Viitna: Lake Landscapes and Nature Trails

Viitna offers a natural setting whose character can be seen in its three lakes, forests and landforms shaped by the Ice Age. The Viitna Landscape Protection Area covers 312 ha and is part of the Natura 2000 network. For travellers who like to spend their days observing nature and exploring trails, the lakes and routes of varying lengths offer practical points of reference when choosing a destination.

A lake landscape shaped by the Ice Age

The three Viitna lakes were formed by ice sheets. The landforms in the area developed around 11,000 years ago, as the ice sheets retreated from the Pandivere Upland. The lakes and landforms thus reflect different aspects of the Ice Age: the formation of the bodies of water and the retreat that shaped the landforms.

Lake Pikkjärv has no outflow and features high sandy shores and soft, nutrient-poor water. Several rare and endangered plants grow in the lake, which also has four islands. Sandy shores and islands shape the visible landscape, while the water quality and plant life add further natural features.

Nabudi Lake has different features: it covers 0.6 ha, is rich in springs and is surrounded by a quaking bog. Pikkjärv combines shores, islands and plant life with the characteristics of its water; at Nabudi Lake, abundant springs and the surrounding bog define its character. Travellers choosing a nature outing based on landscape features can thus distinguish between different lake settings.

Nature trails and routes of varying lengths

The “Viitna Nature Study Trail” is 7 km long, leads to all three Viitna lakes and offers views of eskers, forests and the lake landscape. There is also a shorter 2.5 km loop at Lake Pikkjärv. These details offer two different route options: the nature trail takes in all three lakes, while the shorter loop focuses on Pikkjärv. When planning, you can therefore weigh the route length against which lakes it visits.

The distance to the bus stop is also specific: the starting point of the “Viitna Nature Study Trail” is 1 km from the Viitna bus stop. For travel by bus, this distance is another point of reference when planning. The 1 km describes the distance between the bus stop and the starting point, not the length of the 7 km trail or the 2.5 km loop.

Experience the lakes from the water, too

On a glass-kayak tour of the Viitna lakes, visitors can see the lake bed, aquatic plants and fish through the transparent kayak. The view beneath the water’s surface complements the sights of shores, islands and forests along the trails with a perspective on life in the water.

If needed, the Viitna lakes can also be explored at night. If you would like to plan for this option, confirm availability when booking.

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