Kauksi: Nature, Lake Peipus and Beach

The Luite matkarada hiking trail is 4.4 kilometres in each direction, or 8.8 kilometres there and back. It reaches the mouth of the Rannapungerja River and passes through the Kauksi campsite. The Kauksi-oja nature trail is 3.6 kilometres long and follows the banks of a stream that flows into Lake Peipus. For a quieter stay on the coast, there is a promenade approximately one kilometre long across the Kauksi dunes and beneath pine trees, with seating areas and viewing platforms. The beach area also has designated barbecue and camping sites.

From the visitor centre of Alutaguse National Park, a 300-metre path leads through a coastal pine forest to Lake Peipus, a sandy beach and the mainland dunes. The Luite matkarada also begins at the visitor centre and runs along the shore of Lake Peipus to the mouth of the Rannapungerja River. Along the way, it passes through shifting dunes with dune oaks of different ages and forms and follows the Rannapungerja River.

The Kauksi-oja nature trail focuses on the pine forest and its communities on the dunes of the Lake Peipus coast. This clearly distinguishes the two trails: the Luite matkarada connects the coast, shifting dunes and river mouth, while the Kauksi-oja nature trail presents the forest, dunes and the banks of a stream flowing into the lake.

The Kauksi-oja nature trail can be reached by bus via the Kauksi stop. After 600 metres, the trail begins on the grounds of the visitor centre. The Penijõe-Aegviidu-Kauksi hiking trail is marked with white-yellow-white paint markings and trail signs.

For exploring on two wheels, the Kauksi Beach Centre offers bicycle rental. The selection includes regular bicycles, fatbikes, as well as bicycles with baskets or child seats. If you are travelling with different interests, this allows you to include walking routes, time at the beach and a choice of bicycles at the same destination in your plans, without mixing the character of the individual activities.

The beach promenade has children's playgrounds, two volleyball courts, a streetball court and an outdoor fitness area with 16 pieces of equipment. The facilities are located along the promenade and complement access to the sandy beach, viewing platforms and seating areas. At the Kauksi campsite, there are designated barbecue and camping sites in the beach area. The Kauksi Beach Centre opened in 2021.

This means that when choosing accommodation, the desired proximity to the respective excursion destinations is particularly relevant: route planning is oriented around the visitor centre, the promenade around the Kauksi dunes, and the sports and beach-related activities around the Beach Centre and the beach area. You can also access a comparison with another destination via Kuru.

The visitor centre of Alutaguse National Park in Kauksi küla offers educational programmes. It also houses the permanent exhibitions “Alutaguse rahvuspargi aarded” and “Ida-Virumaa maastikud”. The visit can therefore be combined with the routes described if you would like to discover the landscape not only outdoors but also through the regional exhibitions and educational activities.

Where does the Luite matkarada begin?

The Luite matkarada begins at the visitor centre of Alutaguse National Park. From there, it runs along the shore of Lake Peipus to the mouth of the Rannapungerja River and passes through shifting dunes with dune oaks.

Which exhibitions are there in Kauksi küla?

At the visitor centre of Alutaguse National Park in Kauksi küla, you can see the permanent exhibitions “Alutaguse rahvuspargi aarded” and “Ida-Virumaa maastikud”. Educational programmes are also offered there.

Is there a music festival in Kauksi?

Mägede Hääl, a music festival on the beach, takes place on Kauksi beach.

To the higher-level travel overview: Iisaku.