Karu Holiday Home

In the heart of the town of Elva, located in Tartu County, lies the scenic Arbi Lake, offering visual beauty with its rich vegetation, illuminated nature trails, and surrounding pine forest, as well as plenty of activities for every visitor. The 1.2 km-long circular gravel path by the lake starts at the beach and is ideal for walking, running, and cycling. The promenade offers various leisure opportunities – here you can relax, enjoy the quiet and beautiful views, or taste currants picked directly from the bush. Near the lake is the Elva Cultural Center, where you can visit free exhibitions and learn about local life. Hansen Avenue, which intersects with the nature trail and offers excellent views of the lake, is a popular spot for walkers and has served as a romantic setting for several weddings. Along the nature trail, there are 10 information boards and stands that offer a comprehensive overview of life around Arbi Lake and its shores, revealing the long-term connection between humans and the lake.

The medieval Gothic church is located on the ancient Pirita–Vastseliina pilgrim route. The white walls of the sanctuary are characterised by narrow and high round arched windows and beautiful relief motifs on the western façade.The organ used in Puhja Church is a rarity throughout Europe. It is estimated that only 10 other similar organs have survived. Those who wish can also go to see the spire or visit the church museum of Puhja parsonage.Good to know:The church participates in the Wayfarers Churches and the Night of Churches programmes.Worship every Sunday at 11 a.m. The church can also be visited by prior arrangement.

Come and discover the Emajõgi River, Lake Peipsi, or Lake Võrtsjärv aboard the Diora. You can take in views of Tartu, the Old Believers' village on Piirisaar, or Võrtsjärv's enchanting nature. The boat features a lounge-style salon, a second-floor terrace, and cozy interiors, which are also pleasant in cooler weather. Do you want a romantic dinner on Võrtsjärv or an exciting hike on Piirissaar? The Diora is a private charter boat, and its cruise program is tailored to your specific wishes. The Diora can also do more adventurous trips, such as excursions to Piirissaar, sunset cruises to Praaga, and trips to Kabina Quarry.

The total length of the hiking trail in the primeval valley of the Piusa River is 15 km from the ruins of the Vastseliina Episcopal Castle to Lindora or vice versa. You can take the trail on foot, but parts of it are also passable either by bike or car. The highlights of the reserve are the tall Devonian sandstone outcrops – the tallest of them is the wall of Härma Mäemine or the Keldre Wall (total height 43 m, length 150 m). There are two camping sites – under the Make Wall on the first third of the trail and under the Härma Lower Wall towards the end of the trail.The object is not lighted, which is why we recommend to visit it during the day.

Looking for a family-friendly zoo in South Estonia? Kaasiku Farm Zoo is the perfect place for both small and large animal lovers. Here, you can meet both domestic and exotic animals, including a desert fox, a python, and a parrot. The zoo is home to more than 200 animals from more than 60 species, each with its own unique name and story, which the hosts will gladly share with interested visitors. The zoo offers a cozy environment where you can look at animals, feed them, and pet them. It's the perfect place for a memorable day in the wild with family or friends. Come and discover a new animal species for yourself!

Lake Saadjärv is the only lake to make the top ten of both the biggest and deepest lakes in Estonia. It covers 708 hectares and is 25 metres deep at its deepest point.It is the largest lake in the Vooremaa region, located in the Vooremaa Landscape Protection Area on the border of Jõgeva County and Tartu County. Lake Saadjärv and its boulders are associated with the legends of Kalevipoeg, the Estonian mythological hero.Lake Saadjärv is a popular recreational area and it offers activities throughout the year. There are a number of enterprises near the lake which offer a number of exciting activities. Additionally, there are cultural sites, museums, places for spending the night, and several sandy public beaches with playgrounds.

Hinni Canyon is located in the special protection zone of Haanja Nature Park and is a unique canyon valley in all of Estonia. Hinni Canyon has cut into Devonian era sandstone. It is a 15-20 m deep and 300 m long ravine with steep slopes, at the bottom of which flows the fast-flowing Enni stream. When visiting Hinni Canyon, it is worth considering that here you can experience the true power of nature: the sandstone cuts through the landscape, deep in a transverse direction, the slopes rise around – this is a rare and visually impactful place in Estonia. The trail at the bottom of the valley runs alongside the stream. Enni stream flows quickly and adds the sound of water and fresh air to the adventure. Moreover, in the outcrops, you can notice indentations, smaller caves, and more secluded inner cuts, creating a mystical feeling. From a nature conservation standpoint, it is important that this place is located in the special protection zone.Good to know: there is no additional lighting at the site, so it is best visited during the day. Since Hinni Canyon is partially located on private land, walking with dogs is not allowed!

Located in the manor park of the same name, the Helme caves, are an unrivalled sight in Estonia. Situated to the north of castle ruins, the caves have a white Burtniek layer of sandstone walls standing 3 m high. Unfortunately for cave lovers though, some of the better known caves have already collapsed. Once comprised of seven interlinked chambers, the biggest of which was known as the Church of Moses. Peppered with springs, the caves have a long history; and over the years they have been dug out and used as shelters when needed. Did you know...?: In ancient times the Helme caves were also known locally as the gateway to Hell.Kivialune (under the rocks) was a shelter for Old Estonians during the wars.