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  • Fishing

Mesi Tare winter experience with karakats on frozen Lake Peipsi

Kesk tn 119, Peipsiääre vald, Tartu maakond, 60305

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!

Amenities

  • Free parking

Open times

1. jaan - 15. märts

Eeltellimsel

Contact

  • +372 518 1125
  • info@mesitare.ee

Links

mesitare.ee

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  • Guided tours
  • Bike Tours

Urban Space Bike Tours in Tartu

Urban Space Bike Tours are a fresh way to discover Tartu! This is not an ordinary excursion; it is a city experience through a dynamic urban environment: We visit picturesque, thought-provoking places in the city where Tartu's past, present, and future are intertwined. We learn about upcoming urban development. We see historical and modern architecture, enjoy urban nature, discover street art, and dive into the pleasant atmosphere of this student city. We discuss good cities, the kind of cities where one would want to live. The tour is private for groups of 2–12 people. Young people are welcome from the age of 14. The distance and pace are moderate and adaptable to the group's abilities. No need to wear sports clothes. As a visitor, the best way to explore the city is to rent a Smart Bike electric bike from Tartu Smart Bike. But you can also come with your own bicycle or light vehicle. The guide is Aljona Galazan, the creator of Urban Space Bike Tours, a landscape architect, lecturer, and cycling enthusiast.

  • Guided tours
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Kick sledge hike on the ice of Lake Pühajärv or along the sports tracks

Otepää's excellent snow conditions and varied landscape with narrow forest trails and prepared sleigh roads are perfect for kick sledging. Ice conditions permitting, an entirely unique experience is provided by a kick sledge hike across the lake ice.Many participants haven't used a kick sledge since their childhood. Some try it for the first time; however, anyone can master it!The guides add fun to the gathering breaks with games and exciting tales about nature.During the 2–4 hour hike, we will cover about 7 km of winter roads.The size of the group starts from 10 people.This is an EHE product (ecotourism quality mark Genuine and Interesting Estonia).

  • Guided tours
  • Boat trips

Guided tour by Mesi Tare “Discovering the Onion Route by boat from Lake Peipsi”

If you want to relax on the Onion Route by Lake Peipsi, then Mesi Tare is the right place! We offer a special Instagrammable boat tour starting from Mesi Tare in Varnja, where we divide the group into small boats. The guide is the owner of Mesi Tare, who will captain one of the boats himself. In other boats, you can be the boat captain! We will explore Old Believer villages, sail along the shore, and moor in various small canals to visit places on the shore, including Voronja Gallery, Lendav Laev home restaurant, the Samovar House, Peipsimaa Heritage Center, and other places. Come and discover the Onion Route and Lake Peipsi by water!

  • Guided tours
  • Fishing

Mesi Tare winter day on Lake Peipsi

In winter, when Lake Peipsi is frozen, the Mesi Tare family offers guests a real adventure holiday — a winter day on Lake Peipsi! The host takes the group out onto the lake ice in a karakat (a vehicle specially built for driving on ice), teaches them how to fish, and catches fish from an ice hole with the group. The fish that are caught are used to make a delicious soup in a pot set up on the lake ice. After a 3-hour karakat safari and ice fishing, a heated tent sauna awaits on shore, where you can warm up your body and then cool off in an ice hole! Enjoy an authentic Lake Peipsi experience with your family, children, and pets!

  • Guided tours

A Hike in Wintry Nature With Lanterns

The night hike with lanterns is an adventure! The guided hike with lanterns is a great idea for celebrating a birthday, a corporate event, an outing with friends or family or introducing Estonian nature to guests. Spend the romantic hours of twilight with the lantern hike on a bog's boardwalk or on snowshoes. The hike with lanterns can last from 1.5 to 4 hours. Book the Forest Restaurant's catering for the end of the hike. You can also go on the night hike with kicksleds or snowshoes. Ask for suggestions on hiking areas, routes and beautiful campsites! The hikes take place all over Estonia. Minimum group fee is 300 € (up to 10 people.

  • Guided tours
  • Boat trips

Cruises on Lake Peipsi with the Mesi Tare pleasure boat

Mesi Tare homestay offers exciting boat trips on beautiful Lake Peipsi during the summer season. The ship called Mesiroos can accommodate up to 10 people to enjoy the enchanting beauty of Lake Peipsi! It is possible to order day cruises to Piirissaare in Lake Peipsi, fishing trips for team events, or round-trip transport for Mesi Tare guests from Varnja to a concert or a visit to a tourist attraction on the shores of Lake Peipsi. All trips according to your wishes! Give us an idea, and we'll figure out a way to do it! All your friends, family members, children, and pets are welcome on our ship!

  • Guided tours
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Canoe trip on the Põltsamaa River through Endla Bog

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!

  • Fishing

Summer cafe at Härjanurme fish farm

At the fish farm, you can catch premium trout, sturgeon, and carp. The cooks of the summer cafe in a log house will cook your fish in accordance with your preferences. Additionally, you can buy fish to go, use boats, and go swimming.Härjanurme fish farm is perfect for organising celebrations, fish picnics, meetings, and simply spending a lovely day on the well-maintained shores of the local waterbodies.

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