Mesi Tare Lake Peipsi historical winter road hike

The wetlands, bogs, and forests of the Peipsiveere Nature Reserve are rich in berries and mushrooms, and picking them has always been a summer tradition for Estonians. Led by an experienced guide with a forager's soul, we will hike to places where you can find Estonian nature's top delicacies, like blueberries and cranberries. We will learn how to find these berry and mushroom spots, what to pick, what to leave in the forest, and how to preserve berries and mushrooms for the winter. The trips take place from mid-July to mid-October. At the end of the trip, we will prepare a delicious dish from the natural products we have picked over a campfire in the forest. Join us to go foraging for berries and mushrooms!

Join the long-distance sled dog team training in Tartu County and experience something that not everyone can! Your role is simple but important – you sit on a special terrain cart as extra weight and enjoy an adrenaline-filled ride with a professional racing team. Meanwhile, we will unveil the behind-the-scenes of the sled dog world – discussing training methods, competitions, and the unique aspects of the dogs' work. You will be guided by Estonia's first musher to participate in long-distance races, Heinrich Lukk, whose experience extends to the challenging tracks of Norway and Finland. During the training, you will see a racing team of eight Alaskan huskies in action and practicing simpler practical tasks. The training lasts 2 to 3 hours, takes place from September to November, and is suitable for only one participant at a time, which makes the experience personal and special. Put on rubber boots or hiking shoes, choose weatherproof clothing, and come to Tartu County for an adventure that will be remembered for a lifetime!

A canoe trip is an excellent opportunity to discover Estonia's beautiful rivers and experience the importance of teamwork. A joint adventure on a body of water helps you get to know your companions better and develop cooperation skills. During the drier summer period, we paddle down larger rivers, where the water flows more calmly. During spring and autumn's high water seasons, there is an opportunity to discover less frequently visited waterways, such as the floods in Soomaa National Park. It is possible to order campfire meals or a bushcraft workshop to go along with your canoe trip. There is also the possibility of going on multi-day trips. Come and enjoy an adventure in nature — a canoe trip is an experience to remember!

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.

Meenikunno Bog is one of the most beautiful bogs in South Estonia. It has a diverse fauna and birdlife, picturesque open lakes and numerous bog islands! Guided bogshoe hikes offer a wealth of new and exciting knowledge about the formation of bogs, their unique nature, flora, and fauna. The hike includes the service of a guide, snowshoes, walking sticks, and hot tea in cold weather. At the end of the hike, you can order a luxurious forest restaurant meal or a simple, refreshing picnic lunch. Register for a public hike, either alone or with a smaller group, via the hiking calendar. A bogshoe hike is a journey of discovery!

A canoe trip on the Põltsamaa River takes you away from the city directly into the silence of the bog. The Põltsamaa River flows through the Endla Nature Reserve, where views of the authentic bog landscape open up. Nature is constantly changing: water levels, weather, and seasons make each trip unique. During the trip, you can stop and step directly onto the edge of the bog from the canoe to pick cranberries, bilberries, or rare cloudberries. The journey takes you through quiet river stretches, offering real relaxation and the peace of nature. The trip can be chosen as a one-day, two-day, or multi-day adventure. There is an option to make a detour to Lake Endla. A shorter route can be completed at the Kirikumäe campfire site, while the longer route ends at Jõeküla Bridge. If desired, you can continue from there for a multi-day journey. The Põltsamaa River is known for its clear water and is very popular among fishermen. Before or after the canoe trip, it is worth exploring the nearby springs (Norra Springs, Oostriku Springs, Sopa Spring, etc.). A true nature experience awaits — grab a paddle and come discover!

The nature trail connecting two cities runs along the banks of the Pedeli River. The asphalt trail is 5 km long. If you find yourself on a boardwalk in the middle of the path, you have already crossed the border. Take the time to climb the stairs to Pudrumägi hill, which offers a wonderful view of the twin cities! There is no rush here – there are children's playgrounds, outdoor gyms, a beach, a recreation area on the peninsula, and even dog parks by the trail. The tracks are perfect for walking, cycling, rollerblading, and skiing. Come and enjoy this beautiful city!

The 9 km Pühajärv-Kääriku exercise track starts by the car park of Pühajärv Spa Hotel. The track runs along the shores of Lake Pühajärv to the Murrumets forest. Once the track leaves the forest behind, it meets the road, where you have to look out for traffic. It then runs on to Kääriku along the Otepää-Kääriku road. There are some steep inclines along the track, which means that inexperienced cyclists and rollerbladers will need to be very careful.In winter, when there is enough natural snow, you can ski on the trail.