesaare hydroelectric power station, opened the same year, is part of the area's industrial history. After a break, electricity production was restored there in 1991.
Today the reservoir is a popular place for water trips, and its banks offer beautiful views of the Ahja River primeval valley. On the shore of the Saesaare reservoir there is also the area's unofficial swimming spot.
Hiking trails, forest and ski trails
Here you can enjoy the beauty of untouched nature whatever the season.
Around the Ahja River
Sandstone outcrops, springs, caves and forest trails in the heart of primeval nature
Magical bog
The silence, openness and primeval beauty of the bog let you forget everyday thoughts.
Food straight from the garden, just like at grandma's in the countryside.
Food straight from the garden, just like at grandma's in the countryside.
We prefer produce from local farmers and producers
The only things we can carry with us for the rest of our lives are memories
We prefer produce from local farmers and producers
The only things we can carry with us for the rest of our lives are memories
We prefer produce from local farmers and producers
3-4h
ModerateCanoe trips combine peacefully enjoying nature with a fun struggle against the forces of nature.
1,5-2hModerateEnjoy the beauty of untouched nature in the most beautiful bogs of South Estonia. Snowshoe hikes take place in every season.
1,5-2hA free low ropes course on the holiday centre grounds – balance, climbing and fun for adventurers of all ages.
1,5-2h
EasyOn kick scooters along Taevaskoja's forest trails and the edge of the Ahja River primeval valley – fast, fun and close to nature.
EveningThe night-time magic of the forest by lantern light - away from city lights and noise, with a guide who knows the Taevaskoja forests even in the dark. Excitement, calm and a shared experience.
Want to organise a team event, a seminar, a camp, a wedding or simply a lovely family holiday? We will help you find the right solution for your group.
