A scenic and tradition-rich stretch of the Forest Trail symbolised by the onion. Onions were brought to the region by Old Believers in the 17th century. Ladies and gentlemen selling home-made onion strings on the roadside have become somewhat of a business card of the villages. The villages on the twenty-four kilometre stretch of road between Varnja and Kallaste are connected by the tourist route called Onion Road. The landscape is decorated by colourful wooden houses, small fish shops and a restaurant where you can enjoy tea made in the samovar, true to the traditions of Old Believers. The fish vendace (rääbis) from Lake Peipus is served throughout the year.
Practical information
Length: 19 km
Duration: 6-8 h
Starting point: Varnja museum
End point: Alatskivi Castle Park
The course of the route: Varnja‒Kasepää‒Kolkja‒Lahe‒Nina‒Alatskivi
Road surface: Mainly paved road, gravel road for a small part of the section
Difficulty: Easy
Danger points: Be careful when walking on the side of the road or street!
Keep in mind! Onions are sold starting from July. Onion Fair in August. Onion traders sell their produce by the roadside and at their homes August through September.
