Viitna – Glacial Lakes and Nature Trails

Viitna is shaped by a landscape of glacial lakes: the “Viitna Nature Study Trail” leads to all three lakes and offers views of forests and eskers. At Lake Pikkjärv, there is also a shorter circular route option. This lets you plan your time in nature according to your preferred distance and interest in the water. If you’re looking for a holiday apartment in Viitna, you can start by considering which of these days in nature you’d like your stay to be built around.

Lakes and Glacial Landscape

The Viitna Landscape Protection Area covers 312 ha and is part of the Natura 2000 network. The three lakes were formed by ice sheets; the landforms in Viitna took shape around 11,000 years ago, as the ice sheets retreated from the Pandivere Upland. Several rare, endangered plants grow at Lake Pikkjärv, which has four islands. It has no outflow and features high sandy shores and soft, nutrient-poor water. Nabudi Lake covers 0.6 ha, is rich in springs, and is surrounded by a quaking bog. In Viitna, you can therefore encounter both a shared glacial history and distinct natural features at each lake.

Two Trails, Different Distances

The 7 km “Viitna Nature Study Trail” leads to all three Viitna lakes and offers views of eskers, forests, and Viitna’s lake landscape. There is also a shorter 2.5 km circular route at Lake Pikkjärv. The two options differ in distance and in which lakes they visit: the longer trail leads to all three, while the shorter loop is at Lake Pikkjärv. If you’d like to experience the lake landscape as a whole, you can opt for the longer route; for a shorter walk focused on a single lake, the Pikkjärv loop is an option.

The starting point of the “Viitna Nature Study Trail” is 1 km from the Viitna bus stop. If you’re including public transport in your trip, this distance is a useful reference for planning. Check the connection in advance and how you’ll get from the stop to the trailhead.

Views Above and Below the Water

A glass-bottom kayak tour on the Viitna lakes offers a view beneath the water’s surface. Through the transparent kayak, you can see the lakebed, aquatic plants, and fish. The tour complements views of forests and eskers with an underwater perspective. A night-time exploration of the Viitna lakes is also possible if desired. If you plan to take up either option, check availability in advance.

Choose Viitna as Your Holiday Destination

A good place to start when looking for a holiday apartment in Viitna is to decide what you’d like to focus on during your vacation. Would you like to plan your days around a set route length, or leave room for further nature watching? The lengths of the two trails offer a useful guide, while the lakes and kayak experience reflect the area’s focus on nature. This can help you assess Viitna as a destination based on your planned holiday activities before choosing accommodation to suit your personal requirements.

Discover more destinations: Kadrina, Loobu, Neeruti, Võipere.

Go to the main travel overview: Kadrina.