Hike on the Eskers of Jõuga Lakes

📅 Starts at 11:00 AM 📍 Meeting point: RMK Jõuga lakes campfire site ⏱ Duration: about 5 hours

The Jõuga lakes are located in Ida-Virumaa, in the central part of the Illuka-Iisaku esker system, where eskers with high and steep slopes form a special post-glacial landscape. Hidden between them are small lakes, bogs, and quiet forests that offer the joy of discovery for both nature lovers and history buffs.

On the educational hike, we will move along the eskers, through the landscape between the forests and lakes, where we will see unique landforms and hear stories about the region's nature and history. The ridges of the tall eskers were primarily inhabited by the Southern Votians in the 11th–15th centuries, and the largest number of their burial grounds in all of Estonia has been preserved in the Jõuga area.

During the hike, we will talk about the formation of the Jõuga lakes, their unique water system, and the folklore of the region. Along the way, we will see bogs and wetlands, forest trails, and visit recreation areas established by RMK.

Hike Route Lake Pesujärv – Jõuga käpad – Lake Liivjärv – Lake Linajärv – Lake Pesujärv

Topics covered on the hike

• formation of the Jõuga lakes

• bogs, wetlands, and their biota

• the region's forests and landscape

• Jõuga burial grounds and the region's history

Difficulty Level: Medium

• distance covered approx. 6–7 km

• suitable for children aged 10 and up

Price Thanks to the State Shared Service Centre's support measure "Support for regional initiatives for a just transition", the participation fee is:

• 10 € single ticket

• 15 € family ticket (The actual cost of the hike is 60 €)

Clothing Wear:

• athletic, comfortable layered clothing

• in cooler weather, we recommend bringing an extra layer Footwear:

• comfortable and sturdy shoes

• keep in mind that the trails can be damp in places

Bring along

• raincoat

• drinking water

• lunch and a drink

📧 Additional info: alutaguse@matkaklubi.ee