Vändra – Kurgja – Suurejõe – Kaansoo – Jõesuu – Vihtra – Suurejõe – Vändra
The route is both nature-centred and of cultural-historical significance, following the banks of the Pärnu River and going through forests. There are also many tourism service providers along the route, especially in connection with the Soomaa National Park touring packages.
So start from Vändra and ride along the Pärnu-Türi-Rakvere highway until you reach Kurgja road, from which it is only a few kilometres to Kurgja. Make sure to be careful and watch out for traffic on the highway. Kurgja is a great place for a little food break and to take a look at the farm museum.
In the C. R. Jakobson Farm Museum in Kurgja you can get acquainted with the life and work of Carl Robert Jakobson, the great man of the Estonian national awakening in the 19th century, and with life in the farm founded by him. You can also try out farm work and learn about old customs.
From Kurgja, start making your way back along the left bank of the Pärnu River. Follow the gravel roads to Suurejõgi (11.5 km), from there along the Suure-Jaani road to Kaansoo (6.7 km). Following the river bank to Suurejõgi, you will get to see beautiful views of the river.
A gravel road will take you from Kaansoo to Jõesuu (it gets rather dusty in the summer). The ride from Kaansoo to Jõesoo will offer lovely views of the Soomaa National Park that has become so popular for its varied nature, characteristic dugout boats and five seasons. You might even want to stop here for 1 or 2 days to explore the Soomaa National Park further. There are many service providers in this area. The Kaansoo – Jõesuu section is about 22.5 km long.
From the village of Jõesuu, the Navesti River flows into the Pärnu River. The longest suspension bridge in Pärnu County, Jõesuu, is built over the Pärnu River and is 67.5 m long. From the mouth of the river, the route coincides with Route 2. Cross the Jõesuu suspension bridge and ride along the right bank of the Pärnu River to Vihtra. These are mostly medium-quality narrow gravel roads with very low traffic. The section from Jõesuu to Vihtran is 14.2 km.
Unlike route no. 2, you will not ride directly from Vihtra to Vändra, but continue your journey along the banks of the Pärnu River until Suurejõgi and turn from there towards Vändra.
The total length of the route is 82.4 km, of which gravel roads are almost 40 km. The route is of medium difficulty, as long sections of gravel roads can be a challenge for cyclists.
You can start the trip from Vändra, Jõesuu, Kurgja or Suurejõgi. The nearest railway station is in Türi, but it is about 20 km away from the trail.