Vihi – Nature Trails, Navesti and Vanaõue
Accommodation in Vihi
Vihi combines protected nature with hiking trails, river experiences and various activities near Vanaõue. When planning your trip, the main consideration is choosing the type of experience: you can explore historic forest paths, experience the Navesti by canoe or take part in guided activities in the forest and bog.
Key facts about Vihi
The village of Vihi is home to the protected area “Vihi kanakulli püsielupaik” (KLO3001976). This permanently protected habitat for the northern goshawk covers 11.25 hectares. The Sakala Road hiking trail is an important hiking destination. It begins after the turn towards Vändra from the Imavere–Viljandi road. From there, the described starting point is reached after a 16.8 km drive across the bridge over the Navesti. This figure refers to the drive to the trailhead, not the length of the hiking trail.
How do the landscapes around Vihi and Vanaõue differ?
The Sakala Road hiking trail starting from Vanaõue runs through a pine forest shaped by sand dunes. In the Navesti Nature Reserve, bog communities and sand dunes come together. As a result, the trails pass through contrasting landscapes: dry, sandy pine forest alongside wet bog areas.
The focus on nature is therefore not limited to a single viewpoint or individual protected site. The goshawk habitat in the village of Vihi and the forest, bog and river landscapes described near Vanaõue each have their own emphasis.
What trails and water experiences are available?
The Sakala Road hiking trail follows forest paths used by C. R. Jakobson on his journey from Kurgja via Vanaõue to Viljandi to deliver the newspaper “Sakala”. The trail therefore has a specific historical connection in addition to its links with the surrounding landscape. A longer hike offered from Vanaõue covers 12.7 km and leads to the Carl Robert Jakobson Farm Museum in Kurgja.
Vanaõue also organizes canoe trips on the Navesti. The river sections differ in terms of their current: some passages flow quickly, while calmer stretches pass riverside farms and extensive meadows. Vanaõue also offers guided hikes on forest paths and in the bog.
Which activities complement hiking and canoeing?
On the Sakala Road hiking trail, Vanaõue organizes 3 km-long archery events. These combine hiking with shooting at 3D targets shaped like a wild boar, a fox and a hare. At Vanaõue, paintball takes place either in the forest or on a specially designed field. The equipment includes a weapon, clothing, a mask and gloves.
A culinary connection is also documented: at Vanaõue, guests can catch trout and have the fish they catch grilled or baked on site by the chefs. Alternatively, the fish can be salted for later consumption at home. The activities therefore differ considerably in their format and focus, ranging from exercise in the forest and river experiences to preparing the fish you caught yourself.
FAQ
How long does the Vanaõue–Kootsi canoe route take?
The Vanaõue–Kootsi canoe route takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The offer includes a three-person canoe, paddles, life jackets, an introduction and transport back to the starting point in Vanaõue.
Can the archery event take place without hiking?
Yes. Vanaõue’s archery event can also be held on a course without hiking. There is also a 3 km version on the Sakala Road hiking trail with 3D targets.
What historical traces can be found near Vanaõue?
A water-powered mill once operated at Vanaõue. After a fire in the early 1980s, only the stone walls of Vanaõue’s main building remained.
What is protected in Vihi’s protected area?
The area “Vihi kanakulli püsielupaik” (KLO3001976) is an 11.25-hectare, permanently protected habitat for the northern goshawk in the village of Vihi.
Back to the main travel overview: Viljandi.
