Emajõe City Beach

Pühajärv, with its picturesque winding shoreline and four islands, is the largest lake in Otepää Nature Park. At the northern tip of Pühajärv, there is a beach area with a beach house, ball courts, a children's playground, recreation areas, a café, and a boat harbor. At the southern tip is the Kooliranna recreation area, and from there begins the Väike Emajõgi, which meanders through Valgamaa. Pühajärve Park is the starting point for the Murrumetsa hiking trail, and around the lake runs the 12 km long Pühajärve hiking trail, which passes by the lake's most famous spring, the Armuallikas. In winter, when weather conditions are suitable, an ice trail is created on the lake for hiking, and a winter swimming area is open at Pühajärve Beach.Pühajärv has provided plenty of inspiration for writers and artists. For example, Fridebert Tuglas and Eino Leino have vacationed here. Information about Konrad Mägi's Pühajärv paintings can be found on an info board by the lakeshore near the GMP Pühajärve restaurant. In 1991, the Dalai Lama, Tenzin Gyatso, visited Otepää and blessed the lake, an event commemorated by a wooden sculpture on the shore of Pühajärve Park.

The central square of Elva is closely connected to Lake Arbi, the nature trail that winds around it, the beach, and the beachside recreation area. The central square of Elva and the beach promenade are the heart of the town – green, peaceful places where the lakeside hustle and the natural atmosphere create a true summer or winter vibe. Along the promenade, visitors can find a platform with a fountain, sun loungers, a café, hammocks, table tennis, currant bushes, outdoor chess, a playground, a sports area, and a skatepark – everything for an enjoyable time for adults, children, and family pets. Various fairs and concerts are regularly held in the central square, and everyone can explore the outdoor gallery and enjoy free exhibitions at the Elva cultural center. Nearby are Leopold Hansen Alley, several cafés and restaurants, and the historic Elva station building, which also houses the region's tourism and visitor center.

The northern shore of Lake Kuremaa is home to the only beach in Jõgeva County manned by lifeguards. Here you will find a 250-metre stretch of golden sand, aquabikes and boat hire, a beachfront cafe, a playground, areas for ball games, a caravan park and more. You can also camp here. The swimming area is marked by buoys. The water temperature is measured constantly, with information provided on special stands.

Lake Riiska is situated by the Valga road in the south-eastern part of the town of Tõrva. The lake has shallow shores, a sandy lake bed and greenish springs. The lake's depth reaches 12.5 metres. There is a beautiful sandy beach by the lake with beach cabins for changing clothes, toilets, volleyball courts, a swimming pontoon and swings. Coast guard will ensure safety on the beach.

Between the forests of Elva is a mysterious body of water – Lake Vaikne. The beautiful forest lake is a sight in itself and enchants visitors with its charming nature and silence at any time of the year. The lake has also won the attention of the poet J. Kärner, who at one time often came here to gather inspiration.The place is suitable for a responsible holidaymaker who prefers less populated places and wants to have a breath-taking experience. The lake is suitable for swimming – the water is clean and very warm.Use the wooden bridge to dive into the lake!Swimming is at your own risk!The area is illustrated by the wooden sculptures of the Nature Energy Trail.

Lake Kubija is in the Kubija district on the outskirts of Võru. There are changing rooms, bathrooms, a boat landing and a diving tower on the beach. A life guard also works on the beach in summer.Kubija Hotel and Nature Spa and Kubija campsite are nearby, and in summer there are moped lanes. The surrounding pine forests provide ski tracks in winter.The lake covers more than 15 hectares but is never more than 5 metres deep. There is good fishing here, with common catches including bream, perch and pike, and occasionally also pike perch and bleak.

The Pikksaare hiking trail begins at the swimming and camping area by Lake Pangodi. While walking along the hiking trail, you can enjoy peace and idyllic views of the lake and the surrounding nature and make a short detour to the War of Independence Memorial. The directional signs placed along the trail will help make the hike smoother. The hiking trail passes the Pangodi campfire site, where you can take a short break, as there is a shelter, a barbecue area, a nice swimming spot, and opportunities for camping. Come and spend a nice day in nature with your family or friends!

Lake Kiidjärv is the perfect place to enjoy the beach or summer evenings: there is a sandy beach, two swimming bridges, and a small playground for children. Swim at the beach at your own risk! Kiidjärve Manor Park is located near the swimming area.Nearby are Kiidjärve Water Mill, RMK Kiidjärve Visitor Centre, Roiupalu study trail (800 m), Valgesoo bog study trail and watchtower (3.5 km), and Large Taevaskoda sandstone outcrop (3.5 km).The buildings of Kiidjärve Manor were built in the second half of the 18th century and the park was probably built at the same time. The manor house was destroyed in a fire in 1950, but some smaller buildings have been preserved, such as a granary-drier.