Alam-Pedja Reserve was established in 1994. It is spread over the territory of three counties: Tartu, Jõgeva and Viljandi. The area of Alam-Pedja is 260 square kilometres of bogs and floodplains, and all this beauty is practically untouched by man. In 1997, the reserve was included in the "Ramsar List", which means that its wetland areas are of international importance. In 2004, it was included in the "Natura 2000" ornithological and natural areas.
The reserve is located in the former hollow of Lake Võrtsjärv. Apart from this water body, there are 12 other water bodies on the territory of the reserve, the total length of which is about 115 kilometres. There are also 55 rivers flowing through the territory of Alam-Pedya. rivers with a length of 55 kilometres.
In addition to water resources, within the boundaries of the reserve there are many forest and swamp communities. However, on the whole, the landscape of the reserve is defined as boggy. There are 2 species of trees and shrubs, as well as 43 species of mammals, the most common of which are mammals, the most common of which are wolves, lynxes, wild boars, ermines, otters and others. The most widely represented here is the avifauna, with about 196 species of birds.
Alam-Pedya is open for visits, but you should inform the nature conservation office in advance about your desire to explore the protected areas. Alam Pedya is open to the public, but you should inform the office of the nature protection organisation LKUKotkas. The Kirnu hiking trail, which is 7 kilometres long. There is a car park at the beginning of the trail, at the beginning of the trail there is a car park for 8 cars and an information board. To get to the the trail starts at the junction of the Tallinn-Tartu and Purmani motorways, turn towards Jurikula. The trail takes about 3 hours to complete. There are 2 campfire sites: at the beginning of the trail and at the viewing platform. There are small information boards along the trail, introducing the reserve. You'll also come across a suspension bridge over the river, which will definitely give you a lot of positive emotions.
You can also walk along the Selly-Sillaotsa nature trail, which is 5 kilometres long. It is 4 kilometres of boggy landscape and 1 kilometre on a gravel road. The trail will take about an hour and a half to complete. At the end and at the beginning of the trail there are large information boards, Smaller information boards can be found along the trail itself. Also at the at the beginning of the trail there is a car park for 5 cars. In some places the trail is covered with wooden wood chips, there is an observation tower.
A visit to the reserve is a great opportunity to get to know the wild, untouched nature of Estonia.
