Hinni Valley

Hinni Valley is a sandstone canyon in south-central Estonia that stretches roughly 300 meters with high walls exposing layers of white and pale yellow stone. The gorge deepens significantly as you move along, with the exposed layers creating a clear record of past geological activity.

The canyon took shape over millions of years through natural water erosion working on ancient sedimentary deposits. A small stream running through the base continues this process, deepening and widening the gorge gradually.

The Hinni Valley sits within Haanja Nature Park, established in 1991 to protect the natural landscapes and maintain traditional Estonian rural lifestyles.

Visitors can walk through the gorge using wooden boardwalks and stairs that safely guide you along the bottom and sides. Parking areas nearby accommodate multiple vehicles, making access straightforward for those arriving by car.

A stream continuously flows through the canyon bottom, actively shaping the walls and floor through ongoing erosion. This living water presence makes the site feel dynamic rather than static, showing geology in real time.