Taagepera Castle is a special place – it is a mixture of elegant and rustic milieus, history, and the present. Baron Hugo von Stryk had the impressive art nouveau castle built as a home for himself more than a hundred years ago. The renewed castle complex is a unique conservation area with an art nouveau castle, an à la carte restaurant, a luxorious castle spa, a hotel in the style of the 1930s, and sports and leisure facilities. Come alone or bring your family and enjoy the milieu, peace, silence, massages, à la carte restaurant, a sauna, healing fresh air, and endless experiences that will guarantee that you will leave with a restored peace of mind.
Otepää Hill Fort represents one of the places worth discovering in South Estonia and is recommended for those interested in nature holidays. Come and conquer the peak of the approximately 13,000-year-old Otepää Hill Fort and take a look at the city of Otepää and its surroundings. Have a picnic, see the ruins of the stone fort founded by Bishop Herman in 1224, and explore the map of ancient Estonian forts. In the 11th century, Otepää was the most important stronghold of the ancient Ugandi County. One of the strongest fortresses in Ancient Estonia was located on this hill. The oldest known firearm in Europe and an ancient war trumpet have also been found here. Come and discover the history of this ancient fortress!
Gustav II Adolf (1594–1632) was the King of Sweden and the creator of the Swedish Empire, who ascended the throne at the age of 16.Gustav II Adolf died in the Thirty Years' War at the Battle of Lützen. In 1632, shortly before the battle, he signed the founding document of the University of Tartu, thus being the founder of the University of Tartu.Otto Strandman was the author of the statue of Gustav II Adolf, which stood behind the main building of the University of Tartu on the King's Square from 1928 to 1950. The statue was removed by the Soviet occupation authorities on 15 May.In 1992, King Carl XVI Gustav of Sweden and Queen Silvia reopened a new monument by Elisabeth Tebelius-Myren.
The hand-made printed clothes and home textiles made in Peipsimaa Visitor Centre have been awarded with the ‘Certified Estonian Arisinal Craft’ mark, which is the highest recognition in Estonia.Our shop sells items inspired by the handicraft of Peipsimaa and Old Believers, such as hand-printed skirts and shirts, pottery, gold embroidery bags, rugs, Kodavere belts and gloves, and gold-plated magnet onions. We also sell books, music, and postcards related to Peipsimaa.Additionally, you can find the best onions, chicory, teas, and cooked sugar here!
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 art of papermaking began 2,000 years ago in China. In our craft paper workshop, you can learn how to make paper from recycled materials, as was done centuries ago. You can put flowers or other design elements inside the paper, and give the finished paper a lacy pattern under the press or make it mirror-smooth between the metal plates.In the workshop, we will give an overview of different techniques and possibilities. Each participant can make three sheets of craft paper (A5 format).
The big beautiful prayer house in Varnja Village on the shores of Lake Peipus was funded and built by the congregation itself. Most of the many icons of the prayer house date back to the start of the 20th century.Visitors can only enter the church with a reservation.The cost of a single visit for a group starts from 50 euros. Visitors get an interesting overview of the life and history of the Old Believers from a local guide who is also an Old Believer. The excursion may last for about an hour - the visit and a warm experience are worth it!Reminder: Women are asked to enter the prayer house with a covered head.We ask you not to take photos or videos in the prayer house.
Are you looking for a unique experience and funny photos in Tartu? The Upside Down House is an exciting but dizzying experience where anything is possible. All the furniture, the refrigerator, and everything else, usually on the floor, is instead on the ceiling. Actually, they are on the floor — but is the ceiling the floor, or are you upside down? The house is also slightly inclined, challenging your sense of balance. It may be confusing, but it's laugh-out-loud funny. A visit takes about 30 minutes; you are guaranteed a great experience and cool photos!