What does life really look like in the Old Believers' villages by Lake Peipus? This question is answered by Mesi Tare's host, Marko, who takes guests on a walking tour through the historic village of Varnja. This is not a regular excursion but a personal, direct experience in which the village, its people, and their stories unfold through the eyes of a local resident. Marko has been connected to Peipsiveere all his life, and his stories are based on real experiences. He has worked as a border guard, been a fisherman and boat captain, and today he operates as a tourism entrepreneur. During the tour, Marko discusses the customs, architecture, and lifestyle of the Old Believers, as well as the importance of Lake Peipus for the local community. Walking tours are arranged by prior reservation and tailored to visitors' interests and schedules. In addition to Varnja village, you can explore Kolkja village and Kallaste town, each with its own character and story. If desired, the tour can be combined with a visit to the Varnja Samovar House.
Alaveski Animal Park offers an opportunity for observing animals in their natural environment. The fauna of the animal park is very diverse; there are 90 different animals and 28 pheasants living in the Alaveski farm. Here you can meet two bear cubs, Mõmsik and Harry as well as squirrels, foxes, deer and wild boars who were the first inhabitants in the park. In cooperation with our partners you can go canoeing, roast game on the grill or hunt for pheasants during the hunting season.
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.
Mini Golf RIO in Tartu – a unique leisure center for the whole family! Mini Golf RIO is a modern entertainment center located in Tartu designed for sporty play, movement, and fun leisure time. The heart of the center is a 20-hole mini-golf course that challenges children, young people, and adults alike. It's a place where you can enjoy the game, try your hand at a new sport, and spend quality time with family or friends. In addition to mini golf, several other activities await you: dart games, a remote-control car racing track, and Estonia's largest interactive LED floor that responds to movement and creates special light effects. For younger guests, there is a soft play area and a trampoline where they can safely climb and play. Mini Golf RIO is perfect for organizing birthdays, family days, and team events. Here, visitors of all ages will find activities. Buy a day ticket, book a single ticket, group ticket, or party room and make your day in Tartu special – the experience is guaranteed!
You will find real Estonian handicrafts in Anni Boutique. We are sure that you will find something that you like in our little crafts store, as the selection is wide. We also offer local and Estonian souvenirs, various handicraft accessories, and the possibility to order folk costumes.Anni Boutique is easy to find – we are located in the centre of Otepää, right at the corner of the Lipuväljak square next to the Estonian flagpole, across the road in a red house. Our second point of sale is in the lobby of Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Resort!Come and take a look at the work of our craftsmen!
Lake Põlva and its beach offer a variety of opportunities for active recreation and plenty of options for enjoying the water. By the lake you will find playgrounds, skateboarding and rollerblading areas and walking tracks. What makes the lake unique is the light installation on its island, where 150 different coloured lanterns light up the sky when darkness falls.
Hellenurme Mill Museum in Southern Estonia is the last operational historical watermill in Estonia and one of the few examples of a water-powered mill as industrial heritage in the Nordic countries. Visiting the mill feels like a trip back in time. Visitors can see century-old equipment across four floors of the mill, from the turbine to the milling machines and millstones, which still grind rye into bread flour. In the bread house, the mill hostess offers guests traditional Estonian rye bread made on-site and shares stories that bring the everyday life of centuries past to life. The large mill building of Hellenurme Manor, built in 1880 in Tartu County, hides surprises at every step. In addition to the working mill, guests can enjoy workshops and meals in the bread house. It is possible to stay overnight in the freshly renovated mill chambers, which offer views of the river and lake. Visitors can admire the lake's beauty and the surrounding nature.Here, you can also enjoy cultural events and celebrate festive moments with friends, family, or colleagues.
The best ski trails in Central Estonia are waiting for you in Kuningamäe, Põltsamaa! There is a 1.5 km illuminated trail, which has become very popular among skiers. The track is illuminated until 9 p.m.There is a choice of trails of different lengths: 1.5, 2.6, and 5.7 km. If the weather is good, there are both classic and skate skiing trails. The trails have both natural and artificial snow. We provide high-quality and consistent trail maintenance.During the snow-free season, the Kuningamäe Health Trail is a favourite among runners, walkers, and cyclists. The Kuningamäe Disc Golf Park is also located here!