Nature Tours Estonia overnight bog hike

Valgesoo is the smallest but the most fascinating bog in Põlva County; it conceals tiny bog islands, colonies of ants and hiding places of animals. The hike takes place in a nature reserve. In order to protect the surface of the bog, we are going to use bogshoes for hiking. The hike is led by an experienced guide. The route is exciting – it begins in a sandy pine grove, trails across a watery swamp to a raised bog and to the gigantic ant hills of a wood ant colony in an old fir grove. We are going to come back through a low pine forest growing in the bog and cross animal trails on the way. Your guide will talk about the mysterious nature of swamps, folk tales and the fascinating life of bog plants and bugs. If we're lucky, we'll be able to snack on cranberries. You can also have a picnic. Minimum size of the group - 4 people.

The University of Tartu Art Museum is located in the historical University Main Building and has Pompeian-style interior. The museum’s permanent exhibition consists of sculptures, mostly from the antiquity – original size plaster cast copies of the best works of Archaic, Classical, and Hellenistic Greece. The Art Museum also displays many ancient originals: coins, vases, clay lamps, and cuneiform tablets. There is also the mysterious mummy chamber, where you can find a genuine Egyptian mummy. You can also visit the beautiful Assembly Hall of the university and the student lock-up in the attic.

Riding a scooter is fun, easy, and exciting. Use one foot to add speed and the second to keep your balance – easy!With the help of the hike guide, you will get to know the details of the local nature and the history of Lake Pühajärv and Otepää. Scooters are great for going to places you would usually not visit on foot.You can choose between a fast and fun scooter ride or an educational scooter hike.Come with your whole family, friends, or colleagues.You are all welcome!

In the Mesi Tare fish cooking workshop, we prepare local dishes from seasonal Peipsi fish! The fish cooking workshop, held in the courtyard of the Mesi Tare Holiday Home, covers the entire process from start to finish, including cleaning, filleting, preparation, and cooking the fish. Depending on the season and the fish we have, we cook uhhaa, a traditional fish soup, smoke the fish, pan fry fish, etc. And finally, the moment that everyone is especially looking forward to — we serve the food and enjoy an authentic meal in an Old Believers' village on the Onion Route. The winter fish cooking workshop includes an experience on the ice with a karakat ride on frozen Lake Peipsi, ice fishing, and preparing uhhaa. See you at the workshop!

The diversity of sports facilities and beautiful nature bring active people to Kääriku throughout the year.Kääriku Sports Centre was established in 1947 as a study and training centre of the Department of Physical Education and Sport of the University of Tartu. Today, the modern sports centre has a ball hall, tennis and beach volleyball courts, athletics and football stadium, and ski and hiking trails. There is an outdoor swimming pool, the Kekkonen sauna and Green sauna, a sandy beach, and a children's playground by Lake Kääriku. We also offer accommodation, catering, and conference rooms all year round.

The museum introduces the life led by farmers in the 18th century and the everyday lives and work of our forefathers. There are five oak sculptures created by St Petersburg artist Grigori Azarenkov by the museum. The museum is surrounded by beautiful landscapes, which make it a popular venue for folk parties and theatre performances.

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!"

The museum is housed in Betti Alver’s home next to the Jõgeva railway station.The museum gives an overview of Betti Alver’s life and works, also perpetuates the memory of Alo Mattiisen and acquaints visitors with the historic and cultural heritage of Jõgeva.