Come and experience Estonia's vast natural landscapes in a primal way — by dogsled! Karusaare dogsled trips in Tartu County offer unforgettable experiences throughout the year in the forest landscape of Järvselja and the Peipsiveere Nature Reserve in Emajõe-Suursoo. From autumn to spring, we move on off-road carts and, in winter, when there is enough snow, on traditional sleds. You can choose a shorter trip or a longer journey. It is an appropriate activity for the whole family, including children over the age of 3. The hike begins and ends at the sled dog training center, where the instructor shares the necessary safety and driving instructions. On our journey, we take short breaks to water the dogs, and on longer journeys, we stop by the fire to enjoy a bit of heat, light, and warm food. If you wish, you can also order catering to make your trip even more memorable. Trips only take place when the air temperature is below +12 °C and there is no storm warning or wind gusting above 15 m/s.
Experience a magical evening under lantern light as a friendly sled dog walks by your side! The walk takes you to the snowy forest trails of Tartu County, where the guide shares fascinating knowledge about the native nature and tells stories related to the forest. Together with the dogs and lanterns, it creates a fairy-tale feeling, as if stepping into a timeless winter evening. In the middle of the hike, a campfire spot awaits, where a fire is lit to create a cozy atmosphere. You can enjoy campfire stories, drink warm tea, grill sausages and marshmallows, and feel how the silence and darkness of the winter evening become cozy thanks to the firelight and company. This is the perfect opportunity to spend time with friends, colleagues, or family. The hike is suitable for participants of all ages – especially children, who delight in the company of dogs and the charm of the forest. The evening walk is a great way to take a break, breathe in the crisp forest air, and experience a genuine Nordic adventure. Come and create unforgettable memories in the company of sled dogs – it is an experience that warms the heart even on the coldest winter evening.
Families with children are particularly welcome in the Lake Pühajärv Park as there are many opportunities to feed ducks and other birds when walking on the lakeshore. There is an exercise track by the northern part of the park. This is also the place where you will find the beach with a beach house, cafés, arbours and boat hire.The park used to be a part of the Pühajärv Manor Park and it was designed as a walking forest with paths already in the 19th century. The park is mainly a naturally grown forest.
In the city centre of Tartu, around the new Tartu Environmental Education Centre, there is a large park covering 10,000 m² and containing a large number of species. Old and ancient trees meet newly designed park trails offering learning and recreational possibilities in the hilly park. The park is home to over 80 species of trees and shrubs and over 200 species of herbaceous plants.A visitor can find peat, butterfly, and vegetable beds in the park; there is also a man-made beaver nest, a sun dial, a fountain, an observation tower, and a study trail about rocks. The old orchard has also been preserved. Children can have fun at the otter slide, a three-sand sandbox, and a carousel. Park facilities and plants are introduced by several information boards.
The lovely Lake Mooste is a great stopping place for holiday-makers and those wanting to discover Põlvamaa. In Mooste, there is a stunning manor complex that is worth a visit!The swimming area of Lake Mooste has a sandy beach, a swimming platform, changing cabins, a volleyball court and a hiking trail for going on a walk around the lake.Mooste Distillery Guesthouse is a 5 minute walk from the swimming area right on the shore of the lake – here, you can rent a boat for a trip on the lake.
Discover Saadjärv and take a break on a raft trip starting from the Ice Age Centre. This slow nature experience is perfect for families, couples, and groups who want to enjoy Estonian nature without rushing. Raft trips on Saadjärv proceed at a leisurely pace and offer the opportunity to enjoy expansive views, the lake's tranquility, and the surrounding nature. An attentive visitor might also spot the rare lake ball, a unique algae found in only a few places worldwide and in a few lakes in Estonia. To enrich your experience, you can book a guided rafting trip. The guide shares stories and legends related to Saadjärv, including folklore about Kalevipoeg and legends of the sunken church and a mint. A private raft trip is also suitable for smaller events and can be combined with catering services upon request. The raft trip is an ideal addition to a visit to the Ice Age Centre, offering a comprehensive experience that brings together nature, science, and folklore!
Palojärve camping area is a great place for a forest and beach holiday in a beautiful berry and mushroom pine forest on the shore of Lake Palojärv.There are seven covered campfire sites with benches and tree sheds, a roofed table-bench, a toilet for eight people and a toilet for one person, two wood sheds (it is possible to sleep in one of them), two changing cabins, and a swimming pier in Lake Palojärv.In summer, it is often crowded, but the large parking lot can accommodate 30 cars and the two smaller parking lots can accommodate five cars.
The hiking trail that encircles Lake Pühajärv starts near the centre of Otepää Nature Park. The 14 km trail takes you on a voyage of discovery around one of the most unique and beautiful lakes in Estonia. Covering the whole track takes from 3–6 hours. There are rest areas and barbecue sites along the way. Part of the track (approximately 2.2 km) runs along the Pühajärve–Kääriku exercise track by the Otepää–Kääriku highway. You can cover the track by foot or bike. Cyclists must bear in mind that there are parts of the track on which you will have to push your bike instead of riding it. The Angunina, Kiigemäe and Koolirand campfire sites are located on the trail. There, you can make a fire and camp.