Meremäe Viewing Tower

Climbing to the top of Munamägi Hill is worth the effort – the view covers more than 50 km. The absolute height of Väike or Otepää Munamägi Hill is 207.5 m (relative height exceeds 80 m). There is a spring on the north-eastern slope of Väike Munamägi (in the direction of Otepää) that has been considered the start of the Väike Emajõgi River for a long time. The boulder on the edge of the first plain is the biggest in the area – 250,000 kg. Take a look at the aerial panorama (picture by Joel Tammet).

Harimägi is one of the largest mesas in the Otepää Uplands (211 m above sea level). It is worth coming to Harimäe whenever you are near Otepää. The Harimäe Observation Tower is located 3 km from Kääriku in the direction of Sangaste. The height of the tower is 28 m, and the highest viewing platform is 24 m high. The tower offers views of the Otepää mountains and across the Väike Emajõgi valley to the Karula upland. Camping is also allowed at the tower. Good to know: Harimägi is also called 'Leenard and Leonhard's hill.' From 1816 to 1819, geodetic surveys were carried out here by the internationally recognised astronomer and surveyor Friedrich Georg Wilhelm Struwe (1793–1864).

The viewing platform at Tehvandi's ski jumping hill is a unique attraction. From a height of 34 meters, watch ski jumpers training or competing or just enjoy the view. There is an entrance fee, and the platform is accessible by stairs or elevator. The viewing platform, which is part of the Tehvandi K90 ski jump complex, is 218 meters above sea level and offers a view of the city of Otepää and the surrounding landscape. The tower is the second tallest observation tower in South Estonia after the Suur Munamägi observation tower. Come and enjoy the views of the Otepää highlands in any weather!

Räpina polder on the banks of Lake Lämmijärv is a bird-nesting area of international importance. It is a place of nesting and migrating through for many protected bird species. Of the species that nest here, the prominent ones from the perspective of bird protection are corn crake, black tern and little gull, to whom the Räpina polder is one of the best areas in Estonia. Of the migratory birds, the most important species are crane and white-fronted goose. The polder is an important place of nesting and stopping also for waterfowls and Charadriiformers. Up to 1.5 million birds pass through this area during the migration period. The area is the most important assembling area of migratory birds in Eastern Estonia. There are watchtowers for bird watching.

Liipsaare observation tower is located in a beautiful pine forest in the Meenikunno Landscape Protection Area. The wooden observation tower has three platforms, the last of which is located at a height of 11 metres. The tower offers a magnificent view of the Meenikunno bog landscape. It is also possible to join the Meenikunno bog hiking trail from the observation tower.The Meenikunno Landscape Protection Area offers excitement for hikers, berry pickers, and birdwatchers alike. It is possible to relax for a longer time at the observation tower. Near the observation tower, you will find the Liipsaare forest hut and recreation area.

The Rõuge primeval valley, which is 10km long and 52m deep, contains seven lakes: Kahrila Lake, Tõugjärv, Ratasjärv, Kaussjärv, Rõuge Suurjärv, Liinjärv, and Valgjärv. The lakes are connected by the Rõuge or Ajo River, which starts from the Tindi valley. The side valleys of the Rõuge primeval valley are Tindi, Külm, Mõhk, Ööbikuorg, Tinopeetri, Hinni, Sikasoo, and Järveotsa valleys. The most famous of these is Ööbikuorg, which borders the ancient hillfort from the north. In spring, during the blossoming of bird cherry trees, the valley resonates with the song of nightingales – hence the name of the valley. Several hiking trails run through Rõuge, including the popular Ööbikuorg hiking trail, which takes visitors through the primeval valley, past lakes and springs. The trail is suitable for families with children and is partially accessible by bicycle. In summer, you can swim and paddle in the lakes, while in winter, the same trails are enjoyed by skiers and sledders. In the Rõuge settlement, there is also Estonia's deepest lake – Rõuge Suurjärv (38m) – and the largest Nature Clock in Estonia, whose hands mark the passage of time in nature's rhythm.Good to know: At the edge of Ööbikuorg, there is a visitor center and the Pesapuu observation tower, which offers a view of the entire valley.

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!

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.