• Explore
    • Nature
    • Culture
    • Food
    • Family
    • Activity
    • Blog
    Smoke sauna
    Weather and seasons
  • Plan
    • Accommodation
    • How to get here
    • Weather and seasons
    • Sustainability
    • Tourist info
    Discover South Estonia’s Most Beautiful Manors and Castles
    Top 20 Sights in South Estonia
  • For professionals
    • For professionals
    • Collaboration
    • News
    • Projects
    • Training
    • Repository
    • Community (opens in new tab)
    • Contacts
ENG
  • EnglishENG
  • EestiEST
  • LatviešuLAT
  • РусскийRUS
  • SuomiFIN
ENG
  • EnglishENG
  • EestiEST
  • LatviešuLAT
  • РусскийRUS
  • SuomiFIN
Popular searches:
Show all
  • Nature and Activities
  • Nature
  • Family friendly
  • Lookout towers
  • Hiking Trails

Ööbikuorg valley and Rõuge lakes

Rõuge Ööbikuorg, Rõuge vald, Võru maakond, 66298

The Rõuge primeval valley, which is 10km long and 52m deep, contains seven lakes: Kahrila Lake, Tõugjärv, Ratasjärv, Kaussjärv, Rõuge Suurjärv, Liinjärv, and Valgjärv. The lakes are connected by the Rõuge or Ajo River, which starts from the Tindi valley.
The side valleys of the Rõuge primeval valley are Tindi, Külm, Mõhk, Ööbikuorg, Tinopeetri, Hinni, Sikasoo, and Järveotsa valleys. The most famous of these is Ööbikuorg, which borders the ancient hillfort from the north. In spring, during the blossoming of bird cherry trees, the valley resonates with the song of nightingales – hence the name of the valley.
Several hiking trails run through Rõuge, including the popular Ööbikuorg hiking trail, which takes visitors through the primeval valley, past lakes and springs. The trail is suitable for families with children and is partially accessible by bicycle. In summer, you can swim and paddle in the lakes, while in winter, the same trails are enjoyed by skiers and sledders.
In the Rõuge settlement, there is also Estonia’s deepest lake – Rõuge Suurjärv (38m) – and the largest Nature Clock in Estonia, whose hands mark the passage of time in nature’s rhythm.Good to know: At the edge of Ööbikuorg, there is a visitor center and the Pesapuu observation tower, which offers a view of the entire valley. 

Amenities

  • Information boards
  • Drop Toilet
  • Free parking

Open times

Throughout the Year

Around the Clock

Contact

  • +372 528 2989
  • info@visitrouge.com

Links

rougeturism.ee

See more

  • Lookout towers

Viewing platform at Tehvandi’s ski jumping hill

The viewing platform at Tehvandi's ski jumping hill is a unique attraction. From a height of 34 meters, watch ski jumpers training or competing or just enjoy the view. There is an entrance fee, and the platform is accessible by stairs or elevator. The viewing platform, which is part of the Tehvandi K90 ski jump complex, is 218 meters above sea level and offers a view of the city of Otepää and the surrounding landscape. The tower is the second tallest observation tower in South Estonia after the Suur Munamägi observation tower. Come and enjoy the views of the Otepää highlands in any weather!

  • Family friendly
  • Guided tours

Põltsamaa Museum

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.

  • Hiking Trails

Kütioru hiking trail

The hiking trail starts from the parking area near the Kütiorg Holiday Centre. The trail is diverse, with fairly steep and challenging terrain, so it's recommended to allow four to five hours to complete it. Along the trail, hikers get the best view of Estonia’s largest and most powerful ancient valley – Kütiorg – and can explore old mill sites and other cultural heritage landmarks. In the forested slopes of Kütiorg, there are spruce stands over a hundred years old, as well as exceptionally thick and tall aspen trees. Near the starting point of the trail, there is a campfire site equipped with a grill grate. Good to know: Part of the trail passes through private property, where dogs may roam freely.

  • Lookout towers
  • Churches
  • Ruins

Tartu Cathedral

The cathedral located on Tartu's Toome Hill is one of Estonia's most remarkable and largest medieval structures, and the only church with two towers. The church's construction began as early as the 13th century, when Tartu was an important bishopric. Construction work and additions continued into the early 16th century. During the Reformation, the cathedral was abandoned and, over time, turned into ruins. Nevertheless, these powerful walls and spacious vaults remain one of the most outstanding examples of brick Gothic architecture in Old Livonia, reflecting the scale and craftsmanship of medieval architecture. The University of Tartu Museum operates in the cathedral building, showcasing the history of science, university education, and the development of Tartu's academic spirit. It is possible to visit the cathedral towers, which offer one of the most beautiful views of Tartu and the Emajõgi Valley. Next to the towers is Toompood, where you can find gifts, science-themed souvenirs, and memorabilia with university symbols. In the evenings, a light installation adds a magical atmosphere.

  • Hiking Trails

Elistvere study trail

Elistvere study trail is located in Elistvere village, Tartu County. The trail is 2 km long back and forth and starts at the Elistvere Animal Park. At the end of the study trail you will find the magical Lake Elistvere with an observation tower offering a great view to the flora surrounding the lake and animals running in the bushy greenery. The information boards at the road help the visitors and there are several observation platforms. The trail can be completed in a wheelchair and with a children's stroller as well.The study trail can be accessed only during the opening hours of the animal park. The animal park has an entrance fee.

  • Hiking Trails

Helme caves

Located in the manor park of the same name, the Helme caves, are an unrivalled sight in Estonia. Situated to the north of castle ruins, the caves have a white Burtniek layer of sandstone walls standing 3 m high. Unfortunately for cave lovers though, some of the better known caves have already collapsed. Once comprised of seven interlinked chambers, the biggest of which was known as the Church of Moses. Peppered with springs, the caves have a long history; and over the years they have been dug out and used as shelters when needed. Did you know...?: In ancient times the Helme caves were also known locally as the gateway to Hell.Kivialune (under the rocks) was a shelter for Old Estonians during the wars.

  • Hiking Trails

RMK forest study trail at Pähni Nature Centre

The 2.8 km Pähni forest trail starts and ends at the Pähni Nature Centre.The trail starts with an information board with introductory text, later on you have to follow the signs.There are 15 points of interest on the trail with information on different types of forests, species of trees and evidence of cultural heritage and animal activity. There is also a fire pit and shelters (4) where you can relax and take a break. The trail is partially covered with a wooden boardwalk (200 m).

  • Pet friendly
  • Family friendly
  • Spas
  • Medical spas

Värska Water Center Hotel

South Estonia and Setomaa are definitely worth exploring! A relaxing family holiday, a refreshing getaway with a partner, or a business trip with colleagues — at the renovated Värska Water Center, you can relax, have fun, and organize seminars.The hotel at Värska Water Center offers single and double rooms with all amenities, more spacious family rooms, a room for people with disabilities, and one room suitable for allergy sufferers. Rooms decorated with Seto patterns offer views either of the surrounding pine forest or the water park, and some rooms have skylights. There are also provisions for travelers with pets. On the first floor of the hotel is Näki Café, where healthy cocktails and hearty pub dishes are served. Here, you can also try Värska water with varying salt content, directly from the earth. The hotel also features a gym and a solarium, a seminar room, and a party hall for children. The water center offers visitors swimming pools, plunge pools, a sauna world, and a water bar.

  • Collaboration
  • News
  • Contacts
  • Privacy Policy
Join our mailing list!

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
I authorise marketing

South Estonia Tourism Cluster

info@visitsouthestonia.com