Lake Pühajärv Park

Alatskivi Castle's park is the largest in Tartu County, covering approximately 130 hectares. The park, designed in the 19th century by Count Arved von Nolcken, surrounds Alatskivi Castle and is one of the best-preserved manor parks in Southern Estonia. From the towers and terrace of Alatskivi Castle, there is a view of the lake, bridge, church, and surrounding landscape. The park's hiking trail winds through a forest of lindens, maples, and oaks and is perfect for walking and enjoying the natural surroundings. Within the park is also the Alatskivi landscape protection area, which preserves the region's diverse flora and landscape. Here, you can see both old park groves and natural lakeside zones. For those looking for a more active holiday, there's a disc golf course. It is also worth visiting Alatskivi Castle, which houses an information center, the Eduard Tubin Museum, artists' studios, and the Alatskivi Castle restaurant. We welcome you to immerse yourself in the history and natural beauty of the park and landscape protection area.

Tellingumäe's 25-meter-high observation tower offers a beautiful view of the winding Mustjõgi gorges and the hilly landscape typical of South Estonia. Latvia can be seen in the distance, as nearby the Mustjõe River joins the Koiva (Gauja) River on the Estonian-Latvian border. Tellingumäe observation tower is a great place to observe nature and birds. Several rare bird species can be found here. The tower has an RMK campfire site and marked cycling and hiking trails of different lengths, like the Estonian-Latvian joint cultural heritage trail and the Koiva Cycling Trail.

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 study trail is well-suited for getting acquainted with the development and vegetation of bogs and for observing pine cultures. A 1.8 km long circular study trail revolves around the Valgesoo bog. On the she study trail you can explore the bog vegetation, old pine plantation ("Baron's pine forest"), and a forest edge rich of Scottish wood ants. The whole trail is accessible by a wheelchair or stroller. To facilitate movement on the track, there is a track map and colour markings on the trees. There is an observation tower and a campfire site at the start of the study trail.Valgesoo bog is one of the 21 places worth discovering in Southern Estonia, which is suggested to be visited for those who are interested in nature.

If you want a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the beautiful, untouched nature of the Selli-Sillaotsa educational trail. Trail is located in the Alam-Pedja nature reserve, 30 minutes by car from Tartu. The well-marked trail, winding over a bog, through the forest, and on a gravel road, with plenty of information boards, is flat and easy to navigate. From the 12 m high Suuretüki observation tower built of massive logs, you can enjoy beautiful views of the bog in any season! If you find yourself on the trail at the right time of year, you can treat yourself to edible berries, such as blueberries, blackberries, and cranberries.

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.

Elistvere Animal Park is a special place where you can learn about wild animals living in Estonia in their natural environment. Lynx, moose, bison, foxes, wolves, and more await you here. A 2-kilometer educational trail leads to an observation deck where you can enjoy a beautiful view of Lake Elistvere and an abundance of birdsong. Elistvere Animal Park has a visitor center where you can meet small domestic animals and see the exhibition. You can order guided tours and reserve an event hall; catering is also offered with prior booking. Pets are not allowed in the animal park! Come and get to know Estonia's wild animals!

Spend a pleasant day in water at the newest water and sauna centre in Southern Estonia – Tõrva water and sauna centre.Four different saunas await youa low-heat steam sauna (50-55°C)a high-heat steam sauna (80-85°C)a salt sauna (45-50°C)a sanarium (50-55°C)The centre has a large 25-meter swimming pool with 3 lanes, a spacious children's and pleasure pool, jacuzzis and a relaxation area, as well as a sun terrace with a scenic view.In addition, you can eat healthy in the water and sauna centre's café – invigorating vitamin cocktails, smoothies, salad bowls and other delicious snacks are available there.There is a disc golf park, as well as skiing, walking, and cycling trails in the beautiful pine forest surrounding the water and sauna centre.