www.visitpeipsi.com In the centre of the Peipus plain, the River Almost all types of Estonian forests are Emajõgi flows into the lake. A fen has represented in the forests of Järvselja. Old formed between the tributaries and lakes natural forests, broad-leaved forests and near the mouth of Emajõgi with a surface spruce stands rich in grasses are protected that is only 1 metre higher than the water byJärvselja Nature Reserve that has been level in Peipus. Spring floods turn the fen formed around a native tree stand, which into one large lake, which is dotted with has been protected since 1924. This area, wooded bog islands. Here, on an almost resembling a primeval forest, can be visited uninhabited natural landscape, you can find by taking a hiking trail that is almost 5 km Landscapes the nesting places of water fowls, spawning long. The network of hiking trails is going to of places and habitats of fish, nesting places of be extended in order to let enthusiasts see white-tailed eagles, golden eagles and the biota of key biotopes. Järvselja forests ospreys and a home of wood grouse, have been thoroughly studied and mapped common cranes, wolves and bears. This area because generations of Estonian forest Peipsimaa is known asEmajõe Suursoo and the best specialists have been trained here since way to visit it is by sailing along the river and 1921. Probably this is why the highest trees its tributaries. There are several different of Estonian forests have been found in kinds of watercrafts that can be used for a Järvselja region. nature trip: a historical Emajõgi barge, a raft, Lake Peipus is in the heart of Peipsimaa. This Lake on the The swamps in the south of Peipsimaa are a motor boat, ect. You can stay the night in eastern border of Estonia that is as wide as a sea is the fourth still 'young' and fens are therefore characte- the raft house anchored on Kalli River; largest in Europe and the largest in Estonia. At its medium ristic of the landscape of this area. Far in the moreover, you can take a trek in these parts water level, Lake Peipus covers 3555 km2 . The border between south-west corner, we can find one excep- not only in summer but it is also possible to Estonia and Russia is almost in the middle of the lake leaving tion – the Meelva bog –, which was formed ski along the ice roads across swamps and about 44% of the Lake to Estonia. when shallow endoheric basins became rivers or drive around in amphibian vehicles paludified. Meelva Nature Park was estab- About 240 rivers and streams flow into Peipus; however, the in winter. Further information about the lished to protect the swamp untouched by only river that begins here is the Narva River, which carries nature of Emajõe Suursoo and its hiking human activity, Meelva, and Pado Lakes; its almost a half of the volume of lake water into the Gulf of options is available in Kavastu, in a nature natural treasures include eagles and whoo- Finland every year. The waters of Lake Peipus and the variety centre located right on the bank of Emajõgi. per swans. Hikers interested in nature can of habitats it offers are the foundations of the biodiversity of Piirissaare that is the largest island in Peipus stay the night in the forest cabin of Meelva. the region. You can find 35 different species of fish and a (7.5 km2 ) forms a natural border between species of Cyclostomata in this lake that is one of the most Peipsimaa nature will charm you with the Suurjärv and Lämmijärv. Most of the island abundant in fish in the Northern Europe. Although the variety of species in its virgin forests, the is only 1–2 metres above the water level of number of species of fish has fluctuated significantly over the austere monotony of fens, the wonderful the lake and it is characterised by fens and years, there is enough bream, roach, perch, pike and pike- colours of bogs, the singing dunes and the shrub- bery that are a home to many bird perch for both professional and amateur fishermen. Even the eternal playfulness of the waters of Lake species. The island is a suitable environment most inexperienced fishermen can come and learn about Peipus. The wonders of local nature will only for amphi- bians as well. On Piirissaare, one fishing on a lake. You can rent fishing equipment and boats show themselves to those who take the time can find the largest population of common from the owners of tourism farms and holiday homes around to watch and listen respectfully. spadefoot in Estonia and perhaps the not- Lake Peipus and hire an experienced instructor to accompany yet-extinct Euro- pean green toad. In order Further information about the nature you on the lake. to protect amphi- bians, coastal grasslands of Peipsimaa and different services can A fascinating fishing method is ice fishing on Lake Peipus in were restored and ponds for spawning were be found at: www.visitpeipsi.com. winter when thousands of people come here to try their luck created. with a pulling device. Peipsi pulling devices have special winter Species-rich forests grow on the lowland spoon baits that are attached to short winter rods. These are plains of Peipus that are on the eastern used to catch perch, houting and other fish from the frozen shore of Lämmijärv. lake. A memorable winter excursion can be ordered from the local organizers of fishing trips who drive the participants to a fishing spot in special unsinkable vehicles calledkarakatits . After a successful fishing trip, you can learn from your instructor how to prepare fish dishes; you can also take a hot sauna or even stay the night in a tent on the ice so you could try your luck again at first light. Text: Annereet Paatsi Translation into English: Kramar OÜ Photos: PAK archiv Design: Triinu Sarv Printed by: Paar Published by: Peipsimaa Tourism NGO 2013© in co-operation with Tartu Rural Development Association Tartu Estonia 2013 Ecosystem of Lake Peipus is enriched and Sand dunes can be as high as 5–8 meters; in Alajõe, adorned bybirds . The lake feeds tens of their height can reach 20 meters. Only a few plants thousands of birds who stay here in springs grow on white dunes right on the shore; moss, and autumns. Peipus offers the best lichen and pine forest join these plants on grey A part ofPuhatu fen is also protected; this fen opportunities in Estonian mainland to observe inland dunes. A nature park was established to was the largest wetland in Estonia, but waterfowls and their migration. Excellent bird protect the dunes of Järvevälja and Smolnitsa and unfortunately, it has been partly destroyed by watching points are on the beach by Nina their biota. The plants that grow on the dunes are peat production and coal mining. Puhatu village and the northern shore of Lahepera easily destroyed by stepping on them; therefore, Nature Reserve boasts Poruni primeval forest. Lake, where the observation platform is you should only use the existing trails and build On the banks of Poruni River, you can find an accessible by wheelchairs. However, the best fires in the specially designated areas when hiking old broad-leaved forest with very complicated observation points are by Lämmijärve in in this area. On the dunes of the northern shore of layering and a floodplain forest where the Mehikoorma and on the Räpina polder. Here, Lake Peipus, the ear of a hiker can catch a peculiar majority of trees are ashes and alders – a rare the lake is narrow resembling a bottleneck and sound – the sands 'sing'. This noise is created by combination in Estonia. A nature education thousands of geese, diving ducks, mergansers, sand grains rubbing against each other and is a trail has been created to help visitors of the divers, ducks and other water fowls fly past sign of the cleanness of water and sand. primeval forest. while waders are wandering in the shore. In You can take a look at the dune landscape and this area, many rare birds as well as birds that Struuga Nature Park, which is the newest and Kallaste bluff is protected as a natural monu- habitats by hiking on Luite nature trail that begins ment of primeval nature and a valuable habitat have strayed from their usual habitats have at Kauksi Nature Centre. the most unique of nature parks, is located in been spotted. On the one hand, the wide area the near vicinity of the Narva River between for different plants and animals. The high of Lake Peipus limits the spread of species; on The vast area of dunes that was formed when the the villages of Vasknarva and Karoli. The Park sandbank is a great place to nest for sand the other hand, it opens up a corridor for waters of Lake Peipus retreated does not let water protects the oxbow lakes of the Narva River martins − about 678 pairs of birds nested here in species from the south to spread towards the back into the lake creating hugeswamps on the and floodplain grasslands and their habitats. 2012. north. In addition to already existing nature lowlands of Alutaguse. Swamps that have not The protection area is also a special In Alatskivi, the level landscape is divided by preservation areas, a special conservation been altered by human activity are rare in Europe. conservation area for birds; the local key Alatskivi glacial valley and its eskers and lakes in area was recently created in the north-west Swamps contain our clean water supplies and species are great snipes, short-eared owls valleys nearby; Alatskivi valley is the only region of Peipus where the reed beds and provide habitats and migration corridors for and corn crakes.