St. John’s Church in Tartu

This historicist-style church is built from red and yellow bricks and has five domes and a bell tower. It is one of the four representative churches of the Apostolic Orthodox Church in Estonia. The church is named after the priest martyr Isidore of Tartu. The church was built in 1897–1898 and was consecrated in 1898. The architect of the building is Vladimir Lunski.The church was built in 1896 for the congregation of Orthodox Russians and Latvians.

Suur Munamägi is the highest peak in the Baltics, rising 318 meters above sea level. The 29.1-meter-tall observation tower at the top of the hill was completed in 1939 and offers breathtaking views up to 50 kilometers away in clear weather. From here, the true essence of Estonia’s landscape unfolds—vast forests stretching into the distance, shimmering lakes, rolling hills, and the scattered farmsteads of Old Võromaa. The views from the tower are different every time—spring brings soft green tones, summer a lush abundance of color, autumn radiant foliage, and winter paints the landscape with a fairytale-like white. This is why Suur Munamägi remains a unique destination throughout the year. Suur Munamägi has been a beloved attraction for over two centuries—the first observation tower was built here in 1812. The current tower is the sixth in its history; previous wooden or lower towers were gradually destroyed or dismantled. For this reason, the present tower is a historical gem of its own kind, combining both cultural and natural value.

Otepää St Mary's Lutheran Church is one of the 21 places in Southern Estonia worth discovering, all those interested in culture and history should definitely pay a visit. Otepää St Mary's Lutheran Church is historically connected to the national flag of Estonia. The blue, black and white flag of the Estonian Student Union, which later became the national flag and in 1991 the official flag of the state of Estonia, was consecrated in the rectory of the church on 4 June, 1884. The church has a neo-gothic altarpiece "Christ on the Cross" which dates from 1880, and a Kessler organ from 1853. In summer, the doors of the church are open to everyone.

You will find this historicist red-brick church (architect Arved Eichorn), which is the first new church built in the Republic of Estonia, in the peaceful little town Elva. Tartu St John’s Congregation used to operate in Elva for some time. This is why some details of the Elva Church remind of Tartu St John’s Church – the rarely used plaster and brick imitation of a rose window on the western wall of the church refers to the medieval rose window that can be found in Tartu St John’s Church.

Tõrva Lion Tower in Lake Vanamõisa in Southern Estonia is the highest diving tower in the Baltic States. It was built to replace the legendary Tõrva Vanamõisa diving tower, offering visitors a safe and exciting opportunity for summer water fun. The tower has four floors, each with a diving platform from which you can dive into the lake. The height of the last platform from the water surface is 11 meters, and the total height of the tower with light masts reaches 14 meters. The name is inspired by Shroomwell's lion's mane soft drink, Focus State. Lake Vanamõisa is a popular summer destination for both locals and visitors from afar. The lake is located on the edge of the town of Tõrva. In addition to the diving tower, the beach has a boardwalk and athletic courts. During the summer season, the beach is supervised by lifeguards from 11 AM to 7 PM. Lifeguards offer volleyball, badminton, and spikeball rentals. There are changing cabins and toilets available. The tower also serves as a viewing platform for the lake and its beautiful surroundings.

This Lutheran church, originally constructed on a bastion and the town's walls, was restored from its war-time ruins 50 years ago. Its altar, pulpit, lights and tower bells (XIX) are from the now defunct University of Tartu church.

The Church of Blessed Virgin Mary in Põlva is one of the oldest churches in historical Võrumaa. The rarities of the church are the old altar painting The Last Supper (1650) and the altar panels (1647). There is an altar painting The Resurrection (Friedrich Ludwig von Maydell, 1845). The church was originally a square-shaped hall church with three naves. Today it has preserved from it a high tower with a deep niche and a Western façade. Interesting to know: According to a legend, the key of the church is held by a kneeling girl called Mary who is walled in. Allegedly that is also the origin of the name of the church and Põlva (‘knee’ for the Estonian ‘põlv’).

Tõrva's Vanamõisa Lake is a popular summer destination for both locals and visitors from afar. The lake is located on the outskirts of the city, near Tõrva Veemõnula Water and Sauna Center. At the edge of Vanamõisa Lake stands the Baltics' highest diving tower, Tõrva Lion Tower. It was built in place of the legendary Tõrva Vanamõisa diving tower, offering visitors a safe and exciting opportunity for summer water fun. The tower has five floors, each with a diving platform into the lake. The height of the last platform above the water surface is 11 meters, and the total height of the tower, including light masts, reaches 14 meters. In addition to the long sandy shore, the beach features a boardwalk and ball game courts. During the summer season, lifeguards are on duty at the beach from 11 AM to 7 PM. Visitors can rent volleyball, badminton sets, and spikeball sets from the lifeguard. Changing rooms and toilets are available. Good to know: you can park your car at the Tõrva Gymnasium parking lot, and from there, it's a short walk to the lake. Come and enjoy the summer and water fun in Southern Estonia!