The first part of this section of the Forest Trail winds along the magnificent Piusa River valley, then, at Härmä village, it turns towards Obinitsa, an important cultural centre of Setomaa, the Land of Setos. Here you can discover the traditions of the local Seto people. After Obinitsa, the Forest Trail leads through beautiful pine forests rich in heather, descends back into the depths of the Piusa River valley and turns east at Piusa caves. From there it follows the left slope of Piusa valley until it reaches the motorway and railway line by Koidula railway station.
Practical information
Length: 26 km
Duration: 8-10 h
Starting point: Vana-Vastseliina Episcopal Castle
End point: Kolodavitsa by Koidula motorway
The course of the route: Vana-Vastseliina‒Piusa River valley‒Lindsi‒Obinitsa‒Piusa‒Kolodavitsa
Road surface: Small forest roads, forest trails, paths through meadows in the Piusa River valley and its surroundings; gravel roads and paved roads elsewhere
Difficulty: Hard
Obstacles: Some slopes of the Piusa valley are steep and may become slippery in wet weather
Danger points: Don’t go too close to the edge of the sandstone outcrop!
Keep in mind! Shoes may become wet in damp conditions. There are no shops and caterers in the destination. You can spend the night at the pilgrimage site next to the ruins of the Vana-Vastseliina Episcopal Castle.
Alternative options: The section can be split into two days, spending the night in one of the accommodation places in Piusa Valley or Obinitsa, and completing the stretch of road to Kolodavitsa in the second day.
