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  • Guided tours
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Hiking in the Old Believers’ villages near Lake Peipus

Kesk tn 119, Peipsiääre vald, Tartu maakond, 60305

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.

Open times

Throughout the Year

Eeltellimsel

Contact

  • +372 518 1125
  • mesitare@gmail.com

Links

mesitare.ee

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  • Skiing
  • Sports centres
  • Bike Tours
  • Walking tours

Kääriku recreational trails

In summer you can hike on the Kääriku recreational trails and in winter you can ski along the hills and valleys of the Otepää Upland. All the skiing, running, cycling and hiking trails are signposted, so you will always find your way safely back to the starting point. There are three hiking trails - the Running Track (5 km), the Lakeside Circuit (2.3 km) and the Seinamägi Hill Circuit (4.6 km). The latter is of particular interest to extreme sports enthusiasts. The Kekkonen hiking trail is perfect for cycling, and you can also cycle along the quiet bicycle and pedestrian track between Kääriku and Lake Pühajärv. The maps of the trails can be found on the homepage of Kääriku Sports Center.

  • Guided tours
  • Ice Skating

Ice skating on the bog-pools of Rubina Bog in the historical Mulgimaa

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!

  • Guided tours
  • Boat trips

Motorboat tour on Lake Peipsi

A boat tour of the western shore of Lämmijärve and around the island of Piirissaar on Lake Peipsi will leave you with an unforgettable experience. Your skipper will share his considerable knowledge of nature and fishing. In addition, we will stop for a swim or take a look around the shore. Take along your fishing rod to fish at the best spots on the lake.The tour lasts from an hour to a day.

  • Guided tours
  • Birdwatching

Loodustaju birdwatching in Southeast Estonia

Although West Estonia is known to most of people as a place to observe migratory birds in the spring, then Southeast Estonia is almost as fascinating. At Lämmijärv and its surrounding region it is possible to encounter various migratory waterfowls and local eagles. In addition, we also have virgin forests with rivers and wetlands, where one can observe different species of owls, woodpeckers, hazel grouses and forest birds such as crossbills, northern goshawks, river kingfishers, etc. You can encounter a moose or hear the howling of a wolf. I offer tours for both beginners (binoculars and a fieldscope are included in the price) and experienced observers - from 3 hours to several days, including accommodation. More information can be found from website.

  • Guided tours

Agirregoikoa Kennel visit and sled dog ride

Come and experience an adventure at the Agirregoikoa Kennel with Nordic sled dogs! A kennel visit lasts approximately 1.5-2 hours, during which you can enjoy a 1.5 km long sled ride. After the ride, you can walk with the dogs and pet and cuddle them. Choose your favorite dog, take selfies, capture a memorable moment with a large group photo, and enjoy hot tea or coffee. We warm up and share stories about the dog breed and history. Sled dogs are therapy for children. We do sled rides with snow and cart rides without snow. Only kennel visits are offered during the summer period.

  • Guided tours
  • Bike Tours

E-Bike Tour on the Trails of Taevaskoda

We will take you on a memorable bike ride on the beautiful trails of Taevaskoda. During the hike, we will see the watermill of Kiidjärve, peek into the bunker of the Forest Brothers, get to know the River Ahja and its valley, admire the sandstone outcrops of Taevaskoda and the forest trails under primeval trees. If we are lucky, we will get to see and hear kingfishers. We will also try to find the filming locations of "Viimne Reliikvia" (The Last Relic). With our E-Bikes, we will traverse the trails with ease, and all the leftover energy can be used to enjoy the views.You can take part in scheduled hikes or book a private tour for your group at a time suitable for you.

  • Guided tours

Cultural-historical walk in Tartu parks and on shores

A peaceful and pleasant guide tour will take us to enjoy the uniqueness of Tartu parks and shores.The parks are enchanting at any time of the year, offering the pleasure of Estonian nature in the spring, in the summer, in the autumn, or in the winter.The walk away from the city noise offers an opportunity to explore the cultural values found in the parks, literary historical connections, and the peculiarities of Estonian nature.The tour is suitable for visitors who want to slowly take everything in, attendant programmes, conferences, corporate or project partners, foreign visitors, and solo travellers and groups.

  • Guided tours
  • Fishing

Mesi Tare winter experience with karakats on frozen Lake Peipsi

The winter charm of Lake Peipsi is best experienced on an adventurous ride across the ice with a karakat, offered by Mesi Tare. Karakats are locally built machines created by Peipsi fishermen, equipped with large airplane tires that ensure safe, stable movement on the frozen lake. The ride lasts about an hour and includes stops where Peipsi fishermen's tools, techniques, and methods for catching fish from ice holes are introduced. Additionally, information is shared about local life, Old Believers' traditions, and what makes karakats special. A ride in a karakat offers the chance to experience the ice of Estonia's largest lake and expansive winter views that will be long remembered. Services are provided only when ice conditions are suitable and with the permission of the Police and Border Guard Board to ensure a safe and memorable experience. It is also possible to order rides for larger groups, company winter days, or children's birthdays, making the experience even more special. Come and experience the winter charm of Peipsi with a karakat!

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