Viitna – three lakes and a nature study trail
Accommodation in Viitna
Viitna combines three lakes with a nature study trail through the landscape. For planning your trip, there are two different route lengths to choose from, along with distinctive features of the lakes and a glass kayak tour. You can tailor your stay to whether you want to visit several lakes on one route or get to know a single lake in more detail.
Viitna at a glance
- Viitna Landscape Conservation Area covers 312 ha and is part of the Natura 2000 network.
- The Viitna Nature Study Trail is 7 km long and leads to all three Viitna lakes.
- There is a shorter 2.5 km loop around Lake Pikkjärv.
- The nature study trail starts 1 km from the Viitna bus stop.
- Lake Pikkjärv has four islands; Nabudi Lake covers 0.6 ha.
Which route length suits your plans?
The 7 km Viitna Nature Study Trail leads to all three lakes. Along the way, you can enjoy views of eskers, forests, and the Viitna lake landscape. If you want to visit several bodies of water on one outing, this is the more comprehensive of the two route options described. At Lake Pikkjärv, there is also a shorter 2.5 km loop, allowing you to focus your plans more closely on this lake.
The distances make the difference between the route options clear: a route to all three lakes or a shorter loop at Pikkjärv. The location of the trailhead is also useful when planning your arrival: it is 1 km from the Viitna bus stop. Take this distance into account when planning your journey between the stop and the trailhead.
What makes the Viitna lakes distinctive?
Lake Pikkjärv has several features worth getting to know: it has no outlet, high sandy shores, and soft, nutrient-poor water. Several rare, endangered plant species also grow there, and the lake has four islands. This combination of shoreline, water, and plants gives Pikkjärv a different character from Nabudi Lake.
Nabudi Lake is described as a notably small lake, covering 0.6 ha. It is rich in springs and surrounded by a quaking bog. Those interested in Viitna’s natural environment can therefore discover contrasting landscape features: the islands and sandy shores of Pikkjärv, and the springs and bog around Nabudi Lake.
How did the Ice Age shape the landscape?
The landforms in the Viitna area were created about 11,000 years ago, when the ice sheets retreated from the Pandivere Upland. The three Viitna lakes were also formed by ice sheets. Their geological origins and the present-day differences between the lakes thus belong to two different time scales: their origins explain the area’s glacial character, while the shores, islands, springs, and bog describe the specific features of each lake.
What experiences can you plan?
A glass kayak tour is offered on the Viitna lakes. From the transparent kayak, you can see the lakebed, aquatic plants, and fish. Advance booking is required for the tour. You can also explore the lakes at night if you wish. Nighttime exploration is a separate option from the glass kayak tour; check when planning whether it is available during your stay.
If you are interested in the tour, remember that advance booking is required. This will help you compare accommodation options with the nature experiences you want to make a priority during your stay in Viitna.
Discover more destinations: Loobu, Kadrina, Neeruti, Võipere
FAQ
How long is the Viitna Nature Study Trail?
The nature study trail is 7 km long and leads to all three Viitna lakes. There is also a shorter 2.5 km loop at Lake Pikkjärv.
What can you see on a glass kayak tour?
From the transparent kayak, you can see the lakebed, aquatic plants, and fish. Advance booking is required for the tour.
Can the lakes also be explored at night?
The lakes can be explored at night if you wish. When planning, ask whether this option is available during your stay.
Go to the broader travel overview: Kadrina.
