Vanaveski between river nature and waterways

Vanaveski is located in Soomaa National Park and appeals to travelers who want to discover river landscapes, bodies of water and little-used waterways. Due to its water flow, the Kõpu jõgi is suitable for water tourism all year round. At the same time, parts of the river are reed-covered and untouched. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday house for a trip focused on nature observation and peaceful exploration will find Vanaveski to be a destination with a distinct landscape character.

River and wetlands in Soomaa National Park

The Kõpu jõgi offers unusually specific insights into the local aquatic landscape in Vanaveski. During a survey on July 20, 2022, nine fish species were identified in the lower Vanaveski section. From the Vanaveski survey site downstream to its confluence with the Raudna jõgi, the river is continuously accessible as a fish migration corridor. At the same time, the Kõpu Vanaveski II dam shows how different conditions can be along the river: it is difficult for fish with weaker swimming ability to overcome.

The amphibian world is also part of the character of the area. During an amphibian survey in 2017, tadpoles of moor frogs, common frogs and common toads were found in forest ditches in the Vanaveski area. Ditches dammed by RMK form floodplain areas during high water. Compared with forest ditches, these areas are less shaded and shallower, making them better suited for amphibian reproduction. For visitors interested in observing nature, this offers a thematic perspective that extends beyond simply looking at a river.

Water tourism and notable points along the Kõpu jõgi

The Kõpu jõgi is still little used for water tourism. It is precisely this combination of year-round suitability, dense reeds in places and untouched sections that shapes the travel concept around Vanaveski. Vanaveski sild is a water tourism route point on the Kõpu jõgi. The Soloveski dam has also been preserved in the village. From the Soloveski dam, the Kõpu jõgi flows 5 kilometers downstream to its confluence with the Raudna jõgi near Osja Farm. In the wider regional area, the river is 61 kilometers long in total and has a catchment area of 400 square kilometers.

Another special point of interest is the Soloveski mill building, which has been converted into a holiday house. Visitors to Reimani Puhkekeskus can try their luck fishing on the Kõpu jõgi and, if they wish, grill their catch immediately. This makes it possible to combine nature observation, water activities and a specific culinary experience in the surrounding area without Vanaveski losing its untouched character.

Which accommodation suits your travel plans?

When looking for accommodation in Vanaveski, you can first decide whether your focus should be on water tourism, river landscapes or observing amphibians and fish. A holiday apartment in Vanaveski is particularly suitable for travel plans that allow you to organize your days flexibly between nature experiences and your own excursions. If you are more interested in the aquatic landscape, the Kõpu jõgi, Vanaveski sild and the area around the Soloveski dam are among the names you can use to guide your planning.

Vanaveski thus combines the expanse of a river of regional importance with very specific habitats in the village area. The choice of a holiday apartment or holiday house should above all suit your preferred pace of travel and the planned nature and water experiences.

For the higher-level travel overview: Kõpu Parish.