Winter Trails in Ahunapalu: Snowshoe hike on winter trail and conversation with Hendrik Relve

Winter Trails in Ahunapalu invites you to a snow shoe hike on historic winter trails with experienced hiking guides and a conversation with famous traveller Hendrik Relve. Relve is a renowned Estonian nature journalist and photographer, a beloved radio voice and traveller.

A winter trail – what is it? Today, the winter trail is just a strange line running across the marsh on the map, where one cannot easily get, because the ground is moist and unknown and there is nothing to be done there.
But in the old days there were winter trails that led across lakes, swamps and bogs, used to get home quicker, to visit friends or to get to the market faster and easier.
The unique network of historic winter trails which hides in Emajõe-Suursoo leads to an extraordinary journey through time. In ancient times, seasonal winter trails formed in frozen marshes connected isolated communities and shortened distances. Today, these unique preserved routes are mostly used by wild animals and rarely by humans.
The snow shoe hikers need weather proof clothes, Wellingtons or other water proof boots, drinking water and a drinking jug.
Hikers should gather at 11.45 at the Ahunapalu prayer house. Participants will be transferred by bus to the starting point of the hike.
Car park is 500 m away from bus stop (marked).
Converesation with H. Relve starts at 14:00 at Ahunapalu prayer house. The Winter Trails special exhibition is open for visitors and hikers will get to rehresh themselves with warm drink and snacks. 

The cooperation project of Luunja, Kastre and Peipsiääre municipalities is part of the South Estonian community program that is part of the main program of the European Capital of Culture Tartu 2024 and is supported by Leader action groups. Winter Trails in Ahunapalu is organized by Department of Education and Culture of Kastre Municipality (http://kastre.ee). The hikes are guided by Nature Tours Estonia (https://naturetoursestonia.com/loodusmatkad/). The organizers have the right to make changes in the program.

Winter is coming – it’s time to set off for the Winter Trails Festival!