Tähtvere Mansion was first mentioned in 1515 and belonged to the Bishop of Tartu in the Middle Ages. In 1919, part of the lands of Tähtvere Mansion were sold as the first building plots of Tähtvere District. The main building of the mansion (built in 1910 in the heimat style) has been preserved and is used as one of the study buildings of the Estonian University of Life Sciences (an extension has been added to it).The surviving outbuildings of the mansion are a small animal barn, a maid's house, a barn/grain dryer, a cattle barn, a farmhand's house, and a smithy.The Mansion can only be seen from the outside and it can also be seen for example in the guided bicycle tour "Tartu City Mansions".
Kadaka Bakery is a fairy-tale-like place, created by hostess Merle using recycled materials. In the bakery, traditional Estonian rye bread is baked using natural sourdough, as are buckwheat bread, cinnamon rolls, waffles, juniper-coriander bread, sweet and savory pretzels, pumpkin cake, Italian-style focaccia, rye crisps, and cookies. A visit to the bakery offers experiences in every season and is suitable for the whole family. In the beautifully designed garden, goats, chickens, cats, and mini rabbits can be seen in spring and summer. Regular bread-making workshops and summer garden concerts are held in the bakery. Kadaka Bakery is well-suited for various team events and special gatherings, such as birthday celebrations. Come and experience authentic Estonian bread culture!
Contra’s summer room in Ostrova village has been named after the poet Margus Konnula.The summer room is located on two floors in separate houses. The room has 2 single beds and one double. If necessary, we can accommodate more people in the family home. On the ground floor, there is an open summer kitchen, where you can make a lovely breakfast or enjoy the summer nights in front of the fireplace. The kitchen has a stove, a sink, a coffee machine, an oven, and dishes. We offer breakfast for an extra charge.When in Ostrova, we recommend going to the Russian sauna, which is a unique experience that you have to book in advance.
The Pühajärve electric bike tour takes you to one of South Estonia's most beautiful lake trails, where every turn reveals a new view of the picturesque shoreline, lake islands, and the rolling landscape of the Otepää highlands. As the largest lake in the area, Pühajärv is perfect for discovering nature, learning about history, and peaceful exploration. Riding an e-bike lets you enjoy the journey at a pleasant pace, with the motor assisting on climbs, giving you time to truly notice your surroundings. During the tour, you will visit Pühajärve Beach, the manor park, the War Oak, the love spring, and ancient forests, as well as enchanting lake-view trails. If desired, you can order a private tour for your group at a time that suits you – it's an ideal experience for friends, family, or as a change for team seminars or summer days. The experience can be enhanced by a delicious soup and a relaxing sauna after an active day. Come enjoy the special beauty of Pühajärve and move in nature in a way that truly feels pleasant!
Enjoy a real SUP-boarding experience in the magical Taevaskoja and the ancient Ahja River valley, which is known for its unique natural landforms. The trip passes nearly 20 sandstone outcrops along the way. It is suitable for anyone with a sporty spirit; previous experience is not important. The instructor will thoroughly show you how to handle a SUP board skillfully, hand out the equipment, and introduce paddleboard techniques and safety requirements. Discover the ancient valley of the Ahja River and the stunning sandstone outcrops of Taevaskoja!
Between Hellenurme, Elva, and Otepää, there is a unique opportunity to see Estonia's last historical water-powered flour and grist mill in operation – the Hellenurme Water Mill. Upon arrival, we explore the mill building and views over the mill pond to Hellenurme Manor, then we open the turbine, and the mill begins to work, powered by water. Through the mill's four floors, you can see, touch, and feel the power of the mill, and soon fresh flour and grist fall into the bag as in the old days. In the bread house, you can try breadmaking under the guidance of the Mill Mistress, honoring traditions and telling stories about bread and the wisdom of ancestors. In the bread trough, dough is kneaded from sourdough. Each guest molds their own little loaf from a dough ball, which the Mill Mistress throws into the large bread oven with an old bread peel. Soon, the bread house fills with the smell of bread, and each guest can take their loaf from the oven, which tastes warm and buttery like an unforgettable dessert! As writer Juhan Liiv wrote: "... warm bread – imagine!"
V Spa sauna rituals offer an opportunity to relax and experience the sauna culture in a unique way. Led by sauna masters, different sauna rituals take place in V Spa saunas every night. Whisking, mud masks, body scrubs, and moisturising shea butter are free for all guests as part of the ritual if the ticket includes the sauna in which the ritual takes place. V Spa sauna rituals are the perfect way to pamper your body and mind, whether you’re looking to unwind at the end of the day or enhance your spa experience. Be sure to check the ritual schedule. Make your spa visit unforgettable with V Spa sauna rituals!
Lake Põlva and its beach offer a variety of opportunities for active recreation and plenty of options for enjoying the water. By the lake you will find playgrounds, skateboarding and rollerblading areas and walking tracks. What makes the lake unique is the light installation on its island, where 150 different coloured lanterns light up the sky when darkness falls.