Leevaku Chimney, which is joked about as being the world's tallest sauna chimney (at 50 metres), was completed in 1923 for the local brick factory. However, the factory soon went bankrupt, as the raw ingredients being sourced locally were of insufficient quality. After the factory closed, the owner of the neighbouring residence built a wooden sauna in the chimney, and it is still used today.The chimney can only be viewed from the outside.
In the heart of Tartu’s Old Town, right next to Town Hall Square, stands the Leaning House, often affectionately called “The Leaning Tower of Tartu” by locals. The house was built in 1793 along the edge of the medieval city wall. The side facing the river rests on the old wall’s stone foundation, while the other side sits on softer ground. This unique construction has caused the building to slowly but noticeably lean, making it one of Tartu’s most visually distinctive landmarks today. From 1879, the building housed a pharmacy for many years, where, in the early 20th century, a young Oskar Luts worked. He went on to become a famous Estonian writer. Today, the Leaning House is home to the Tartu Art Museum, where visitors can explore works by both Estonian and international artists, participate in educational programs, and enjoy inspiring art experiences. Tartu's Leaning House is listed in the national register of cultural monuments, making it both a historical and cultural gem that combines the rich history of Tartu’s Old Town with vibrant contemporary art.
From Ilmaveere, you can rent a paddleboard, canoe, or electric fatbike – like a cherry on top of your Setomaa experience. Discover the beauty of the local nature at your own pace or enjoy active movement along the trails of Setomaa's distant corners. In any case, the views and fresh air bring joy and lightness. Obinitsa Lake is a beloved spot for swimming and fishing. Bring binoculars, a fishing rod, or a camera – we take care of the canoe and paddles. If you're looking for both peace and physical exercise, try gliding on a paddleboard across the lake's smooth surface. From the water, you'll have a unique view of the Tuhkvitsa gorge. For the adventurous, there's an opportunity to explore the surroundings with a fatbike, a wide-tire mountain bike. These comfortable bikes will safely carry you through sand, forest, and village roads – the experience is guaranteed in every season. However, Obinitsa also offers experiences in the forest. Locals know exactly where to go to fill baskets with mushrooms. If you wish to partake in a true mushroom-picking experience, our mushroom guide will lead you to the right spot.
The Struve Geodetic Arc is a survey circuit created by astronomer and surveyor Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struve to specify the size and shape of the Earth and to produce accurate topographic maps, consisting of 265 measuring points and extending from the Arctic Ocean to the Black Sea.One of the triangulation points is located in Kaarepere on Aruküla hill. The point is marked with an information board and in the immediate vicinity, there is the Kaarepere disc golf course, a barbecue and picnic area, and a pleasant village swing. In 2005, the Struve Arc was entered into the UNESCO World Heritage List.
After you visit the Estonian National Museum, look for a special souvenir in the ERM museum shop to capture the uniqueness of Estonian culture. The museum shop offers a wide selection of products to suit every taste. Here, anyone who appreciates Estonian design and crafts will find something special, such as a unique handmade product or beautiful jewelry. A souvenir from the ERM shop is an excellent memento of your visit and will remind you of Estonian history and traditions once you arrive home.
Obinitsa Church was built deep in the Soviet era: 1952, when the country was led by Comrade Stalin. The people's desire for a new sanctuary (the old church was given to the school) was so great, that it bypassed the politics of the day. The Obinitsa Church's main holiday is 19 August - The Feast of the Transfiguration - and thousands of people visit the church that day to remember their ancestors and spend time with a relatives. People have been buried in Obinitsa Cemetery for at least 1,500 years. The oldest burials are marked by small stones located in the western part of the cemetery. The well-known Seto singer Hilana Taarka and the creator of the Obinitsa Museum, Lidia Sillaots, are buried in this park-like cemetery.
The Aura Centre sauna centre has saunas, pleasant baths, and cooling options for every taste. The sauna centre also has a cozy relaxation area and an outdoor terrace with an igloo sauna and two jacuzzis, one of which is refreshingly cold and the other pleasantly warm. There are 8 different saunas in the sauna centre – steam saunas with different temperatures, a juniper sauna, a salt rock sauna, an aroma sauna, a steam aroma sauna, a sanarium, and an igloo sauna. There are 11 different saunas in total. You can cool off in the crisp winter room or by using the facilities offered by the ice machine, cold water bucket, or cool bath. In addition to cooling off in a cool bath, you can relax in warm jacuzzis and a 40-degree Japanese bath. With a ticket to the sauna centre, you can also visit the Aura Keskus water park, where you can find slides and many other water attractions, as well as a desert, tropical, and rain room. In the unique rain room in Estonia, you can choose exactly the kind of rain you like – be it a gentle forest rain or a tropical storm. Come and enjoy great relaxation in the center of Tartu!
The Kambja health trails offer everyone the opportunity to be active in nature all year round. The health trails are located near the small town of Kambja, near Kopsumäe and Köstrimäe. The trail offers wide views, forest roads, and some ups and downs.In addition to the marked trails that start and end in the car park (5 and 7.5 km trail), everyone can choose a trail that suits them best!There is a MOBO trail with 15 checkpoints for orienteering enthusiasts. The health trails are also great for Nordic walking and cycling. In snowy winters, everyone is welcome to the cross-country skiing trails and the Kambja–Pangodi ski trail.