Kalevipoeg’s Home

The permanent exhibition Earth. Life. Story. includes nearly 8,000 scientific exhibit items, which tell the development story of planet Earth from the beginning of the universe until the modern day. At the exhibition, you can explore the traces of life from millions of years ago, admire shiny minerals, watch the so-called night airport of butterflies, or track the movement of the placoderm fish from the Devonian era. You can look the first jackal caught in Estonia in the eye and experience the human body through the eyes of a reptile. Visitors will be glad to see the favourites of several generations: the elk, bison, and giraffe. We also have live animals, such as the Python Regius, a turtle, a green iguana, and many other small exotic animals. See you at the Natural History Museum!

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!

At the Ice Age Centre, you can travel through time from the ice age to the future. Discover the Ice Age Centre in Tartu County, on the shores of Lake Saadjärve. Interactive exhibitions take you on a journey from the last ice age to the present and beyond, revealing the story of the universe, Earth, and the evolution of life. The symbol of the Ice Age Centre is the mammoths that lived in this area 10,000 years ago. You will also encounter cave lions, ancient deer, and other Ice Age animals to learn how nature developed. The exhibitions clearly and engagingly explain the causes of climate change, the impact of human activity on the environment, and possible future scenarios. In the centre, you can move at your own pace, participate in themed tours, or use an audio guide suitable for both adults and children. The family-friendly environment makes the visit interesting for visitors of all ages. During the summer season, you can enhance your visit with a raft ride on Lake Saadjärve, and year-round, you are welcome at the Ice Age Centre café.

The stable is one of the buildings of the Sangaste Manor which has been renovated into a visitor centre and today houses the exhibition Rukkikrahv ja Ilmaimed (The Rye Count and Wonders of the World).The exhibits at the centre tell the story of the scientific wonders of the 19th century and Count Berg, the owner of Sangaste Castle. It will take the visitors back in time for a hundred years and more. Visitors can also try out exercise devices and other equipment from that time. Children can have fun in the hall of technical wonders as well as at the ‘grandmother’s place’. Come discover and marvel!

What is special about the University of Tartu and where does the spirit of the university manifest itself?The University of Tartu Museum introduces the history of science and university education from the 17th century to the present day and tells the exciting story of Tartu Cathedral.The seven floors of the museum offer the following:- the most precious treasures of the University of Tartu in the Treasury- the spirit of Tartu and the university at the exhibition The University of Our Lives- an exhibition of the gifts made to the university in the White Hall- a good luck formula in the physics office of Georg Friedrich Parrot- Crazy Scientist's office for children interested in scienceIn addition, temporary exhibitions and viewing platforms are open in the summer!See you at Toome Hill!

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!

Põltsamaa Museum is located within the walls of the ancient Põltsamaa Ordensburg. Põltsamaa Museum gives an overview of the glorious past of the stronghold, town and the parish: Interesting facts: During the Livonian War the castle was the residence of the King of Livonia In the 19th century the castle was a Rococo style castle, a flourishing centre of culture and industry.

On the grounds of Taagepera Castle, a unique "Alice in Wonderland" theme park is open in the summer. You can enjoy thousands of flowers, a colorful magic forest, themed sculptures, and giant installations inspired by the world-famous fairytale. The park offers lots to discover for both children and adults. The 40-meter tower of the castle will be a favorite place for visitors, as each floor of the tower tells its own story. Cafe "Alice" also awaits visitors with a delicious summer menu. Come with the whole family to enjoy a fairytale experience in Taagepera Castle's garden!