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Hiking / The Everest esker hike

The Everest esker hike

A morning hike to the highest point in Harju County

  • esker
  • lake
  • forest
  • folklore
Distance
8.1 km
Time
1 h 41 min
Ascent
37 m
Route
Out and back
Difficulty
easy
Start and finish
Õnnela Guesthouse
Morning sun behind the mist over Lake Udriku Suurjärv

The story of the hike

The Everest esker hike follows a mighty and enchantingly beautiful esker to the highest point in Harju County, Pikajalamägi at 112.6 metres, and back the same way.

An old Soviet army tank road runs along the esker ridge, giving the hike a historical feel. The landscape is varied, the views are beautiful and the early morning silence is something special.

Along the way we pass the picturesque Lake Udriku Suurjärv and several places linked to the Kalevipoeg legends and local folklore. This is a hike where nature, history and legend meet.

Respect nature protection

The trail passes through the Ohepalu nature reserve. According to the sign by the road, the Mädajärve strict protection zone is closed to visitors from 1 February to 30 June.

Terrain and gear

The route mostly follows forest roads. After rain there are large puddles on the tank road.

  • Waterproof shoes
  • Clothing for the weather
  • Drinking water

A Route and story: Ahto Neidek, the host of Õnnela

Photos from the trail

A misty field road in the early morning
A misty field road in the early morning
A two-track forest road on the esker
A two-track forest road on the esker
Lake Udriku Suurjärv on a still morning
Lake Udriku Suurjärv on a still morning
The lake shore and an old campfire site
The lake shore and an old campfire site
Sign: highest point in Harju County 112.6 m, Pikajalamägi
Sign: highest point in Harju County 112.6 m, Pikajalamägi
Back in the Õnnela yard
Back in the Õnnela yard

Photos: Ahto Neidek · more photos on Wikiloc →

Other Õnnela hikes

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