Ahja

Ahja River is one of the most scenic rivers in Estonia. Its most popular visitor area is located at the midstream, on the Ahja River ancient valley nature park where sandstone outcrops, 12-20 m high, tower amongst ancient forests. Locals call the place Taevaskoja

Beginning of the Ahja River ancient valley nature park. Until Valgemetsa, the river is looping and slow current varies with faster and rockier places, some obstacles can occur. Care should be taken with a relatively complicated spot under Valgemetsa railway bridge. After the railway bridge, slower sections of river with few rockier spots begin, and continue up to Tikuta mill. The end part of the section goes through the impounded lake of Kiidjärve mill. Easily visible sandstone outcrops at multiple locations. The section ends at the dam of Kiidjärve watermill.

NB! Kiidjärve mill dam is on renovation http://kaart.delfi.ee//?bookmark=ab2ade51ea7e6a44b5584f6038d48f7d

Follow the signs.

Launching below the dam of Kiidjärve watermill or Nature Centre. Current is slow, the section is framed by scenic shores, sandstone outcrops, later the Ahja River smoothly broadens into the impounded lake of Saesaare. The section is suitable for families. If you wish to continue the trip, you have to carry the canoe into the canal located behind the power plant. The trip goes through Suur - ja Väike Taevaskoda (34). First part of the river up to the bridge of Otten’s mill (37) is rather rocky.

The following part of the river has a slow current. Last rockier spot is at the mill dam of Eoste roadway bridge.

River becomes deeper, current slows down. After Lääniste, the river flows through Emajõe Suursoo and is connected to lakes (Lake Ähijärv and Lake Võngjärv) at two spots. Before Peipsi, there are almost no other connections downstream.