The largest museum in Estonia with nearly 6,000 m² of exhibition space invites you to discover the everyday life of Estonians throughout history at the permanent exhibition ‘Encounters’ and to learn about the life of the Finno-Ugric peoples in the permanent exhibition ‘Echo of the Urals’. The museum experience is complemented by temporary exhibitions. There is a restaurant and a museum shop. The outdoor areas of the museum are perfect to have a rest and a picnic. There is also a romantic rotunda and a glass-roofed distillery on the shores of Lake Raadi.The Estonian National Museum offers workshops, educational programmes, and guided tours in 11 languages. The museum has a modern conference centre and venue for international events.
Tartu City Museum invites you to explore the city's diverse history and cultural heritage. The permanent exhibition, "Our Tartu," introduces the districts of Tartu, telling stories about the people of Tartu, their lives, and everyday habits. The exhibition provides insight into what makes each district in Tartu special, as each district has its own personality, as shared by local people. Visitors can also enjoy temporary exhibitions that introduce new topics and artistic perspectives. These exhibitions reveal different facets of Tartu, ranging from the city's architecture and social life to contemporary cultural phenomena. The museum offers guided tours and city tours, during which guides take participants on exciting journeys through Tartu's districts. These excursions are suitable for both local enthusiasts and visitors who wish to learn more about Tartu. The museum's premises can also be rented for various events. Come experience the story of Tartu through its people, places, and memories.
The Kodavere Heritage Center in Tartu County breathes new life into the historical Pala Town Hall, which has been the heart of the local community for years. The center showcases the rich cultural heritage of the Peipsi region and is a place where old stories, languages, and traditions are revitalized. Visitors can gain a comprehensive overview of the history of Kodavere parish municipalities and town halls, and view the intriguing photo exhibition "People of Kodavere Parish in Oskar Tõrva's Glass Negatives," which reveals the everyday and festive life of rural areas a century ago. Additionally, they can admire the handicraft exhibition "Kodavere Kupuliud," highlighting the skills of local craftsmen and folk aesthetics. A separate display is dedicated to the Kodavere dialect, an essential part of the region's identity. The center also features a memorial room for poet Anna Haava and an exhibit "Song Festivals in Pala 100 Years Ago." Guided tours and heritage culture workshops are offered by reservation, suitable for both school groups and adults.
Emajõe-Suursoo, located in Tartu County, is home to dozens of bog islands and pristine nature, where a local guide can take you on an adventure. Since humans rarely set foot here, the area is home to a diverse range of species. Using bogshoes, we will walk across the bog islands and explore their primeval forests. We will definitely see traces of animal and bird activity and maybe even meet the local inhabitants themselves. If you are lucky, you may find a proud eagle owl or moose antlers during the hike. The trip also includes a light snack. The hike is suitable for children aged 12 and above. Friendly pets are welcome too!
More than 30 friendly sled dogs live at the Sled Dog Training Center, and they are eager for your visit! The Sled Dog Training Center in Tartu County offers a unique opportunity to learn about the lives and daily activities of sled dogs. During the visit, you can get to know the dogs better by petting them, exploring their personalities, and observing them in their enclosures. You will also learn about dogsledding equipment necessary and hear about how they are trained and cared for. The guide will answer your questions and tell you fascinating stories about the world of dogsledding. It is an educational and immersive experience that is interesting for families, groups of friends, and solo travelers alike. We also organize various programs and study days to provide a more comprehensive overview of dogsledding and the dogs' deep connection with nature.
A visit to the Tartu Observatory Visitor Centre in Tõravere represents one of the places worth exploring in South Estonia, marked with a yellow National Geographic window. It is highly recommended for space enthusiasts. What you can see at the observatory: An outdoor area and the Stellarium with space attractions The hilly landscape of Tõravere through the yellow window The largest telescope in the Nordic countries, with a 1.5 m mirror Exhibitions and activities for schools and businesses. Come and visit us; we've got the cosmos here! In autumn, winter, and spring, tours are by appointment only. They are held on weekdays for a minimum of ten people.
The tour guides will share exciting stories of nature and introduce other destinations in the vicinity which you can discover when hiking with us.The ice-skating hike on the bog-pools usually takes 2–4 hours. During this time, we will skate for up to 10 km on ice-covered plains, bog-pools, or lakes. You will set the pace of the hike. Everyone who can skate ski in the winter can also skate on bog-pools.Come and discover the biggest bog area of Valga County in the historical Mulgimaa and skate on frozen bog-pools and lakes!
Peipsiveere Samovar House is a small museum in the Old Believers' village of Varnja that introduces visitors to the world of samovars and tea culture along Lake Peipsi. The private collection, accumulated over decades, contains more than 200 diverse samovars. From simple tin samovars to rare ones with elaborate engravings, reflecting the skills and traditions of masters from different eras. The exhibition, located in an authentic Old Believers' house, offers visitors insight into why the samovar was more than just a kettle for centuries. Stories reveal the origins of samovars, manufacturing techniques, usage methods, different design types, and tea-drinking traditions in the communities along the lake. Every guest can taste genuine samovar tea and the famous Ivan chai, and try traditional boiled sugar with the tea, an integral part of Old Believers' tea culture. If desired, one can also explore handmade samovar accessories and hear stories from the hostess of Mesi Tare about preparing, serving, and respectfully preserving tea.