The Haan Upland is home to a nature park established for the purpose of conservation and scientific activities in the highest region of Estonia. In addition to a large number of hills of different shapes and heights, there are valleys with small lakes, villages inhabited by people who value and preserve age-old customs and traditions.
The Haan Uplands are located in the south-eastern part of Estonia, A small part of it is also in Latvia. The highest point is Mt. Suur-Munamägi, which is 318 metres above sea level. Also on the the deepest lake in Estonia is located in the park. It is called Rõuge Suurjärv, with a maximum depth of 38 metres.
Haanja Nature Park is extremely attractive for tourists, especially for those who who enjoy active holidays. In summer and winter, it is possible to climb to the highest point in summer and winter by following a special trail. In this case, you will start from the village of Haanja at the foot of the hill and ends at the Vaatethorn lookout tower, built at the very top of Suur-Munamägi Mountain. The tower was built in 1939 and at that time it was 25.7 metres high. It was renovated in 1969 which added another floor. The height of the tower increased to 29.1 metres. Between 1999 and 2005, the tower was repaired and renovated. A glass cafe was built a glass cafe was built and a permanent exhibition was designed. In 2005, a lift was built of the tower. The height of 346.7 metres offers the most magnificent view of Estonia within a radius of 50 kilometres.
There is another nature trail that is a favourite among tourists. It is located on the Vällamägmi mountain, which is 304 metres high. The height of the mountain from the foot to the summit is 84 metres. The trail runs along the slopes of the mountain, the angle of which sometimes reaches 35-40 degrees. There is a peat bog on the top of Vyallamämä, with the largest peat deposits in Estonia (17 metres). There is a folk omen connected with this mountain. mountain: if the mountain "smokes" (steam comes from it) in dry weather, it means that it will soon rain.
Haanja Nature Park attracts many tourists in winter, when winter sports enthusiasts try to get here. The hilly landscape Haanja literally attracts skiers and there is enough snow to last until spring!
Another interesting attraction in the park is the ancient valley of the Ryuge valley, whose maximum depth reaches 75 metres below sea level. Also is the Valley of the Nightingales, which preserves traces of an ancient Estonian settlement. It is also famous for its large number of springs.
