The village of Vihi is home to a permanently protected goshawk habitat: the 11.25-hectare protected area “Vihi kanakulli püsielupaik” (KLO3001976). This gives Vihi a specific connection to nature for trip planning, alongside the hiking and outdoor activities offered by Vanaõue around the Sakala Road hiking trail and the Navesti.
A protected area for the goshawk
The habitat is specifically dedicated to protecting the goshawk. Those interested in nature conservation and the region’s landscape will find a clearly identified starting point here, without needing to plan an extensive excursion. Vanaõue describes the landscape for active holidays as the Navesti Nature Reserve, where bog communities and sand dunes come together. This adds to the picture of Vihi with a landscape that can be explored both on foot and through activities on the river.
Hiking the Sakala Road trail
The Sakala Road hiking trail follows forest paths used by C. R. Jakobson on his journey from Kurgja via Vanaõue to Viljandi to deliver the newspaper “Sakala.” The name thus points to a historical connection between the forest paths and Jakobson’s newspaper route. The directions are also specific: after turning towards Vändra from the Imavere–Viljandi road, continue for 16.8 kilometres and cross the bridge over the Navesti to reach the start of the hiking trail.
Vanaõue also offers guided hikes on forest paths and through the bog. One longer guided hike runs 12.7 kilometres from Vanaõue to the Carl Robert Jakobson Farm Museum in Kurgja. This gives the hike a clear destination. If you are choosing between hiking and paddling, the different details can help you decide: the longer hike has a stated distance, while the canoe trip has a stated duration.
On the Navesti or along the archery trail
Vanaõue organises canoe trips on the Navesti. The river has both fast-flowing sections and calmer stretches that pass riverside farms and extensive meadows. The Vanaõue–Kootsi canoe route takes 1.5 to 2 hours. The trip includes a three-person canoe, paddles, life jackets, an introductory briefing, and transport back to the starting point at Vanaõue. Before your trip, check the details on duration, equipment, and return transport.
Another option is archery events on the Sakala Road hiking trail: over three kilometres, Vanaõue combines hiking with shooting at 3D targets shaped like a wild boar, fox, and hare. The archery event can also take place at a venue without a hike. These are events, not a permanently available archery course, so check the booking details when planning. Paintball is played in the forest or on a purpose-built playing field. Equipment includes a marker, clothing, a mask, and gloves.
History and trout at Vanaõue
A water-powered mill once operated at Vanaõue. After a fire in the early 1980s, only the stone walls of the main building remained. These two details give activities in the landscape a historical connection, without implying that the former operation is still running today.
In 2026, guests at Vanaõue can also catch trout and have the chefs grill or bake their catch on site, or salt it to eat at home later. As availability should be checked before travelling, it is best to include this activity in your plans only after it has been confirmed.
Discover more destinations: Paistu, Vaibla, Mõisaküla, Kõpu, Suislepa, Valma, Viljandi, Pinska.
Go to the main travel overview: Viljandi.
