The National Piano Museum is located in a special building - the historic Holdre Manor.The Art Nouveau-style main building, with its Heimat-style influences, was erected around 1910 during the time of Woldemar von Ditmar. Previously, the manor centre had not been built in a representative style. The architect of the building was Otto Wildau, who also designed the nearby Taagepera and Karksi manor buildings. The aim of the National Piano Museum is to collect as complete a collection of Estonian pianos as possible.By prior arrangement, we offer a musical guided tour with Alo Põldmäe, a composer, singer and music educator who is in charge of the Piano Museum.
Spend an exciting day trip exploring the culture of the Onion Route, which will introduce you to the following: Baltic German culture at Alatskivi Castle Estonian peasant culture and the Kodavere parish at the Juhan Liiv Museum or the Kodavere Heritage Centre Russian Old Believer culture at the Peipsimaa Heritage Centre or the Kolkja Old Believer Museum Local onion farming at Kostja Onion Farm (with delicious onion pies and samovar tea) At each location, a local guide awaits the group to share many stories about local life. If desired, it is possible to arrange transport from a suitable starting point, accommodation, and catering. The price depends on the number of participants. Additionally, you can order transportation (to pick you up at a location that suits you best), accommodation, and catering.
AHHAA is family-friendly, with activities for both young and old science enthusiasts. At AHHAA, science comes to life, and the joy of discovery never ends. Interactive exhibitions, engaging science shows and workshops, and exciting planetarium sessions take you to the heart of science and technology. Our guided tours open doors that you might not otherwise notice. We believe that science is a driving force in the world. Our goal is to spark curiosity, inspire thinking, and encourage you to ask why and how. Come to the AHHAA Science Centre in Tartu to get your hands on science and see the world from a new perspective.
Tunnels dug in the bright sandstone of Piusa's caves are undoubtedly one of the best-known tourist attractions in ancient Võromaa. For several years now, a fun bat-shaped visitor centre has been waiting here for visitors. The Piusa visitor centre has a cafe, seminar room, craft room, cinema hall and numerous exhibits. Guests can watch a movie about bats, the most important inhabitants of caves, in the cinema hall, and then head along with a guide to the museum cave viewing platform. There are no bats in the caves in the summer because they only come here to winter. Right behind the museum cave is Piusa sand quarry, Estonia's largest sandbox. The Piusa visitor centre and the picturesque sandy hills offer a unique experience where nature and history intertwine – the mysterious caves of former glass sand mines can be discovered here and the most beautiful views of the sand quarry in Estonia can be enjoyed. With its steep slopes and sandstone outcrops, the Piusa sandy hills are like a natural adventure park that captivates both hiking enthusiasts and photographers.
The Estonian Aviation Museum near Tartu is an exciting destination for aviation enthusiasts and families! Here you can see rare planes and helicopters from various countries, including the USA, England, and France. The indoor and outdoor areas display anti-aircraft weapons and an aviation collection consisting of over 500 models, which provides a valuable overview of the history of aviation. It is also possible to peek inside the planes. In addition to the exhibition, the museum offers plenty of experiences, including a 20-meter catapult, various flight simulators, and trampolines. The Aviation Museum can host lectures and company and family events.
Põltsamaa Castle has been an important site throughout the centuries and carries a distinguished history – founded in 1272 on the riverbank, it was the residence of Magnus, the King of Livonia, and later evolved into a magnificent Rococo palace. Wars and fires left the castle in ruins, but now it has come back to life and is waiting for you to visit! Today, the castle offers visitors plenty of excitement. First and foremost, it is worth climbing to the viewing platform of the seven-story castle tower, where a captivating view of the city unfolds in every season. The tower is crowned by a restored historical dome, which is unique in all of Estonia. The church, located within the complex, is built directly into the castle's fortification walls and tower, and is open daily during the summer. The convent and gatehouse feature a modern exhibition that tells the colorful story of the castle and the town of Põltsamaa. In the castle courtyard, craft workshops await, where you can watch the work of masters or purchase something interesting yourself. Culinary experiences are offered by the restaurant Oberpahlen, where history and excellent food come together. Discover Põltsamaa Castle – a place where history comes to life!
The interactive exhibition at Alatskivi Castle's horse stable provides a good overview of manor life. The central part of the exhibition is a drawing of the Alatskivi Manor estate grounds, which explains the management and living environment of the entire complex. You will learn what role purebred dog breeding played in the manor, how forestry was managed, how much income Alatskivi Manor earned, and where the money came from to build the fairytale castle. The play corner with a beautiful replica of the castle and dolls will delight the youngest visitors. The horse stable is perfect for organizing concerts and events! Discover manor life inside the castle, too — bring your friends, family, and pets!
At Süvahavva Wool Factory and Museum you can see how wool is spun into yarn. Villakalli Puut sells wool products and other local handicrafts on the spot.Also, don't miss the opportunity to visit Süvahavva Nature Farm which is located close to the factory. The farm grows more than 40 species and cultures of tea plants and herbs. The most beautiful sandstone outcrops and caves on the Võhandu River are only a few hundred metres from here.Süvahavva village is one of the 21 places in Southern Estonia worth discovering that are marked by a yellow National Geographic window; if you love culture and nature, a visit is highly recommended.