Take part in South Estonian timeless traditions, from the samovar tea ceremony to the ancient smoke-sauna ritual, and immerse yourself in the enduring wisdom of cultures shaped by centuries.
Explore the cultural groups that define South Estonia’s identity: the Seto, the Võro people and the Old Believers. The journey ends in the vibrant heart of Tartu, a lively and diverse cultural capital.
Plan your route your way: start wherever you like, adjust the order of your days and book each stop individually. You can stay along the route or use Tartu as your base, as everything is within a comfortable two-hour drive.
Duration: 3 days
Travel by: car
Find:
Roots
This is a place where depth matters more than speed.
Meet people whose voices and beliefs carry the weight of history.
Seto and Võro traditions, Old Believer heritage and the spirit of Tartu — different paths woven together.
There is no single right direction. Start wherever your heart pulls you first.
Day 1
The Setos and the Võro people
You can start your Roots journey among communities who keep their heritage alive with heart and pride, a place where culture is worn, sung and lived every day.
Meet the Setos, a small but vibrant community whose traditions feel wonderfully alive. Their UNESCO-listed leelosinging drifts through village yards, and their beautifully layered folk dress with silver jewellery, bright scarves and bold patterns tells stories older than any border on the map.
In Setomaa, Orthodox customs blend naturally with ancient beliefs, and life moves at a gentle rhythm that insists you to slow down. Wooden farmhouses, tiny tsässona chapels and local artisans add their own character to the landscape.
A short step further into the hills brings you to the Võro people, whose living Võro language, strong craft traditions and deep connection to nature shape the rhythm of everyday life. Here you will also find the famous smoke sauna, a UNESCO-recognised ritual that offers warmth, reflection and calm.
Together, these two cultures create an authentic, warm and slightly magical starting point for diving into the roots of South Estonia.
Continue your Roots journey along the shores of Lake Peipus, where the Old Believers have lived since the 17th century, preserving their traditions with remarkable dedication. Their long, ribbon-like villages run parallel to the lake, with colourful wooden houses, tidy vegetable gardens and onion sheds that define the region’s landscape.
Meet a community shaped by deep Orthodox faith and centuries-old customs. Prayer is held in pomor-style prayer houses, icons are painted using traditional techniques, and tea is brewed in a polished samovar, often shared slowly and ceremonially. Fishing, gardening and careful craftwork remain part of everyday rhythm, carrying the values of simplicity, devotion and resilience.
Here, nothing feels staged or hurried. The calm of the lake, the scent of smoked fish and the quiet murmur inside prayer houses create a sense of continuity that connects past and present.
It is a peaceful, sincere and culturally rich place.
A magical castle on Estonia’s eastern border, offering a glimpse into aristocratic life and history, with a great restaurant and historical reenactments.
Tartu stands at the heart of South Estonia, a compact, creative city that has shaped the country’s ideas for centuries. Its old town, riverside paths and lively neighbourhoods give the city a character that feels both historic and refreshingly young.
Here you’ll find the University of Tartu, Estonia’s oldest academic institution, as well as the Estonian National Museum, where the cultural threads of the region come together. Writers, artists, students and researchers have always had a strong presence here, and their influence is felt in the city’s bookshops, studios and everyday conversations.
Tartu’s wooden districts, small galleries and cafés each add their own tone to the city. Along the Emajõgi river, people gather, talk and spend time in a way that feels unhurried and sincere. The legacy of Estonia’s national awakening sits naturally alongside today’s creative life, giving Tartu a steady, thoughtful energy.
It is an open, welcoming and culturally rich place to complete your journey.
Plan your transport ahead. Villages and small towns in South Estonia can be quite spread out, and public transport isn’t always frequent. Renting a car or planning your route carefully will make travelling much easier.
Ask locals for recommendations. If someone says “go check out the tsässon” or “try that hostess’s pies”, follow the hint – these small moments often become the highlights of the trip.
Make time for Tartu’s cafés. Tartu’s café culture is a value of its own: creative, cosy and unmistakably “Tartu-style.”
Roots: A Journey into Yourself
The Roots tour is designed to deepen your connection with nature and Estonian heritage. And South Estonia will surely win your heart with fascinating subcultures, serene nature, and warm hospitability.
By immersing yourself in these mindful traditions, we hope you will rediscover a greater sense of belonging. Over the course of three days, you’ll learn to actually slow down and return home with a renewed sense of calm.
